The Glorious Quran says :

"And why should ye not fight inn the caused of God and of those who being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)? – Men, women, and children, whose cry is "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and the raise for us from thee one who will help!" [Al Quran 4:75]

Thus, Islam enjoins upon it's believers to strive utmost, in purifying themselves, as well as in establishing peace and justice in the society. A Muslim can never be at rest when he sees injustice and oppression around him.

As Martin Luther King Jr. said:

"We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appealing silence of the good people."

Islam enjoins upon all Muslims to work actively to maintain the balance in balance in which God created everything. However regardless how legitimate the cause may be, the Glorious Quran never condones the killing of innocent people. Terrorizing the civilian population can never be termed as jihad and can never be reconciled with the teaching of Islam.

History of Tolerance:

Even western scholars have repudiated the myth of Muslims coercing others to convert. The great historian De Lacy O'Leary wrote :

"History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims, sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated."[4]

Muslims have ruled Spain for roughly 800 years. During this time, and up until they were forced out, the non-Muslim there were alive and flourishing. Additionally, the Christian and Jewish minorities have survived in the Muslim lands of the Middle East for centuries. Countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan all have significant Christian and/or Jewish population.

This is not surprising to a Muslim, for his faith prohibits him from forcing others to see his point of view.

The Glorious Quran says :

"Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in God hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold that never breaks. And God hearth and knoweth all things.  [Al Quran 2:256]

Islam-the great Unifier :

Far from being a militant dogma, Islam is a way of life that transcends race and ethnicity. The Glorious Quran Repeatedly reminds us of our common origin :

"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other)). Verily the most honored of you in sight of God is (who he is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)."    [Al Quran 49:13]

Thus, it is the universality of its teachings that makes Islam the fastest growing religion in the world. In a world full of conflicts, deep schisms between human beings, a world that is threatened with terrorism perpetrated by individuals and states, Islam is a beacon of light that offers hope for the future.

[1] Narrated in Saheeh Al-Bukhari

[2] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim

[3] Narrated in Abu-Dawood

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