Critical Analysis of the Allegations of Violence against the Prophet Muhammad (P) from the Perspective of Orientalists

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Hadis assistant professor. Al Mostafa International Universtry(miu). Qom. Iran

2 PHD student. comparative Interpretation Field. Fatima Zahra(AS) Hagh Educational Institue. Isfahan

3 PHD student.comparative interpretation field , Fatima al-Zahra (AS)High Education institute, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

In today's world, similar to the time of the noble Prophet (P), some Orientalists, due to prejudice or ignorance, have accused the Prophet of employing violence and force in propagating the faith, either to undermine Islam or to foment Islamophobia. Examining and addressing these allegations is essential to demonstrate the true essence of Islam and its expansion. These allegations can be summarized in three axes: the establishment and propagation of Islam based on force, warfare and jihad, and the implementation of severe rulings. This article, adopting an intrinsic approach of Orientalists, explicates and critically analyzes the first axis (the accusation of violence and force in the expansion of Islam). This is accomplished through an inferential method and by appealing to the Quran to refute these allegations, drawing upon Quranic evidence from various commentaries. The findings and Quranic evidence indicate the following regarding the refutation of the misconception of the Prophet's violence in propagating Islam: 1. The compassionate character of the Prophet, manifested through gentleness, forgiveness, and harmonious interactions even with non-Muslims, has been the paramount factor in the propagation of Islam; 2. The Prophet's call was rooted in wisdom, eloquence, and good persuasion, containing elements of admonition, glad tidings, and a message of liberty. The Messenger of Mercy progressively implemented this content and approach in accordance with the audience and circumstances, starting with mercy and adapting to necessity, culminating in the final option of violence and combat against the obstinate, as a defensive measure to safeguard Islam and Muslims against the conspiracies of hostile adversaries. Therefore, even the final option is, within the holistic order of the world, an act of mercy for all, as it upholds order in society. Consequently, none of the axes of allegations of violence against the Prophet constitute instances of brutality. Contrary to Orientalist views, the expansion of Islam did not and does not necessitate or rely upon the sword, coercion, or compulsion

Keywords

References

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    Quran Karim (Translation of the Holy Quran): Translated by Mohammad Ali Rezaei Esfahani and A Group of Scholars from Al-Mustafa International University, Published by Al-Mustafa International University Publications, Qom. 2nd Edition, 1388 SH (2009 CE).

