Islam is not a religion of peace

I shall present my opening case in this round, & proceed with rebuttals in the following rounds. Case: I. Proper understanding of scripture is essential for sound judgement - The linguistic, textual & circumstantial contexts are necessary to properly understand any text (including scripture), lest misinterpretations occur. Take for instance the following passage from the French Constitution: “Anarchy is a frightening but necessary passage, and the only moment when one can establish a new order of things” [1]. Not knowing the textual & circumstantial context of such passages is a serious impairment to the Constitution that contains them as whole, in this example, the consequences could be devastating! - In the case of the Qur’an, mastery of Classical Arabic, knowledge of the full context of verses & of all the details of the life of the Prophet (pbuh), are, thus, all necessary components to any meaningful interpretation of these verses. => These components come with proper qualifications & proper authority, thus interpreting the Qur’an without such qualifications & such authority is too unpredictable & whimsical, & is bound to lead to serious undesirable consequences. II. Islam teaches universal Equality amongst Mankind 1. In birth * “Every child is born in the state of Fitrah” the Prophet (pbuh) [2]. 2. In humanity * “Humans are equal, like a set of a tooth-comb” “there is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor of a non-Arab over an Arab, nor of a white over a black, nor a black over a white, except by piety” the Prophet (pbuh) [3]. 3. In dignity * "Verily we have dignified the Children of Adam (Mankind). " (17:70). 4. In equity of genders * “And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable” (2:228). * “Verily, Women are but the equivalent of Men. Those honourable among men will honour them, and those ignoble among men will dishonour them” the Prophet (pbuh), also articulated into: “Women are the counter-part of Men” [4]. => These directives already lay strong foundations for a universal call to Peace. III. Islam teaches Brotherhood amongst Muslims 1. Between individuals * “A Muslim is a brother to a Muslim. He should neither deceive him nor lie to him, nor leave him without assistance. Everything belonging to a Muslim is inviolable for a Muslim; his honour, his blood and property. ” the Prophet [5]. 2. Between genders * “And the men believers and the women believers are patrons one of the other” (9:71). 3. Within the community * ”The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever” the Prophet [6]. => This brotherhood, enjoining kindness, compassion & assistance, & also equally banning injustice & oppression amongst its members, is proof of the inherent peaceful nature of the message of Islam, amongst Muslims. IV. Islam teaches Tolerance with non-Muslims - It has already been established that Islam calls for the equality & dignity of all human beings, Muslims & non-Muslims alike, manifesting thus the primary aspect of Tolerance enjoined on Muslims towards non-Muslims. To the same effect, of Tolerance & Peace, the Qur'an decrees: 1. Pre-ordained difference in Religion amongst Mankind, which Muslims must accept in submission * ”And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed - all of them entirely. Then, [O Muhammad], would you compel the people in order that they become believers? " (10:99). 2. Freedom of religion in belief & practice * ”There is no compulsion in religion" (2:256), “And say, "The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills - let him believe; and whoever wills - let him disbelieve. ” “ (18:29). 3. Accountability in religion only to God, on Muslims is only the duty to remind * “So remind, [O Muhammad]; you are only a reminder. You are not over them a controller. ” (88:21-22), “But if they turn away - then We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], over them as a guardian; upon you is only [the duty of] notification”, “and upon Us is the account. ” (43:48)(13:40). 4. Clear unambiguous distinction between hostile & peaceful non-Muslims i. Fairness & Kindness must prevail in dealing with peaceful non-Muslims: * "Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity. ” (60:8-9). ii. Justice in self-defence & Patience must prevail in dealing with hostile non-Muslims: * “Allah only forbids you from those who fight you because of religion and expel you from your homes and aid in your expulsion - [forbids] that you make allies of them. And whoever makes allies of them, then it is those who are the wrongdoers. ” (60:9), "And if you punish [an enemy, O believers], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient - it is better for those who are patient". (16:126). 5. Mutual understanding is one of the ultimate goals of human diversity * “O you mankind, surely We created you of a male and a female, and We have made you races and tribes that you may get mutually acquainted. Surely the most honourable among you in the Providence of Allah are the most pious” (49:13). 6. Prohibition of initiating hostilities or transgression, sanction of fighting only in self-defence against the persecutors, halt of hostilities once the persecutors desist, & call to Peace as the ultimate objective * “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Verily, Allah does not like transgressors. And kill them (those who fight you) wherever you overtake them and expel them from wherever they have expelled you, for persecution is worse than slaughter. but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers. But if they cease, then Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression. ” (2:190-193). => The above cited directives & countless others plainly speak for a religion that promotes, in the most unambiguous way, Peace between Muslims & non-Muslims, in enjoining universal equality & mutual understanding ; tolerance with non-Muslims: fairness & kindness to those peaceful, justice & patience to those hostile. V. Islam teaches Mercy for all beings 1. For All * “Be merciful on the earth, and you will be shown mercy from Who is above the heavens. ” the Prophet (pbuh) [7]. 2. For Mankind * “He will enter Heaven only he who possesses Mercy. It is not the mercy that one has for his friend, but the Mercy for all mankind. ” the Prophet (pbuh) [8]. 3. For Animals * “There is a reward for serving any animate (living being). ” the Prophet (pbuh) [9]. 4. For Nature * "Eat and drink from the provision of Allah, and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption. " (2:60). …etc. => The mercy ordained in Islam, thus, extends to all creatures. It would be hard to conceive that the same religion advocates mercy to mere plants & animals, & doesn’t extend the same right to innocent human beings! Sources: [*] verses: . http://quran.com... [1] . http://goo.gl... p. 198 [2] . http://goo.gl... [3] . http://goo.gl... / . http://goo.gl... [4] . http://goo.gl... / . http://goo.gl... [5] . http://goo.gl... [6] . http://goo.gl... [7] . http://goo.gl... [8] . http://goo.gl... [9] . http://goo.gl...