Maybe Islam isn't so violent in terms of theology, but it gives motives for it

[Rogn]

Although in terms of culture, atleast great minds existed in them, mostly in all great civilizations. If muslims haven't stopped with the science they'd might have actually be more prosperous, i mean they where doing great at keeping eastern Europe, and Spain.... Well was not so smart to give up in fear of going away from god, knowledge challenge. Ironic since we sorta discovered that due to enlightenment era :3. Its thanks to the great minds in the western world flourished, in terms of renaissance era. In terms of belief in reason so religion lost more and more influence. Catholic Christianity seemed to be the political part before Martin Luther jumped in and reformed and weakened it more and more its influence and power which was replaced by nationalism, ideologies etc. And now.... here we are. Computers.

And now thx to the internet and globalization the world is pretty close as it can be to say the least. While in the past it was basically conquering, tribe, culture that sorta was more primitive in terms of then. Pretty intense

 

[mojtaba]

Salm and Salam are the root words for the “Islam” which mean peace and tranquility.[1] The importance of peace and tranquility has been pointed to in the Quran numerous times.[2] For instance, as a verification of Islam being a religion of peace and tranquility, it says:

“یا ایها الذین آمنوا ادخلوا فی السلم کافة و لا تتبعوا خطوات الشیطان انه لکم عدو مبین” “Oh ye who believe! Enter into peace and tranquility altogether and follow not the footsteps of Satan; for he is to you a clear enemy”[3].



From the Quran’s point of view, endless and universal peace and the tranquility of societies are only reachable under the shadow of faith in God, and what connects different societies with all their differences in language, race, wealth and poverty and geographical locations, can only be the belief in God. The belief of Muslims that during the reign of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) there will be universal peace and social justice, is good evidence for such a claim.

The Quran even says: “But if the enemy shows a tendency to peace, do thou (also) show a tendency to peace…”[4]

Of course, all people are born with freedom of choice; some choose to be oppressors and tyrants, causing corruption, therefore it is necessary for a complete religion to have a solution and specific instructions and guidelines for confronting these obstacles that are preventing the guidance of humanity.

Sometimes, oppression and aggression reaches the point that the only thing left to do is self-defense and the usage of force, and that is why Islam has legislated jihad.

In other words, the Quran teaches us to be tough and aggressive with those who don’t follow logic and purposely prevent the prophet’s words from spreading and don’t allow others to be guided because of their enmity towards the truth. The Quran says: “Oh Prophet! Fight hard against the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and be harsh with them…”[5]. “The Muslim nation and Muslims must cause fear and intimidation in the hearts of their enemies, so that they don’t even think about invasion, treachery, and harming the Muslims.”[6]

Of course, Islam’s instructions on military alertness and the protection of the country’s borders[7](which is another form of Islam’s emphasis on keeping peace and friendship and settlement) and its call on jihad for the sake of Allah (which in reality is one of the most important forms of Islamic worship and is the manifestation of true love to God and human fellowship, and is the opposition of corruption and impurity) completely differ from bloodshed, tyranny, panic, war and violence.

Concerning the importance of jihad, Allah (s.w.t.) says: “And do Jihad in (the way of) Allah, (such) a Jihad as is due to him…” [8]

Since jihad hasn’t been legislated for conquest and the expansion of one’s power, one can easily conclude that jihad is a way of freedom and self-defense and not a way of violence. Therefore, if the objectives of jihad are reachable in a peaceful manner, using force and military methods are forbidden. This is also the reason behind why it is wajib to invite the disbelievers to Islam before going to battle with them if a battle ever wants to begin (this shows that what is important for Islam is for the truth to be heard, not fighting and violence, or else, such a thing wouldn’t be wajib).

Therefore, Allah has made jihad wajib for the defeating of tyrants, the freedom of the oppressed and helpless, and in order to get the grounds ready for those who have been kept in ignorance and unawareness regarding divine teachings and how to prosper in this world and the next, to be able to learn about these things and become familiar with them.[9]

Allamah Tabataba’i says in rejection of Islam being pro-war and after violence, and pertaining to the reality and the reasoning behind jihad: “The whole purpose of jihad is the establishment of Islam and for the word of Allah to rise, therefore jihad is a type of worship that needs to be done with the intention of seeking nearness to Allah (because one of the conditions of something being worship is for it to be done with the intention of seeking nearness to Allah). Jihad hasn’t become wajib in order to take over others’ property and households , it has become wajib for the defending of human rights. Originally, defense has limits, while transgression is breaking the limits. Because of this, the end of the verse says: “لا تعتدوا ان الله لا یحب المعتدین[10]; Do not exceed the limits, for verily Allah does not like the transgressors.”[11]

