Today, Islam is accused on the one hand of being a “religion of violence,” while on the other, Muslims are subjected to various provocations aimed at eliciting reactions that would seem to confirm such accusations. Especially with the widespread use of mass communication, insults, attacks, and provocations targeting their sacred values can quickly reach large audiences, with the aim of provoking emotional reactions from Muslims. Unfortunately, some Muslim groups at times respond reactively to such provocations and thereby inadvertently contribute to the very negative image that certain circles seek to create of Islam. For this reason, serious consideration must be given to how Muslims should respond in such situations.
First of all, the following historical reality should not be overlooked: Like earlier divinely revealed religions, Islam has faced various forms of attack and obstruction from the very first day of its emergence. Since the earliest period of Islam, attacks against Muslims and attempts to eliminate them have never ceased. The growing strength of Islam, its spread among large populations, and its offering humanity a new horizon for life caused considerable unease within different religious, cultural, and civilizational circles. As a result, throughout history, various attempts have been made to suppress Islam and diminish its influence.
A significant part of these struggles involved powers that represented the Western world of their time. Even during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), events such as the Battle of Mu’ta and the Expedition of Tabuk took place. These were followed by the Battle of Yarmuk and, in later periods, the Crusades. All of these are important examples of the struggles Muslims experienced with different powers throughout history. Since the New Testament does not contain specific rulings concerning war and peace, decisions regarding the conduct of war were left entirely to the discretion of rulers and military commanders. As a result, this led, at different periods in history, to grave acts of brutality and oppression.
Nevertheless, acknowledging the existence of negative attitudes toward Islam does not require placing everyone in the same category. Indeed, when the Qur’an evaluates the People of the Book, for example, it does not make sweeping generalizations. While criticizing wrongful attitudes, it also commends those who possess integrity and virtue.[1] Therefore, although the existence of circles that harbor prejudice and hostility toward Muslims today must be taken into account, we should not forget that there are also people of different religions and cultures who uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and mutual respect. Otherwise, we may either fail to take necessary precautions or unjustly push people who might otherwise be friends into the position of enemies.
Contrary to claims made by certain circles, the assertion that Islam is a religion of war or the sword does not accord with historical or religious realities. The Qur’an and the Sunnah clearly establish that the fundamental principle in Islam is peace. War is an exceptional measure, to be resorted to only in cases of necessity. Even in the midst of war, the Qur’an commands Muslims to incline toward peace when the opposing side inclines toward peace.[2] Islam requires warfare to be conducted within moral and legal boundaries and does not leave such matters to the arbitrary discretion of rulers. Therefore, even under the most difficult conditions of war, Muslims cannot resort to oppression, excess, transgression, or torture. When an enemy reaches one’s doorstep, a person will naturally defend their religion, country, and values with heroic courage, even at the cost of their life. Yet even at such a critical moment, they must not exceed the limits established by religion or compromise their moral principles and character.
These fundamental principles also apply today when Muslims face provocations directed against what they hold sacred. Incidents such as burning the Qur’an, attacking places of worship, or insulting religious values naturally wound the heart of a Muslim and cause profound distress. Yet it is precisely at such moments that one must be guided not by emotion, but by reason, wisdom, and foresight. If Muslims immediately become inflamed by such incidents, take it upon themselves to call the perpetrators to account, or retaliate by insulting what others hold sacred, they will go from being in the right to being in the wrong and play directly into the hands of the provocateurs. If you demonstrate that you can easily be provoked on such matters, malicious individuals will exploit this vulnerability and resort to even greater provocations. Thus, although you were initially innocent and justified, you may find yourself in the wrong and be portrayed to the world as an advocate of violence. Even if you are genuinely striving for peace and security to prevail throughout the world, an uncontrolled reaction may cause you to be perceived instead as someone who contributes to unrest.
Our religion, our values, our Scripture, and our Prophet are exceedingly precious and sacred to us; therefore, they naturally constitute the areas in which we are most sensitive. We would willingly endure all kinds of hardship rather than see them harmed. Yet this sensitivity must not lead us to excessive or unrestrained behavior. On the contrary, Muslims should carefully consider the consequences of every step they take and reflect on how their response will affect their religion, their community, and the values they represent.
Even when what Muslims hold sacred is attacked, they are still obligated to act in accordance with religious, moral, and legal principles. Indeed, today the matter should be considered within an even broader framework, taking into account international norms and universal human values as well. We should not respond to such provocations through individual acts of retaliation; rather, the matter should be referred to the appropriate authorities. We may also bring such attacks to public attention, appeal to the conscience of society so that they are publicly condemned, discuss the protection of sacred values on different platforms, and seek public support on this issue.
At times, attacks against Islamic values and Muslims may not be limited to particular individuals but may instead be carried out in an organized manner by a country or society. Even in such circumstances, rather than adopting impulsive and reactionary attitudes, we should act with deliberation and pursue rational steps that are more likely to produce results. If necessary, the matter may be brought before international courts or placed on the agenda of relevant organizations. If these efforts fail to produce results, legitimate means such as protests, boycotts, and embargoes may also be considered.
Whatever course of action is taken, we must ensure that all our responses to such attacks and provocations remain consistent with the spirit of the religion. Outbursts of anger, violent demonstrations, burning and destroying property, insulting what others hold sacred, and similar actions are consistent neither with the essence of Islam nor with the character expected of a Muslim. Far from preventing such attacks, these kinds of responses may further provoke those responsible. Moreover, disproportionate reactions often serve the very purposes of the provocateurs and damage the reputation of Islam. Islam, however, is a great trust placed in our care, one in which millions of people have a rightful share. Millions have made every kind of sacrifice for its sake and have passed this trust down to us. Therefore, no one has the right to harm the religion through excessive and unbalanced behavior.
In conclusion, when Muslims adopt a reasonable, balanced, lawful, and principled stance worthy of their religion, they may gain the support of people from different religions and cultures. Even those who are not religiously inclined may recognize the legitimacy of Muslims’ concerns when they consider the matter from the perspective of freedom of religion and fundamental human rights. In this way, Muslims will not only defend what they hold sacred but will also make an important contribution to breaking down the negative prejudices that some seek to foster against Islam.
Note: This article was prepared from a talk delivered on February 23, 2006.
[1] See Qur’an, Āl ʿImrān 3:199.
[2] See Qur’an, al-Anfāl 8:61.