Churches to the present day is a strong proof of the generally tolerant attitude
of the Mohammedan [sic] governments towards them.” (Emphasis added.)
Islam does not teach nor do Muslims desire conversion of any people for
fear, greed, marriage or any other form of coercion.
In conclusion, jihad in Islam is striving in the
way of Allah by pen, tongue, hand, media and, if inevitable, with arms.
However, jihad in Islam does not include striving for individual or national
power, dominance, glory, wealth, prestige or pride.
M. Amir Ali, Ph.D.
REFERENCES:
1. For the sake of simplicity and easy reading, masculine pronouns have been
used throughout this brochure. No exclusion of females is intended.
2. Haykal, M.H., THE LIFE OF MUHAMMAD, Tr. Ismail R. Faruqi, American Trust
Publications, 1976, p. 132.
3. Haykal, pp. 216, 242, 299 and 414 for the Battles of Badr, Uhud, Al-Khandaq
and Hunayn, respectively.
4. Haykal, p. 395 for the Conquest of Makkah.
5. Haykal, pp. 245, 277, 311 and 326 for campaigns agaist the tribes of Banu
Qaynuqa’, Banu Al-Nadir, Banu Qurayzah and Banu Lihyan, respectively. Also,
see p. 283 for the Battle of Dhat Al-Riqa’.
6. Haykal, pp. 284, 327, 366, 387, 393, 443 and 515 for the Battles of Dawmat
Al-Jandal, Banu Al-Mustaliq, Khayber, Mu’tah, Dhat Al-Salasil, Tabuk and
the Campaign of Usama Ibn Zayd, respectively.
7. Hitti, Philip K., HISTORY OF THE ARABS, St. Martin’s Press, New York,
1970, p. 153.
8. Arnold, Sir Thomas W., THE PREACHING OF ISLAM, A HISTORY OF THE PROPAGATION
OF THE MUSLIM FAITH, Westminister A. Constable & Co., London, 1896, p.
80.
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