Therefore, not only isn’t true Islam a religion of transgression, dispute, war and violence, but its instructions and rulings (in which one of them is jihad) have all been legislated for the purpose of helping mankind and for spreading peace and security as a result of godly ruling and the rejection of the ruling of taghut (Evil) and fighting against oppression and injustice. In short, jihad is a fair and holy war for reaching high godly goals.[12]

Thus, maintaining peace with enemies and those thinking of kufr, depends on them keeping the respect of the believers and also depends on the believers not losing their strength and might due to keeping peace with them. When sending Malek-al-Ashtar to Egypt to be in charge and run it, Imam Ali (a.s.) says: “If your enemy invites you to a Peace Treaty that will be agreeable to Allah, then never refuse to accept such an offer because peace will bring rest and comfort to your armies, will relieve you of anxieties and worries, and will bring prosperity and affluence to your people. But even after such treaties be very careful of the enemies and do not place too much confidence in their promises because they often resort to peace treaties to deceive and delude you and take advantage of your negligence, carelessness and trust [13].” [14]

On the other hand, the Quran says among believers, peace is the only way, and Islam calls upon brotherhood and reconciliation by asking the believers to have forgiveness, kindness and affection.[15]

Of course, the Quran scolds peace that is a result of fear, weakness and feebleness in which results in retreating from Islamic values and has warned those with weak faith who choose peace in order not to go to jihad and stay away from the hardships that accompany it in the warzone and says: “فلا تهنوا و تدعوا الی السلم و انتم الاعلون و الله معکم” “Be not weary and faint-hearted, crying for peace, when ye are the uppermost: for Allah is with you…” [16]


Therefore, according to what has been said till now, one can easily conclude that true Islam isn’t the main factor behind violence and terror in the world today, and Islam’s logic and teachings will never confirm such a concept. We accept the fact that Islam has been recognized as a complete religion with high godly goals, awakening and guiding Muslim and non-Muslim nations to stand up against oppression and tyranny.[17] It is clear that oppressors and tyrants and those after force, materialistic desires, and treachery especially Istikbar, consider true Islam[18] as the main barrier between them and the accomplishment of their wicked goals and will do anything to poison, abolish and paint a harsh and violent portrait of it and blame it for all the wars, violence and terrorist acts in the world, while they are the true ones who must be blamed, not the Muslims who are merely defending themselves.

Meanwhile, the believers must follow the teachings of the Ahlul-Bayt and show the real face of Islam and strive to neutralize the plots and conspiracies that have been made in order to abolish it, and show the world that true Islam differs from the harsh, violent and illogical terrorist groups out there, who in reality have been established and supported by Istikbar itself.

Source: Is Islam a religion of peace and brotherhood, or a religion of war and violence? - Questions Archive - IslamQuest is a reference for Islamic questions on the internet
--------------------------------------------------
[1] Kitab Al-Ain, v.7, pg.267. Also, see indexes:

- The concept of Islam in verse 19 of surah Ale-Imran, Question 956.

- The Quran and the meaning of Islam and Muslims, Question 829.

[2] Naml: 32-44.

[3] Baqarah: 208.

[4] Anfal: 61.

[5] Tahrim: 9.

[6] Mohammad Taqi Mesbah Yazdi, Porseshha va Pasokhha Darbareye Nezame Siyasiye Islam (Questions and Answers on the Political Structure of Islam), pg. 233.

[7]واعدوا لهم ما استطعتم من قوة ... Anfal: 60

[8] Hajj: 78.

[9] ”Ma’refat” Magazine, no. 102, article “Goals and Wind in Islam”, Hamza Ali and Hadifesh.

[10] Baqarah: 190.

[11] Allamah Mohammad Hussein Tabataba’i, Al-Mizan, Al-A’lami Press, Beirut, v.10, pg. 63.

[12] For further information, see: Morteza Motahhari, Jihad va Mavarede Mashroo’iyyate an dar Quran.

[13] Nahjul-Balagha, letter 53.

[14] Hossein Eskandari, Ayehaye Zendegi (The Signs of Life), v.1, pg.300.

[15] Hujurat: 9-10.

[16] Muhammad: 35.

[17] The occurrence of the Islamic Revolution of Iran and the spreading of Imam Khomeini’s high goals and slogans, have played a major role in this issue.

[18] What is meant by Islam here, is the true Islam that Prophet Muhammad brought and invited to, and in other words, the school and teachings of the Ahlul-Bayt, which can never stay calm and quiet regarding the oppression of tyrants.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

How do you equate causing a scene with burning people alive, invading entire countries,
capturing oil fields for illegal profit, beheading people, committing mass murder of Shia
Muslims just because they are Shia, enslaving women for sex, murdering boys for watching
sports on t-v, enticing vulnerable young men to commit murder, shooting to death cartoonists,
encouraging vulnerable followers to commit mass murder by suicide, and on and on........?
But maybe you have a valid point and Islam really is the Religion of peace.

