Use Quran to show true islam by Mujtaba Somji

As we all know during these current times, Islam has faced many attacks and false accusations. It has been made fun of and is seen to be a mockery, the latest being the making of the film, “innocence of Muslims”. As Muslims, we are duty bound to defend the Word of The Almighty as it is a gift to us, and as humans, it is our nature that we do accept and take good care of gifts that we receive whatever it may be.

Every system has a guide to ensure efficient use of it. E.g. a computer or machine. And so Islam being a systematic religion that covers all aspects of life also has a guide known as Qur’an.

Qur’an is a book which is always living and is applicable at all times, from Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w)’s time till the day of judgment. And so, it is a living miracle which helps solve all problems of life logically and ethically in a systematic way.

Also, when we look into any system, project or for instance a book, and then we are told to discuss what it is about, we will always read the whole thing and not part of it. This is because it will not be an academic approach as it requires full information.

So, the same thing applies to Islam or rather the Qur’an such that when non-believers claim and accuse Muslims of being terrorists or that the Qur’an just talks about war and violence. This is because, they read only part of the whole thing or also they just read a sentence of it. But, when we tackle a problem, we have to look at it in all fields of it so that we can draw a conclusion. The people, who accuse us, do not approach Islam academically. And therefore, we are responsible to discuss with them and educate them, as it is a blessing from Him, that we have the knowledge about it and that we are born Muslims.

And the Qur’an teaches us how to teach the dis-believers. This is said in Surah at-Tawbah, ayah 6. This ayah teaches us how to approach the claimer and what to do.

“If one amongst the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge.”

This is to provide them opportunities for hearing the true message of Allah, so that they may see the light of reason and accept the true religion of Allah. It is the highest form of tolerance. Islam enjoins upon its followers to give people every kind of facility to hear and understand the word of Allah. The pagans of Makka, the worst enemies of Allah, were allowed to enjoy protection so that they might first know the teachings of the religion of Allah and then decide about their future conduct.

Logically, when we are attacked, the first thought in our mind will be to defend ourselves.

We can further see that Qur’an teaches about self-defense but we are bound to certain limits that we are ordained to follow. This is in Surah al-Baqarah, ayah 190;

 “Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.”

The message of Islam is universal. From early times the Muslims were only permitted to fight in self-defence.

This is further supported by Surah al-Baqarah, ayah 194

“The prohibited month for the prohibited month,- and so for all things prohibited,- there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, Transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.”

The men of Allah are allowed to inflict injury on those who violate the sanctity of the sacred months and attack the believers, because under the law of retaliation justice demands that the aggressors be punished, but when the enemies desist from continued confrontation, peace, bound by agreement, should prevail and be adhered to.

“Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty (of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If Allah had pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you: Therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (Guarantees of) peace, then Allah Hath opened no way for you (to war against them).‎”

It is also true that out of their cunning and design some people wage war upon the Muslims with the help of the open and avowed enemies of Islam. If they do not keep away from you, nor offer peace, nor restrain their hands, seize them and destroy them wherever they are.

So, we can see that the Holy Book that had been attacked does carry so much weight and is without any doubt a clear miracle with amazing massages and guidelines. And therefore, our brain automatically demands us to know the author and question about Him, and that is none but Allah. To know how Merciful he is to his Creations, he has made it Wajib on Himself to grant Mercy on us. This is said in Surah al-An’aam, ayah 12

“Say: “To whom belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth?” Say: “To Allah. He hath inscribed for Himself (the rule of) Mercy. That He will gather you together for the Day of Judgment, there is no doubt whatever. It is they who have lost their own souls, that will not believe.”

This proves to us that He is all Kind and all Merciful. But, we should keep in mind that He is also very swift in reckoning as everything has its limits. Lastly we must keep reminding ourselves that his bounties are limitless and to gain them we need to obey Him by doing what pleases Him and avoiding what he has forbidden.