Religious Problem in India

Author(s): Annie Besant
Publisher: Theosophist Office Adyar

Page 25

17
ISLAM
should think I speak as an advocate, but in the words of the teaching that he gave while still he lived among men. I find him declare as to the 'infidels':
"That if they desist from opposing thee, what is already past shall be forgiven them; but if they return to attack thee, the exemplary punishment of the former opposers of the Prophets is already past, and the like shall be inflicted on them. Therefore fight against them, until there be no opposition in favor of idolatry, and the religion be wholly God's. If they desist, verily God seeth that which they do: but if they turn back, know that God is your patron; He is the best patron and the best helper." I read : "Invite men unto the way of thy Lord, by wisdom and mild exhortation; and dispute with them in the most condescending manner: for thy Lord well knoweth him who strayeth from His path, and He well knoweth those who are rightly directed. If ye take vengeance on any, take a vengeance proportionable to the wrong which hath been done you : but if ye suffer wrong patiently, verily this will be better for the patient. Wherefore do thou bear opposition with patience; but thy patience shall not be practicable unless with God's assistance. And be not thou grieved on account of the unbelievers; neither be thon troubled for that which they subtly devise; for God is with those who fear Him and are upright." † Again: "Let there be no violence in religion." "If
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* Al Quran, Chap. viii. +Ibid, Chap. xvii. Ibid, Chap. ii.