I can equate it with bombing hotels and hiding bombs in trash cans. Christianity has used the Bible to defend slavery. The Bible has been used to justify horrific wars and horrible deeds of cruelty.
Why is it so hard for people to realize that only a minority of Muslims are extremist? If Muslims are so violent, why have none of the Muslims I've known been violent, and why have the denounced groups like ISIS?
How about I start equating all Christians and all of Christianity to the Vatican, whose previous leader worked to sweep sex scandals under the rug? How about I blame all of Christianity for the KKK? How about I denounce ridicule every Christian because of the provisional IRA? A Christian man shoot an atheist to death in Texas not too long ago. How about I define Christianity as that?

 

[Shadow Wolf]

If all Muslims are bad and if Islam is so bad, then how did this happen?
Muslims form 'ring of peace' to protect Oslo synagogue - Telegraph
More than 1,000 people formed a "ring of peace" Saturday outside Oslo's main synagogue at the initiative of a group of young Muslims.
The event in the Norwegian capital follows a series of attacks against Jews in Europe, including the terror attacks in Paris in January and in neighboring Denmark last week.
Myself, I'd rather denounce extremism in all its forms, and be accepting, peaceful, and friendly to those who have nothing to do with. I'd rather treat people for the person they are, which is strongly measured by their actions, rather than generalize and lump everyone into one large category that is defined by a minority. I may curse the name of Benedict XVI, and with good reason, but that doesn't mean I am going to call other Catholics an accomplice to child abuse. Not unless, that is, they are factually an accomplice to child abuse.

 

[jeager106]

I don't know where you get the information that anyone is blaming Islam as a whole
on anything.
As you continue attacking and fouling Christianity you use a lot of past tense verbs
as "used to", "had been", "previously", in an attempt to cover the crimes committed
my radical Islam.
When you do this with such extreme vigor you denounce and defame all Christians.
No one I know denounced all of Islam for anything.
I too know some Palestinian Muslims that own business I frequent.
I've heard their complaints about the west and the awful treatment certain
Islamic sects get from groups like ISIS.
I do find it odd these transplanted Muslims demean and berate the U.S. where
they make a good living taking U.S. dollars from largely Christian patrons.
Hmm???
You seem to feel all of Islam is under attack by Christians.
This isn't so.
I can't remember one time when a Christian dressed in a suicide belt and blew
up a Mosque.
It's the radical Muslims that get all the attention because these radicals cause
horrible crimes that lead to maiming and death in unthinkable ways.
I know of not one American that would even so much as think of murdering a Muslim.
I have no idea why you are so motivated to attack the west in general and Christianity
in particular with such extreme vigor.
I choose not to respond to your posts on this thread any longer due to the fact
that it's getting really ugly and beneath any thinking rational person.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I don't know where you get the information that anyone is blaming Islam as a whole
on anything.

This forum is a good start.

As you continue attacking and fouling Christianity you use a lot of past tense verbs
as "used to", "had been", "previously", in an attempt to cover the crimes committed
my radical Islam.

Christians slaughtering Muslims in Africa happened not too long ago, but it would still only be suitable to speak of it in the past tense. Even most of the things ISIS has done can only be spoken of in the past tense.

When you do this with such extreme vigor you denounce and defame all Christians.

No. I said I denounce extremism in all its forms. Be it Christian, Islamic, atheist, animal rights, nationalist, I do not discriminate in refraining my criticisms of groups who resort to needless violence and killing over their beliefs.

I can't remember one time when a Christian dressed in a suicide belt and blew
up a Mosque.

You are older than me. So what of the time a group of Catholics blew up a hotel in an attempt to assassinate Margaret Thatcher? Anders Breivik may not have been on a suicide mission, but does that make his crimes any less offensive?

I know of not one American that would even so much as think of murdering a Muslim.

Then what of those Muslims who were killed, by an American, just a few months ago?
What about a Muslim girl I knew who had to put up with a ton of crap from customers at her former job? People insisted she was a terrorist, that she would poison her food, and the she would gladly kill any American? What about the people I know who are strongly anti-Islam, and give no thought at all to the fact they have peaceful Muslim neighbors who wish them no harm?

I have no idea why you are so motivated to attack the west in general and Christianity in particular with such extreme vigor.

Because there is a clear hypocrisy when someone attacks Islam and ridicules it, but they seem more than willing to overlook the atrocities that are littered throughout the history of Christianity, which still goes on today. You say I attack Christianity in general, but I have stated I do not associate all of Christianity or all Christians with the terrorist groups and hand full of scum-bags it has produced.
There is also a distinct theme to assume those who defend the majority of Muslims ignore the extremism, while only criticizing the wrongs of the West and Christianity. Why don't we just denounce extremism, which is found every where, rather than focusing on a group that mostly wants nothing to do with it?