Part II: Distorted Sharia Laws

Allah inivites us to the abode of peace

وَاللَّهُ يَدْعُو إِلَىٰ دَارِ السَّلَامِ وَيَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيم

“Allâh invites (us all) to the abode of peace and He guides him who wishes to be guided to the exact right path leading to the goal.” (10:25)

The teachings of the Qur’ȃn regarding conduct in times of war do not in any way contradict its claim of being the religion of peace. The Book does not just speak of “peace” in theoretical terms; it also provides an extensive code to achieve it, to establish it, and to maintain it. The very first verses of the Holy Qur’ȃn speak of Allâh, Who is Rabb al-‘Âlamîn, the Nourisher and Sustainer of all the worlds, worlds of matter and of nonmatter. Here is no claim of exclusiveness or inclusiveness of any particular group. The Book mentions all the hurdles in the way of achieving peace and guides us to those basic rules that bring about and maintain peace. It tells us to respect and honor other races and faiths (9:11; 60:8) and their followers and refrain from calling them enemies or future inmates of hell (2:62). It says:

قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ تَعَالَوْا إِلَىٰ كَلِمَةٍ سَوَاءٍ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمْ

“Say, ‘O people of the Scripture! Let us agree to a proposition common to us…’” (3:64)
Thus, it provides for a formula for dialog between different faiths, which when followed, can contribute to mutual understanding, which is the foundation of all efforts for peace.