Is Islam a Violent or Non-Violent Religion?

Is Islam a Violent or Non-Violent Religion?

Introduction

This paper will have a detailed discussion on the religion of Islam. The paper will argue if Islam is a violent or non-violent religion. However, the paper will argue in favor of the religion as the religion is known for peace. The word 'Islam' in Arabic refers to peace. Hence, through the meaning of the word, we can see that the religion is non-violent and wants peace in the world; however, there are some extremists which have the religion as being violent to the world.

The paper will discuss the history of the religion which started 1400 years ago and also the way and system of life according to it. The paper will also mention some of the teachings which have been given by the prophet of Islam. Later on, the way of wars and treatment to the prisoners according to Islam will also be discussed. Rights and equality among people in the light of Islam will be discussed in detail.

Discussion

Islam as a Religion

Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, was born in Mecca in 570AD. The occupation of Muhammad was trade until he began to preach the principles of the new religion at the age of 40. According to the Hadith collection of Imam al-Bukhari, in the month of Ramadan of the year 610, when the Prophet Muhammad was 40 years old, an angel named Gabriel, came to him in the cave of Hira and dictated the first five verses of the Quran to him. This year is considered as the year of the rise of Islam.

The concept of the religion is the submission to God. Islam has common roots with Judaism and Christianity. The teachings of Muhammad's revelation were also given to the Jews and Christians by Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Muslims believe that the verses of the Quran were revealed to Muhammad gradually through Gabriel (the Angel) throughout his life after the age of 40. Islam forms the basis of the five principles and duties of a Muslim which are faith in the one God (Shahada), five times prayer a day, fasting in the month of Ramadan, alms for the poor and the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lives (Alamdari, 2004).

Some of the verses from the Quran are mentioned below to emphasize the message of the religion.

As regards the Holy Quran, God Almighty has promised:

And We have sent down to thee the Book to explain everything, and a guidance and a mercy, and glad tidings to those who submit to Allah. (Holy Quran 16:90)

In another place He says regarding the Holy Quran:

A Messenger from Allah, reciting pure scriptures, wherein are lasting commandments. (The Holy Quran 98:4)

When we talk about human rights in Islam, we believe that these rights have been granted by God and not by a king or a legislature. The rights granted by the kings or the legislative assemblies can be removed in the same way they are ...