How true is the idea?

Atheists and non-Muslims have many complaints about Islam, some of which are presented through scientific or philosophical arguments, while others arise from preconceptions, confusion, or misrepresentations of Islam. One of the most common of these complaints is: “Islam promotes violence and is hostile to non-Muslims.” This complaint has been raised many times in various media outlets, in the writings of Islamophobic intellectuals, or in the political landscape of religious division. In this article, I will analyze this complaint in depth and see how much of this idea is true, how much is exaggerated, and how much is the result of misinterpretation.

First of all, it is necessary to analyze objectively what is said about violence in the holy book of Islam, the Quran, and the biography of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Many atheists and non-Muslims describe Islam as a “sword-wielding religion,” which paints a picture of a religion full of war, jihad, and belligerence against non-Muslims. This description is usually based on specific verses or fragmentary accounts of historical events.

For example, a much-quoted verse is: “Kill the infidels wherever you find them.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:191). This verse is repeatedly presented by various anti-Islamic writers and atheists as if it were a general command — Muslims should kill non-Muslims whenever they see them. But when the whole context is read, it becomes clear that it is not about any general situation, but rather about a specific defensive war, in which the Muslims had been subjected to years of oppression by the Quraysh of Mecca and were finally forced to fight in self-defense. The same verse then says: “If they desist, then indeed, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” That is, the purpose of war was not revenge, but peacemaking.

Now the question arises — does Islam legitimize war? Yes, it does, but only under specific conditions: if a nation attacks, oppresses, or takes away religious freedom. The Quran states: “Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight you, but do not transgress.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:190). It is very clear here that war is only for self-defense, and transgression is forbidden.

However, the problem arises when a group — whether Muslim or non-Muslim — uses religion as a political weapon. In history, during the time of the Caliphs, some wars were presented under the guise of religious interpretation, even if they were for political purposes. In modern times, some militant groups interpret the verses of the Quran piece by piece, trying to give their political agenda a religious form. The slander of “violent religion” against Islam in the Western world was mainly born from the activities of these extremist organizations. However, the true nature of Islam is completely opposite to that.

This truth becomes clear when we look at the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him). He endured torture for 13 years in Mecca, but did not retaliate. After the migration to Medina, even though war was imposed on him several times, he always defended himself and repeatedly sought peace. Treaties like the Treaty of Hudaybiyah are excellent examples of his diplomatic approach and tolerance. Even during the conquest of Mecca, when he could have subdued his long-time enemies, he released them all and said: “There is no revenge against you today, go, you are all free.”

Islam’s attitude towards non-Muslims also deserves discussion here. The Quran states: “There is no compulsion in religion. The difference between truth and falsehood is clear.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256). Islam never called for the conversion of anyone by force. On the contrary, many non-Muslims lived peacefully under Muslim rulers in the history of Islam. Non-Muslims enjoyed religious freedom everywhere - Muslim Spain, the Ottoman Empire, Mughal India. In contrast, European Christian rulers sought to eliminate Jews, Muslims, and even Christians of different faiths through the “Inquisition.”

The accusation was made, “Islam oppresses women.” This is another common misconception. The rights that Islam gave women — education, property, inheritance, consent to marriage, divorce — were revolutionary in seventh-century Arab society. True, the condition of women in some Muslim-majority countries is deplorable, but this is largely due to cultural habits, backwardness, and the misuse of religion, not Islam.

Ultimately, it turns out that many of the accusations that atheists and non-Muslims make against Islam are based on misinformation, fragmented views, or the misdeeds of militant groups. To truly understand Islam, one must read the Quran and the biography of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and review the history of Islam with an impartial eye. Islam is not a violent religion; it is a religion of peace, a religion of humanity, a religion of obedience to God, and a sense of responsibility toward others.

To those who only look at Islam from the outside, it seems an unfamiliar, mysterious, and sometimes frightening religion. But those who understand with their hearts know that Islam means self-purification, justice, and above all, surrender to the merciful and all-forgiving Creator.