Holy Prophet Did Not Initiate Any War
Studying books about events that took place in the era of the last messenger of God reveals that the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) conduct and way of dealing with different issues were interesting.
According to historical sources, there were four or five major battles taking place in that era. Historians say that all of these wars with the Kuffar (disbelievers) were defensive and that the Prophet (PBUH) told his companions not to initiate any war before the enemy does so.
During the time of Imam Ali (AS) (as the ruler) there were three wars and he or his army did not initiate any of the wars either.
The method of Islam is that of rationality and wisdom and based on the teachings of this religion, no one should be forced to be religious. Many verses of the Holy Quran point to the fact that Islam earnestly favors peace and tolerance.
According to studies, in 100 verses of the Muslim Holy Book, in 17 fields there is clear and unequivocal opposition to war and violence.
There is great emphasis on coexistence and peace in the verses of the Quran and Seerah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). So one can definitely argue that introducing Islam as a ‘religion of violence’ is absolutely baseless and unjustified.
The fact is that divine faiths and even non-divine religions have an ethical nature and therefore a religion cannot spread immorality, war and bloodshed.
Imam Ali (AS) told Malik al-Ashtar in a letter to vehemently avoid shedding blood because there is nothing leading to the fall of governments like blood that is shed unrightfully.
So the reasons mentioned to portray Islam as violent are not true. To the contrary, the fact that all of the battles of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) with disbelievers were defensive and the fact that Islam has offered many strategies for peace are conclusive reasons to prove that Islam is a religion of peace.
According to history books and other books, the violent acts committed in the name of Islam and the Quran began after the demise of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and continue until this day in the form of deviated groups.
