True Islam
Continued from page 1
Say, “My Lord prohibits only evil deeds, be
they obvious or hidden, and sins, and unjustifiable aggression,
and to set up beside God powerless idols, and to say about God what
you do not know.” [7:33]
O you who believe, do not prohibit good things that
are made lawful by God, and do not aggress; God dislikes the aggressors.
[5:87]
Conditions for Fighting
A true Muslim will never initiate an aggressive act. God allows
fighting strictly in self-defense, and under certain conditions:
- To defend ourselves when we are faced with oppression and aggression.
You may fight in the cause of God against those
who attack you, but do not aggress. God does not love the aggressors.
[2:190]
- For religious freedom and to eliminate oppression.
You may also fight them to eliminate oppression,
and to worship God freely. If they refrain, you shall not aggress;
aggression is permitted only against the aggressors. [2:193]
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- To protect our rights.
Certainly, those who stand up for their rights,
when injustice befalls them, are not committing any error.
The wrong ones are those who treat the people unjustly, and resort
to aggression without provocation. These have incurred a painful
retribution. [42:41-42]
If we retaliate against people because of injustice, we are supposed
to be equitable and just in inflicting punishment. But if we resort
to patience and forgiveness, it is better for us even though it
is not a very easy thing to do.
Although the just requital for an injustice is an
equivalent retribution, those who pardon and maintain righteousness
are rewarded by God. He does not love the unjust. [42:40]
Resorting to patience and forgiveness reflects a
true strength of character. [42:43]
And if you punish, you shall inflict an equivalent
punishment. But if you resort to patience (instead of revenge),
it would be better for the patient ones.
You shall resort to patience—and your patience is attainable
only with God’s help. Do not grieve over them, and do not
be annoyed by their schemes. [16:126-127]
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Relations with Disbelievers
We are encouraged to have amicable relations with those who do
not believe as we do unless they fight us because of our religion.
God does not enjoin you from befriending those who
do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from
your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them.
God loves the equitable.
God enjoins you only from befriending those who fight
you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together
with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who
befriend them are the transgressors [60:8-9]
We have the right to practice our religion freely, but we must
also give the same right to others as long as they don’t transgress.
We should remember that there is no compulsion in religion (2:256).
God does not love the aggressors, and He reminds us that oppression
is worse than murder (2:191). Therefore, the religion of Islam (Submission),
when practiced in accordance with the Quran, is the religion of
peace, justice, and freedom for all.
Abdullah Arik
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