Re: Muhammad in eyes of Non-Muslims
Not saying sufis did not promote Islam like in Kashmir and other places but before the sufis came, the muslim invaders did and that was the bloodiest in human History. What the invaders and tyrants did was put to death the learned men (religious) . Just read about the destruction of Nalanda university. The warriors usually died in battle. Slaves were carted off in huge numbers for the first time. The origin of “Hindu Kush” ring any bells ? Even Raja Dahir’s daughters were carted off as war booty. The imposition of special taxes, special reservation in administration and destruction of educational institutions did the rest. I remember reading that even Bin Quasim forced the local hindus to feed and host the muslims free for 3 days and nights.
Spain would have been Muslim if the Christians had not reconquered it in an even bloodier manner.
War is a terrible thing. But when it comes associated with religious discrimination and destruction of the victims, it tends to hold on in the collective historical psyche of the conquered more than any other peaceful way. People will revere the peace loving sufis and respect them but it will be colored with what occurred before.
The other wars that came to the sub continent were no less bloody but they were not coupled with religious intolerance the effects of which can be still seen today. That is the main negative aspect of the arrival of Islam to many parts of India IMO.