:bism:
These days the reputation of Islam is being tarnished due the actions of a minority of Muslims (example Omar Bakri, Amjad Chaudhry and their like) and non-Muslims (EDF, BNP etc.) and their like. The Irony is both extreme groups have more in common then they care to share:
1) They read Qur'an and Hadiths to support their view; neither consulting the numerous qualified scholars who have studied for years to earn the qualification to do so.
2) They use each other - Extreme Muslims on our end will use the actions of extreme non-Muslims to push their agenda and visa-versa.
3) They are always politically motivated.
There is a brilliant debate on this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdpJqi3XcuI
In the debate Mehdi Hassan references polls which have been done to show the over whelming majority of Muslims condemned the 9/11 bombing except for a minority which when focus grouped showed they were politically motivated.
Amongst the many lies against Islam one of them is portraying Islam as a barbaric religion which has only gained influence by use of the sword. It's true that Muslims did fight but this is to facilitate the spread of Message of Islam; not to oppress; enslave or compel to Islam.
This was necessary because the world super powers of the time (Byzantine/Persian/Romans empires) were all vying for power within those regions and no way they were going to let back watered Arabs preach a message which speaks against their religion!
So how did Islam Spread if not by the use of the sword?
It’s a well-established fact that Islam was spread in Malaysia and Indonesia due to the preaching by the Saints, but no Muslim ruler ever invaded these countries. Furthermore these saints were not ordered by rulers to preach in those countries but motivated by a desire for others to benefit as they have.
In fact I myself am evidence of the tolerance of Islam as I am from South Asia which was previously a nation of polytheists until the arrival of saints such as Shah Jalal(RA) and his 360 Saints in Bangladesh. We also have Moinuddin Chishthi(RA) and Nizamuddin Awliya(RA) and many more saints in India/Pakistan. These Saints convinced the masses because they showed the masses the prowess of Islam in attaining close relations with our Creator; Allah Most High and the beauty therein.
Here is an article which shows how Islams History attests to its tolerance written by a non-Muslim Historian:
The False History of Muslim Intolerance |
Here is a YouTube video called "Tolerance: A Hallmark Of Muslim Character" by Sheikh Hamza Yusuf:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsmGZNxIkd0
Related articles:
Muhammad:saw: Is an excellent example and below are two incidents which occurred in his life out of many which can be shown as an example:
His example when he was stoned and driven out at Taif:
IslamiCity.com - Muhammad (S.A.W): A Mercy for Mankind
His example during the conquest of Mecca:
The Conquest of Makkah: a Day of Mercy – Shajahan Ahmed's blog