The Religion of Peace

"Fighting is enjoined on you, and is an object of dislike to you; and it may be that you dislike a thing while it is good for you, and it may be that you love a thing while it is evil for you, and Allah knows, while you do not know." -Koran 2 (The Cow):216

Every time militant Islam makes the news, the media are quick to point out that the supreme majority of Muslims are not crazy militants. Even right wing radio hosts like Hannity and Rush do that. You'll often hear them qualify the percentage of crazies with a random percentage. I commonly hear 95%. Even if this percentage is true, let's do some math. What is 5% of 2 billion? Is it a lot? What is .5% of 2 billion? Is that still a lot? Sorry, I suck at math. Help me out here.

Actually, the reason for this post isn't my poor math. It's because I believe that history shows that Islam is far from a religion of peace. In fact, the holy texts of the religion themselves show otherwise.

First, let's look at the history of the prophet (strange to have a prophet without prophecy) of Islam, Mohammed. While Jesus lived a life of peace without sin, Mohammed had a life of more excitement. Jesus taught us to bless our enemies. Even while he was on the cross, he prayed for those who were killing him. How did Mohammed treat his enemies? Before Islam, the Muslim tribes were feuding amongst themselves. Each tribe worshipped their own pagan gods. Mohammed saw religion as a force to unite these tribes and make a nation through warfare.

He started by attacking Meccan caravans in January and March 623 A.D. As the newly ordained Muslims went into battle, Mohammed cried, "By him who holds my soul in his hands, anyone who fights for me today will go to paradise." They stole their goods and ransomed prisoners. Those who did not get ransomed lost their heads. Sources of dissent were assassinated in Medina, which became a Muslim stronghold. Following a failed offensive against Mecca, Mohammed retreated to Medina. There the Muslims held off a force of 10,000 against them. Following the seige of Medina, he discovered an insurrection brewing amongst the Jewish tribe Banu Qurayza. Those of that tribe who did not convert were beheaded and the women and children were enslaved. After a two year truce, the Muslims sacked Mecca. At least this time the only innocent civilians it can be proven he killed were ten people who made fun of him. After taking these two cities, Muslims controlled almost the entire Middle East within a decade.

Mohammed's military conquest is found in religious and historical texts. If he were alive today, would Mohammed, the founder of this religion of peace, fit in the 95% of peaceful Muslims or the 5% of militant Muslims? It is important to understand that while most Muslims may not be militant, their history and their holy texts instruct them to be. Just like the quotation from The Cow above, war is a part of Muslim history and religion. No matter how many Muslims despise violence, Allah knows best.

Let's take a Christian analogy. There are billions of people who say they are Christians. The Great Commission tells us to take the Gospel to all the nations of the world. But what percentage of Christians are full time missionaries? I'd say 5% to .5% would be a good percentage. While I am not a missionary, if one came to me asking for money or shelter, I would give it to them. In fact, I wouldn't hesitate to go on an occasional short term mission trip myself. I just don't feel God calling me to pack up my wife and move to the wilderness and take the Gospel full time to foreigners. I feel content letting others fight that war while I support them here at home and witness to those around me. In fact, missionaries are heroes, especially when they give their life for what they believe. That describes the 95% of Christians who are not full time missionaries.

I submit to you that the 95% of peaceful Muslims are just like the 95% of Christians who are not missionaries. They may not be on the front lines of the war, but they give plenty of support at home and witness to others in order to expand their cause. So, do not let your mind be muddied by the tyranny of the media. Know your history and make up your own mind.