    1. Ibn Abi Hatam, Abd al-Rahman ibn Muhammad, Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim (Interpretation of the Noble Quran), Nazar Mustafa al-Baz Library, Riyadh: 3rd Edition, 1419 AH (1998 CE).
    2. Ibn Ashur, Muhammad ibn Tahir, Al-Tahrir wa al- (A Compilation and Enlightenment) Matba'at al-Tarikh, Beirut: n.d.
    3. Ibn Kathir, Ismail ibn Umar, Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim (Interpretation of the Gracious Quran), Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut: 1419 AH (1998 CE).
    4. Ibn Manzur, Muhammad ibn Mukarram, Lisan al-Arab (The Tongue of the Arabs), Dar Sader, Beirut: 3rd Edition, 1414 AH (1993 CE).
    5. Adak, Saber, Rahmat Nabawi; Khoshunat Jahili (Prophetic Mercy; Pre-Islamic Violence), Kavir Publications, Tehran: 2nd Edition, 1390 SH (2011 CE).
    6. Andrew Ripin, An Interview with Andrew Ripin, Translated by Marziyyeh Suleimani. Markaz Dairat al-Ma'arif-e Bozorg-e Eslami, Markaz Pazhuhesh-ha-ye Iran-e Eslami, Afaq Pazhuhesh-ha-ye Quran'i dar Goftar ba Andrew Ripin, 28/7/1397 SH (20/10/2018 CE), Source: https: //www.cgie.org.ir/fa/news/216962.
    7. Bahrani, Hashem bin Sulaiman, Al-Burhan fi Tafsir al-Quran (The Clear Evidence in Quranic Interpretation), Bonyad-e Be’that, Tehran: 1416 AH (1995 CE).
    8. Javadi Amoli, Abdullah, Payambar Rahmat (Prophet of Mercy), Esra, Qom: 2nd Edition, 1388 SH (2009 CE).
    9. Javadi Amoli, Abdullah, Tasnim, 5 and 13, Esra, Qom: 5th Edition/3rd Edition, 1389 SH (2010 CE).
    10. Javadi Amoli, Abdullah, Tasnim, 8 and 16, Esra, Qom: 3rd Edition/2nd Edition, 1388 SH (2009 CE).
    11. Javadi Amoli, Abdullah, Tafsir Mawdu'i Quran Karim (The Thematic Interpretation of the Noble Quran: The Life of the Noble Prophet in the Quran), 8, 9, Esra, Qom: 5th Edition, 1385 SH (2006 CE).
    12. Javadi Amoli, Abdullah, Hamaseh va Erfan (Epic and Mysticism), Esra, Qom: 8th Edition, 1384 SH (2005 CE).
    13. Javadi Amoli, Abdullah, Wilayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist), Esra, Qom: 9th Edition, 1389 SH (2010 CE).
    14. Hosseini Shirazi, Mohammad, Taqrir al-Quran ila al-Adhhan (Simplifying the Quran for the Intellects), Dar al-Ilm, Beirut: 1424 AH (2003 CE).
    15. Dehkhoda, Ali Akbar, Loghat-Nameh (Dictionary), Tehran University Press, Tehran: 1346 SH (1967 CE).
    16. Saleem, Hussein, Qalu fi al-Islam wa al-Quran wa al-Rasool (What They Said About Islam, Quran and Prophet), Beirut: Rashshad, 2002 CE.
    17. Suyuti, Abdul Rahman ibn Abi Bakr, Al-Dur al-Manthur fi Tafsir al-Mathur (The Scattered Pearls in the Interpretation of the Narrated), Kitabkhaneh Ayatollah Mar'ashi Najafi, Qom: 1404 AH (1983 CE).
    18. Shawkani, Muhammad ibn Ali, Fath al-Qadeer (The Abundant Victory), Dar Ibn Kathir/Dar al-Kalam al-Tayyib, Damascus/Beirut: 1414 AH (1993 CE).
    19. Samimi, Minu, Mohammad dar Europā (Mohammad in Europe), Translated by Abbas Mehrpouya. E'telā'at Publications, Tehran: 1382 SH (2003 CE).
    20. Tabatabai, Muhammad Hussein, Al-Mizan fi Tafsir al-Quran (The Scale in Quranic Interpretation), Islamic Publications Office of the Society of Seminary Teachers, Qom: 5th Edition, 1417 AH (1996 CE).
    21. Tabarsi, Fadl ibn Hasan, Majma al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Quran (The Gathering of Clear Explanations in Quranic Interpretation), Naser Khosrow, Tehran: 3rd Edition, 1372 SH (1993 CE).
    22. Turaihi, Fakhr al-Din, Majma al-Bahrain (The Confluence of Two Seas), Mortazavi Bookstore, Tehran: 3rd Edition, 1375 SH (1996 CE).
    23. Tusi, Muhammad ibn Hassan, Al-Tibyan fi Tafsir al-Quran (The Elucidation in Quranic Interpretation), Dar Ahya al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut: n.d.
