Ethics

In order for the arrogant powers, the protectors of the `jahili' existence, to confront the Divine Call and that the psychological war would succeed and no mental resistance is exhibited by the persevering believers, these tyrants resort to imprisonment, torture and physical and bodily extermination. They also launch bloody wars to wipe out the bearers of the Divine Message, those who defend the values of truth and faith. This is one of the natures of conflict and confrontation in its worst and most violent forms. With this form of confrontation the arrogant forces wish to extricate itself from and terminate the activities and all traces of the existence of its opponent.

The Qur'an recorded this kind of resistance to the truth, by bringing tens of verses discussing about torture and killing, fighting, jihad and defending the truth. For example, His saying:

"How many a prophet has fought with whom were myriads of Godly men, and they lost not heart at what befell them in the way of Allah nor did they weaken, nor did they demean themselves (before their enemies); and Allah loves the steadfast ones." Holy Qur'an (Al-e-Imran 3: 146)

And His saying:

"…and their slaying the Prophets unjust-ly…" Holy Qur'an (Al-e-Imran 3: 181)

And His saying:

"And when planned they against you, those who disbelieved, that they might imprison you, or slay you or drive you away…" Holy Qur'aan (Anfal 8: 30)

And His saying:

"And Pharoah the owner of the stakes. Who (all) transgressed in the cities. And multip-lied wickedness therein." Holy Qur'an (Fajr 89: 10-12)

In this way, the Qur'an records those scenes and pictures and presents it to the first generation of the Qur'anic message to inspire them with patience and perseverance for the obstacles on the way and the sacrifices for it. The Qur'an mentions the story of the companions of the trenches who were burnt alive in ditches full of fire.

It mentioned how Pharoah `Fir'aun' killed the believers.

It referred to the greatest crime perpetrated in human history at the hands of the Jews, condemning them to the wrath of Allah and ignominy, in the following words: "…and humilation and wretchedness were stamped upon them and they drew unto themselves the Wrath from Allah; This because they used to reject the signs of Allah and slay his apostles un-justly; this because they disobeyed and were wont to transgress." Holy Qur'an (Baqara 2: 61)

In the same way, the Qur'an discusses about those terrible and bloody scenes and encounters, history has handed down to us pictures portraying struggle, fight-ing and bloody confrontations which caused the down-fall of arrogant powers and the leaders of the `jahili' camp who control the fates and destinies of the people. It speaks about the wars of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) and his battles, in Badr, Uhud, Khaibar, Khandaq, Hunain and tens of other battles and confrontations. It also mentions the forms of torture and fighting which his companions and the followers of his message encountered.

Adapted from: "The Methods Of Propagation and Missionary Work" by: "Sayyid Bahashti"