Is Islam really a harmful and violent religion?

Religion is becoming a major issue right now with all the world problems rising. Whether its a financial
crisis or war in countries or even a bill to be passed by the law, people seem to find a way to blame religion.
Why you may ask, because the human race just wants something to blame for a problem, if not that, people
blame things for what religion has done. Surely religion is mankinds biggest divider in todays society but
is not to blame for the world problems today. Let us see what the true definition of religion is. Religion is a
set of beliefs concerning the cause of nature, and purpose of the universe. This often contains a moral code
and governing to conduct of human affairs. They are a set of beliefs and practises generally agreed upon by
a number of persons of sects.
Nowadays religion especially the religion of Islam is frowned upon or shown in a negative manner. Why is
Islam shown in a negative manner though? Why not any other religion? Since the events of 9/11 in 2001, in
America, Islam has been seen as a violent and uncivilised religion because of its acts. Its easy to blame
something thats already being blamed right? Al-Qaeda and the Islamic state such as ISIS have a
misinterpretation of their own religion. These Talibans have wrongly misinterpreted the Quran (Holy book
of Islam). The Quran is written in a metaphorical way. The text implies things in a metaphor. There are
nearly two billion Muslims in the world which is one third of the worlds population, if Islam and the Quran
taught to kill the non-believers then the world would be in flames!
It should be understood that every ayah/verse of the Holy Quran is not suppose to be taken out of context in
both regards to the written scripture and the socio-historical context in which the book was revealed.
The Quran teaches social justice for everyone no matter what religion, race, and identity they may be. From
the richest to the poorest including the first instance of womens rights, promoting them with the same
equality as men have that the rest of the world did not do for almost another 1500 years after the revelation
of the Holy Quran. Along with social justice it teaches us environmental and ecological teachings and
teaches us fighting only in self-defence.
if any one killed a person, it would be as if he killed the whole of mankind; and if any one saved a life, it
would be as if he saved the life of the whole mankind The Holy Quran (Chapter five, verse 32)
in the sight of Allah , persecution or making people constantly fear for their lives is mush worse than
killing The Holy Quran (Chapter 1, Al-Baqarah)
This is the beautiful teaching of Islam. The unlawful killing of shredding of innocent blood of someone is
like killing of the entire human race. Whosoever acts against this, acts against the teachings of Islam. Islam
is saying that if you are unkind in your treatment with your fellow human being, you are a cause of
destroying peace and harmony of the world. Forget killing anyone, you should always be kind in your
dealings with every person in the world and spread the peaceful message of Islam.
The Prophet of Islam, Mohammed, never in his life used violence to promote the message of peace or of
Islam. Theres this example where he was going to a city called Al-Taif where people were really against
him. While Mohammed was in the city of Taif the leader of that city ordered children to go out and pelt
stones and sticks at the Prophet and so the children did as they were told, so much so that Mohammeds
shoes were filled with his own blood. When Mohammed was offered revenge against the leaders who set
upon this crime the prophet instantly denied and instead replied with, I pray they are shown the right path.
So the question arises, if The Holy Prophet Mohammed or his companions did not hold the sword in one
hand and the Quran in the other nor destroy the peace of the world, what are these holy wars and what is
this thing called Jihad which is on everyones lips and for which every Muslim is being blamed for causing
mayhem in he world?
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Holy war or Jihad is not going out and killing every non-Muslim person out there, no. Holy war started in
a literal form of self-defence. Mohammed endured much pain in Mekkah, his birth city, once he came out as
a Prophet. He was spat upon; people threw items at him while he would be walking down the streets, he
would be called vile names but not once did he ever raise a sword let alone his voice but rather prayed that
these people would see the right path. It wasnt until the companions of Mohammed were being harshly
faced with many ordeals such as murder and poisoning where they decided that something had to be done.
This time came when the high leaders of Makkah decided that Mohammed should be killed because of all
the chaos he has created. He quickly migrated towards the nearest city near Makah, which is Medina even
then the enemies did not leave him. Thats when he was given the order for self-defence and that is holy
war; self defence.
And fight then until there is no persecution, and religion is freely professed. But if they desist, then
remember that no hostility is allowed except against the aggressors. - (Chapter 2 Verse 194 of the Holy
Quran)
The only commandment for war is for self-defence and to end evil and it is stated that when they desist, then
you are not to engage in battle with them because your true job is to establish peace. As you can see even in
the permission for war, we have been given a principle of defence and making peace.
Here are some rules for Holy War as stated in the Quran:
No women or children should be killed
The old not be impeded
No animal killing
No trees must be cut
No limbs or body parts be cut off
No injured be killed
My point for this debate is not to preach to you about the religion of Islam but is to explain to you why Islam
has been shown as something it isnt. It is a religion of peace, the literal meaning of Islam being peace and
submission. An act of a small portion of extremist has ruined the image of Islam but that does not mean that
Islam has lost its true meaning. Misinterpretation can surely bring one positive image down. Till this day
Muslims all around the world teach lessons of peace and equality.
Bibliography:
Khan, A.G.B, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Organization, viewed 12 Jun. 15
< https://www.alislam.org/response.html>
Mohammed, Prophet of Islam, viewed 11 Jun. 15
< http://www.prophetofislam.com/what_did_muhammad_say.php>
Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK, Al Islam, viewed 12 Jun. 15
< https://www.alislam.org/islam/islam-peaceful-religion.pdf>

Jason Burke 21 March 2004, The Guardian 2015, what exactly does Al-Qaeda want ? viewed 12 Jun. 15
< https://www.alislam.org/islam/islam-peaceful-religion.pdf>

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