The True Nature of Islam

CULTURE OF COMPASSION “Indeed, those who are patient will be given their reward without measure” (39:10), but nowhere does it say: “Indeed, the fighters will be rewarded without measure.” A hadith (saying of the Prophet) states: “Do not wish to encounter the enemy in battle; rather, ask God for wellbeing.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2966) There is no narration where the Prophet said: “You must desire to confront the enemy and pray to God for war.” During the campaign of Makkah, when a Muslim remarked, “Today is a day of fierce fighting,” the Prophet responded: “No, today is a day of compassion.” (Tarikh Dimashq by Ibn Asakir, Volume 23, p. 454) The reality is that Islamic culture is a culture of mercy— it is not a culture of violence. Islam seeks to establish moderate and peaceful relations among people under all circumstances, even if that requires making peace on seemingly one-sided terms, as was done during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. The duty of believers is neither to behead others nor to get beheaded. The duty of believers is to live in the world as humble servants of God. They are to respond to bad treatment with good behaviour. Through high moral character, they open the doors of truth and understanding in people’s hearts. They strive to become spiritually enlightened individuals themselves and dedicate all their energy to helping others become the same.