How can we answer the criticisms by non-Muslims related to the concepts of jihad (holy war) and fath (conquering)?

- The methodology of Muslims “War, jizyah or becoming Muslims” forms a very bad example in the world. Jews, Christians, Buddhists, etc. use this...

Dear Brother / Sister,

First of all, the wars in the history of Islam, especially the ones in the Era of Bliss, are all defensive wars. That is the message of the Quran. The mistakes of the Muslims do not bind the Quran. As a matter of fact, it is an indication of this principle that the Quran did not allow material wars during the thirteen-year period of Makkah despite all oppressions. Does the fact that the battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq, took place within the borders of Madinah not indicate it?

"To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged;- and verily, Allah is most powerful for their aid."(al-Hajj, 22/39)

The verse above is the first verse that allows war. As it can be seen, it is emphasized in the verse that the Muslims are wronged. Despite this, Muslims are not encouraged to fight against their cruel enemies by a severe and heroic call; the following is stated "permission is given to fight".

This shows that war is not essential in Islam. It aims to prevent the oppression of those who form a barrier between people and the message of Allah and prevent Islam from reaching people.

It is necessary to see sincerely and wisely the background of "a religion that regards saving the faith of a single human being – not equal to conquering a country or obtaining some loot – superior to the whole world".

Secondly, this a fact: The Muslims never forced people to accept the religion of Islam acting upon the order of the following verse: "Let there be no compulsion in religion." (al-Baqara, 2/256)

What does jizyah (tax paid by non-Muslim minorities) mean? Jizyah is an indication that Muslims treat even the enemies that they defeat humanely.  For example, the Jews of Khaybar always betrayed Muslims. However, when the Prophet gave the standard (flag) to Hz. Ali when Khaybar was conquered, he addressed Hz. Ali as follows:

"Be patient. By Allah! If a single person embraces Islam at your hands (i.e. through you), that will be better for you than loads of red camels." (Bukhari, Jihad, 103)

This statement sheds light on that pure purpose of Islam. Moreover, those ruthless enemies were not forced to become Muslims. On the contrary, despite the economic needs of Muslims, they were allowed to live in their homeland in return for jizyah..

A kind of tax called "jizyah" is taken from non-Muslims as a duty of citizenship just like zakah taken from Muslims. In other words, non-Muslims are accepted as citizens; they benefit from all rights and in return for this, pay taxes as their duties. What can be better than that!

For more information, please click on the link given below;

Does Jihad mean “either Islam or death”?

Questions on Islam