……...So two parts to the Quran,first part peace and love,second violence and intollerance.
Here is a selection of Medinan sūrahs for your consideration:
Referring to Jews and Christians:
‘Those who believe, and do good deeds, are the best of creation. Their reward with their Lord is everlasting Gardens graced with flowing streams, where they will stay forever. Allāh is well pleased with them and they with Him. All this is for those who stand in awe of their Lord.’ (Al-Bayyina: 7-8).
Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla) created human beings as equals, who are to be distinguished from each other only on the basis of their faith and piety. He tells us: ‘People, We created you all from a single man and a single woman, and made you into races and tribes so that you should know one another. In Allāh’s eyes, the most honoured of you are the ones most mindful of Him: Allāh is all knowing, all aware.’ (Al-Hujurat: 13).
Not only are human beings created as equals, they are given different paths to follow:
‘We have assigned a law and a path to each of you. If Allāh had so willed, He would have made you one community, but He wanted to test you through that which He has given you, so race to do good: you will all return to Allāh and He will make clear to you the matters you differed about.’ (Al-Ma’ida: 48).
The message is clear: Whatever path we happen to be on – whatever law we happen to follow – we are each of us called to do good.
People are free to choose whatever religion they wish (or to have no religion at all):
‘There is no compulsion in religion: true guidance has become distinct from error, so whoever rejects false gods and believes in Allāh has grasped the firmest hand-hold, one that will never break. Allāh is all hearing and all knowing. Allāh is the ally of those who believe: He brings them out of the depths of darkness and into the light.’ (Al-Baqara: 256-257).
Muhammad Abdel Haleem writes: ‘This verse begins with the phrase lā ikrāha fī’l-dīn (there is no compulsion in religion). It is introduced by ‘lā’, the particle of absolute negation in Arabic, which negates absolutely the notion of compulsion in religion. Religion in the Qur’an is based on choice, and true choice is based on knowledge and making matters clear for people to choose. The rest of the ‘there is no compulsion in religion’ verse gives reasons justifying and explaining this.’ (‘Exploring the Qur'an: Context and Impact’).
Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla) says this: ‘For the (Muslim) believers, the Jews, the Sabians, and the Christians – those who believe in Allāh and the Last Day and do good deeds – there is no fear: they will not grieve.’ (Al-Ma’ida 69).
Puritans claim that this verse has been abrogated by the following:
‘If anyone seeks a religion other than complete devotion to Allāh, it will not be accepted from him: he will be one of the losers in the Hereafter.’ (Al‘Imran: 85).
The words ‘complete devotion’ are a rendition of ‘
islam’; a word that is never capitalised in Arabic. This word can also be rendered ‘submission’.
Puritans take the word ‘religion’, and then capitalise ‘
islam’; giving the impression that the verse refers to that particular Faith alone. They argue that Islam is the
only religion acceptable to Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla). At the same time, they claim (correctly) that Islam is not
merely a ‘religion’, but a way of life. But so are Christianity and Judaism (and all other religions, too, of course). And the best ‘way of life’ is one spent in complete devotion to God.
Al‘Imran: 85 can safely be rendered: ‘If anyone seeks a way of life other than complete devotion to Allāh, it will not be accepted from him: he will be one of the losers in the Hereafter.’
Consider this:
‘….those who believe in Allāh and the Last Day and do good deeds – there is no fear: they will not grieve.’ This is Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla)’s solemn promise. It has
not been abrogated, since He does not renege on His promises.
Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla) says this: ‘Spend in Allāh’s cause: do not contribute to your destruction with your own hands, but do good, for Allāh loves those who do good.’ (Al-Baqara: 195); and this: ‘Allāh loves those who keep their pledges and are mindful of Him……who give, both in prosperity and adversity, who restrain their anger and pardon people – Allāh loves those who do good…….. so pardon them and ask forgiveness for them. Consult with them about matters, then, when you have decided on a course of action, put your trust in Allāh: Allāh loves those who put their trust in Him.’ (Al‘Imran: 76; 134; 159): and this: ‘Allāh loves those who seek to purify themselves.’ (Al-Tawba: 108).
All people, regardless of their religion – or none – are required to spread justice, compassion and mercy on earth; yes, and beauty too. All who behave in this manner are loved by Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla).
Concerning Jihad:
In his introduction to the ‘Book of Jihad and Expedition of Sahih Muslim’ the translator (Abd-al-Hamid Siddiqui) makes the following comment:
‘The word Jihad is derived from the verb jahada which means: ‘he exerted himself’. Thus literally, Jihad means exertion, striving; but in a juridico-religious sense, it signifies the exertion of one's power to the utmost of one's capacity in the cause of Allah. Thus Jihad in Islam is not an act of violence directed indiscriminately against the non-Muslims; it is the name given to an all-round struggle which a Muslim should launch against evil in whatever form or shape it appears.’
(End of quote).
The Qur’an defines ‘jihad’ as: ‘Striving, with one’s self and one’s money, in the cause of Allāh’:
‘Do you consider giving water to pilgrims and tending the Sacred Mosque to be equal to the deeds of those who believe in Allāh and the Last Day and who strive in Allāh’s path? They are not equal in Allāh’s eyes. Allāh does not guide such benighted people. Those who believe, who migrated and strove hard in Allāh’s way with their possessions and their persons, are in Allāh’s eyes much higher in rank; it is they who will triumph; and their Lord gives them the good news of His mercy and pleasure, Gardens where they will have lasting bliss and where they will remain for ever: truly, there is a tremendous reward with Allāh.’ (Al-Tawba: Verses 19-22); and again: ‘When a sura is revealed (saying): “Believe in Allāh and strive hard alongside His Messenger,” their wealthy ask your permission (to be exempt), saying: “Allow us to stay behind with the others”. They prefer to be with those who stay behind. Their hearts have been sealed: they do not comprehend. But the Messenger and those who believe with him strive hard with their possessions and their persons. The best things belong to them; it is they who will prosper. Allāh has prepared Gardens graced with flowing streams for them and there they will stay. That is the supreme triumph.’ (Al-Tawba: Verses 86-89); and again: ‘The desert Arabs say: “We have faith.” (Prophet), tell them: “You do not have faith. What you should say instead is, ‘We have submitted,’ for faith has not yet entered your hearts.” If you obey Allāh and His Messenger, He will not diminish any of your deeds: He is most forgiving and most merciful. The true believers are the ones who have faith in Allāh and His Messenger and leave all doubt behind, the ones who have struggled with their possessions and their persons in Allah’s way: they are the ones who are true.’ ((Al-Hujurat: Verses 14-15).
We see that we must strive in Allāh (subḥānahu ūta'āla)’s path; or in His way; or in His cause. But what does this mean?
His path; His way; His cause; each of these means the same thing: That we should strive to uphold His commandments, and to turn away - in condemnation - from all He has forbidden. We should strive to excel in prayer; in charity; in good deeds of all kinds; in standing up for what is true against what is false; and yes, in fighting when we have to.