The Myth of Islam as a Religion of Peace: A Historical and Theological Examination

For centuries, Islam has been portrayed in various ways—sometimes as a faith of peace and tolerance, other times as a religion of conquest and submission. This article critically examines the Islamic doctrine, particularly regarding its teachings on warfare, non-Muslims, and its expansionist mission.

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The Quran’s Doctrine on Warfare

The Quran contains numerous verses that advocate for violent jihad against non-Muslims. These passages, often cited by both Islamic extremists and scholars, form the theological basis for historical and modern Islamic conquests. Some of the most direct verses include:

• Surah 9:5 – “Fight and slay the pagans wherever you find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them.”

• Surah 9:29 – “Fight those who do not believe in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the Religion of Truth, from among the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.”

• Surah 47:4 – “When you meet the unbelievers in battle, strike their necks.”

These passages illustrate that jihad is not merely a defensive measure, as some modern apologists claim, but a divine mandate for the expansion of Islamic rule.

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Hadith Reinforcement of Warfare

The Hadith (sayings and actions of Muhammad) further confirm the Quran’s position on jihad. Here are some notable examples:

• Sahih Muslim 1:33 – “I have been commanded to fight against people until they testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

• Bukhari 4:52:50 – “A man asked the Prophet, ‘A man fights for war booty; another fights for fame and a third fights for showing off. Which of them fights in Allah’s cause?’ The Prophet said, ‘The one who fights so that Allah’s word is superior fights in Allah’s cause.’”

• Hadith 9:50, 57 – “Whoever changes his Islamic religion, kill him.”

This shows that Islam’s stance on warfare is neither allegorical nor purely historical—it is an ongoing command for believers.

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Islam’s Expansionist History

Historically, Islamic conquests were driven by the theology found in the Quran and Hadith. The early Muslim caliphates expanded rapidly across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe through military campaigns. Key events include:

• The Arab Conquests (7th–8th Century): Islamic armies conquered Persia, Byzantium, and parts of India.

• The Islamic Invasion of Spain (711 AD): Muslim forces led by Tariq ibn Ziyad overran Spain, imposing Islamic rule for centuries.

• The Ottoman Expansion (14th–17th Century): The Ottoman Empire spread Islam into Eastern Europe, subjugating Christians under Islamic law.

The concept of Dar al-Islam (House of Islam) vs. Dar al-Harb (House of War) reinforces the idea that Islamic teachings encourage continuous conflict until Islam dominates globally.

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Modern Implications: Jihad in Contemporary Islam

Despite claims that jihad is only a spiritual struggle, radical Islamic groups today still cite these Quranic and Hadith texts as justification for their actions. Groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram openly declare that they are fulfilling Islamic doctrine by waging war against non-Muslims.

• ISIS Recruitment Material: Uses Quranic verses to justify beheadings and mass executions.

• Al-Qaeda’s Justification: Osama bin Laden frequently referenced Surah 9:5 in his calls for global jihad.

• Taliban’s Rule: Implements strict Sharia based on Islamic texts, restricting women’s rights and persecuting non-Muslims.

The theological backing for these actions is undeniable. While moderate Muslims may interpret jihad differently, traditional Islamic teachings provide a strong case for violence in the name of faith.

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Islam’s Treatment of Non-Muslims: The Jizya System

Non-Muslims living under Islamic rule historically faced heavy restrictions. The Quran mandates the collection of jizya, a tax on non-Muslims, as a symbol of their submission:

• Surah 9:29 – “Fight those who do not believe... until they pay the jizya with willing submission and feel themselves subdued.”

This system effectively forced non-Muslims into second-class citizenship under Islamic rule, reinforcing the idea of Islam as a political ideology rather than a purely spiritual faith.

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Final Verdict: Islam’s Claims of Peace Are a Theological Contradiction

📌 Islam does not mean peace—it means submission. 📌 The Quran and Hadith explicitly command violence against unbelievers. 📌 Islamic history proves that jihad is a means of global expansion, not self-defense. 📌 The claim that Islam is purely peaceful is modern revisionism, not historical or theological reality.

🔴 Conclusion: Islam’s foundation is built on conquest, submission, and the suppression of non-Muslims. While individual Muslims may be peaceful, Islam’s core teachings do not promote coexistence but rather the eventual dominance of Islam over all other beliefs. Any claim otherwise is either based on ignorance or deliberate deception (taqiyya).

Islam, as presented in its authentic texts and historical implementation, is a theological-political system of conquest, not a religion of peace.