    24. Abdalmohammadi, Hussein, Naqd-i Didegahan-i Moshageran darbareh Janghay-e Payambar-e Azam (Critique of Orientalist Views on the Wars of the Great Prophet), Dofaslnameh Quranpazhuhay-e Khavari, Year 7, No. 13, Autumn and Winter 1391 SH (2012 CE), pp. 65-
    25. Ayyashi, Muhammad ibn Masoud, Kitab al-Tafsir (The Book of Interpretation), Ilmiyyah Press, Tehran, 1380 AH (1961 CE).
    26. Fakhr Razi, Muhammad ibn Umar, Mafatih al-Ghaib (The Keys to the Hidden World), Dar Ahya al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut: 3rd Edition, 1420 AH (1999 CE).
    27. Qutb, Muhammad, Al-Mustashriqun wa al-Islam (The Orientalists and Islam), Cairo: Maktabah Wahbah, 1999 CE.
    28. Qunavi, Ismail ibn Muhammad, Hashiyat al-Quni 'ala Tafsir al-Baydawi (Commentary by Qunavi on Baydawi's Interpretation), Dar al-Kitab al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut: 1422 AH (2001 CE).
    29. Kulayni, Muhammad ibn Ya'qub, Al-Kafi, Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyyah, Tehran: 4th Edition, 1407 AH (1986 CE).
    30. Majlisi, Muhammad Baqir, Bihar al-Anwar al-Jami'a li Durar Akhbar al-A'imma al-Athar (The Seas of Lights: A Comprehensive Collection of Traditions about the Infallible Imams), Dar Ahya al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut: 2nd Edition, 1403 AH (1982 CE).
    31. Morad, Yahya, Rudud 'ala Shubhat al-Mustashriqin (Responses to the Doubts of the Orientalists), Source: https://books-online/
    32. Mustafavi, Hassan, Al-Tahqiq fi Kalimat al-Quran al-Karim (Investigation into the Words of the Noble Quran), Bon-e Tarjomeh va Nashr-e Ketab, Tehran: 1360 SH (1981 CE).
    33. Mughniyah, Muhammad Jawad, Al-Kashif (The Unveiling), Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyyah, Tehran: 1424 AH (2003 CE).
    34. Makarem Shirazi, Naser et al., Namuneh (The Ideal Exegesis), Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyyah, Tehran: 1374 SH (1995 CE).
    35. Makarem Shirazi, Naser, Tarjomeh-ye Quran (Translation of the Quran), Dar al-Quran al-Karim, Qom: 2nd Edition, 1373 SH (1994 CE).
    36. Mohouri, Muhammad Hussein, Khoshunat-e Akharin Rahkareh Islam (The Violence of Islam's Last Solution), Ravaq-e Andisheh, No. 16, 1382 SH (2003 CE).
    37. Nazari, Mortaza, Barrasi-e Shiveh-haye Tabligh-e Masihiyat ala Islam (Examination of the Methods of Promoting Christianity against Islam), Islamic Preaching Organization, Tehran: 1371 SH (1992 CE).
    38. Hashemi Rafsanjani, Akbar at el., Farhang-e Quran (The Glossary of the Quran), Bustan-e Ketab, Qom: 4th Edition, 1386 SH (2007 CE).
    39. Jane Dammen McAuliffe, General Editore Encyclopaedia of the Qurān Brill,Leiden–Boston, 2003.
    40. Rizwi Faizer. Expeditions and Battles. General Editore Encyclopaedia of the Qurān Brill,Leiden–Boston, 2003. v2. 143-
    41. Marco, Na∂ir/ Najran. General Editore Encyclopaedia of the Qurān Brill,Leiden–
    42. Uri Rubi, Mu˙ammad, General Editore Encyclopaedia of the Qurān Brill,Leiden–Boston, 2003. V3. 440-458
    43. Ella Landau-Tasseron, Jihad, General Editore Encyclopaedia of the Qurān Brill, Leiden–Boston, 2003. V2. 35-43
    44. Said Edward. Orientalism. New York.First Vintage Books Edition. 1979.

     

The Qur’an from Orientalists Point of View
Volume 18, Issue 34 - Serial Number 34
(Registration No. 124/ 5086 Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance) Volume 34, Spring and Summer 2023
September 2023
Pages 139-170

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 December 2022
  • Revise Date: 29 January 2023
  • Accept Date: 16 April 2023

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