- The Western portrayal of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) has been unfairly vilified by Islamophobes and critics of Islam, such as Jordan Peterson, without an earnest inquiry into his teachings or life.
- Our profound admiration for the Prophet (peace be upon him) is rooted in his embodiment of success, exemplifying qualities such as resilience, toughness, mercy, honesty, compassion, bravery, and humility. We hold his military accomplishments in high esteem, as does a world renowned military historian who praises Prophet Mohammed’s acumen and strategical brilliance in warfare.
Within the sphere of contentious dialogues surrounding Islam, a Western polemic has taken root, championed by figures such as Jordan Peterson and the likes of Islamophobes such as Sam Harris. At its core lies the assertion that Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) was a warlord, and that his life was dominated by violence and militant warfare.
Here, Harris escalates his allegation by drawing a parallel between the actions of ISIS and Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him). This is an egregious comment marked by elaborate defamation and deception.
The noble legacy of Prophet Muhammad (saw), the esteemed founder of Islam, shines brightly, yet Islamophobes attempt to shroud his legacy in falsehood in order to belittle his monumental achievements. However, a profound journey through unbiased, non Islamic, historical narratives and the unequivocal praise of eminent scholars as well as critical analysis from academics, gloriously affirms his heroic, just, masculine and compassionate character. In this article, we will present a compelling case (in shaa Allah) affirming that Prophet Muhammad (saw’s) heroism far surpasses any misleading portrayal of him, such as him being a warlord.
However, prior to embarking upon this journey, it’s imperative to dissect the connotations of the term ‘warlord’:
This particular definition was taken from Merriam-Webster
Subsequent exploration across a spectrum of esteemed reference sources yielded the following results:
- It is associated with leaders who gain and maintain power through violence, and often have a disregard for established laws or authorities.
- Warlords typically take advantage of instability and conflict for their personal gain.
- Their actions can lead to oppression, human rights abuses, and the disruption of social order.
Undoubtedly, there is a rather pronounced aura of bleakness being portrayed in the depiction of the Prophet of God here, wouldn’t you agree? We shall now examine whether any of the definitions presented above correspond with the character of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him).
Mohammed (saw’s) Prophethood Emerged Amidst a Clash of Civilisations
Historian Professor Juan Cole astutely posited in his scholarly opus, ‘Prophet of Peace Confronts Empires’:
“When the Romans were occupying Jerusalem, they were openly desecrating Temple Mount, they would throw their impurities there. It was turned into a junk yard by the Christians. When the Persians conquered Jerusalem, they did the same thing to the Christians. The persecution of Prophet Mohammed was emerging at a time when there were two world Empires. He was aware of this and this is something he wanted to change…..The prophet in those years of pagan attacks did not abandon his options of peace. He moved towards a doctrine of just war…..Islam strictly forbids vigilantism.”
Furthermore, during an era predating the establishment of the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions, and the Nuremberg Principles, security largely hinged on proactive defensive measures. While it’s crucial not to impose our contemporary understanding of warfare onto the historical conflicts of that period, Dr. Cole emphasizes that Prophet Mohammed, despite the context, demonstrated just leadership in times of war, setting him apart from other wartime leaders.
People of diverse faiths coexisted peacefully under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad
Significantly, we observe Dr. Craig Considine’s affirmation in his book ‘The humanity of Muhammad: A Christian perspective’:
“Converting to the Islamic faith or identifying oneself as Muslim was not a requirement to belong to Medina nor did the constitutions require polytheist or Jews to formally recognise Mohammed as the prophet of God, although he is referred to as in the agreement. The Christians of Medina were given the same type of rights in terms of their religious freedom. The Qur’an, after all, states there is no compulsion in religion. On the other hand, the Pagan temples within Byzantine were illegal.”
Prophet Muhammad displayed exceptional strategic acumen in matters of warfare
Notably, Richard Gabriel, a world-renowned military historian with a history of collaboration with the CIA and FBI, lauded the tactical prowess of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) in warfare.
Richard Gabriel unequivocally proclaimed:
“This tactic of deception used by Prophet Mohammed is amongst the greatest tactical deceptions in ancient history!”
In light of this statement, it is crucial to consider that Prophet Muhammad embarked on his prophetic journey without the advantage of formal military education or prior wartime experience. Nevertheless, his exceptional military acumen has not only etched an enduring legacy in history but also serves as a subject of meticulous examination by eminent contemporary military historians.
An exemplification of this can be witnessed in Mecca, where Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) showcased his strategic brilliance by establishing his own intelligence network upon relocating to Medina. His uncle, Abbas, undertook the role of an inconspicuous informant. As a prosperous merchant, Abbas surreptitiously relayed valuable intelligence on the trade routes, schedules, and caravan movements of the Quraysh, all while adeptly maintaining his covert identity. This serves as a testament to Prophet Mohammed’s extraordinary military acumen.
Further substantiating this point is the post-Battle of Uhud scenario, where, following the Muslims’ defeat, Prophet Mohammed employed a shrewd psychological strategy.”. He led his troops to Hamra al-Assad, where they kindled a substantial campfire. The intention behind this was to instill a sense of fear in the Quraysh and create the illusion of a larger Muslim army. This ingenious manoeuvre caught the attention of a tribal leader who conveyed a warning to Abu Sufyan, stating, “Mohammed has come to pursue you with an army who’s like I have never seen, burning with anger against you…I would advise you from attacking them.”
It is important to acknowledge that preceding his involvement in warfare for the cause of Islam and the defence of the Muslims, Prophet Mohammed had maintained an unblemished record of non-aggression and had never inflicted harm upon others.
Challenging Preconceptions: Beyond the Christian Lens of Passive Prophets
Joel Hayward, a distinguished professor of strategic thought at the National Defence College, UAE, articulates in his literary work ‘War is deceit’:
“Many critics of Islam say we could simply not imagine gentle Buddha or the peaceful cheek-turning Jesus ever to have to fight wars, much less devote time to activities incongruous with prophethood and piety such as developing artful military strategies and tactics while one cannot deny that Jesus’s pacifistic has formed the lens to which half of human view prophethood, this ignores the heavily martial spirit and explicit violence of some sections of the Old Testament, a revolution passionately embraced in its entirety by Jesus. They also brush off some of Jesus’s seemingly congruous statements allegorical and metaphorical such as Luke 22:36 where in the Messiah encourages the disciples to sell their garments so that they can purchase swords and Mathew 10:34 states ‘Do not think I come to bring peace on Earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword...Jesus was a spiritual leader at a time of occupation but also at a time of relevant peace……By contrast, Mohammed like Moses or Joshua, found himself not only the spiritual leader but also the political and legislative leader of a massive community that wanted to be moderate, just and inclusive but suffered bitter organised persecution and warfare from other political entities which were committed to his community’s destruction.”
Contrary to prevailing misconceptions, the Prophet of Islam never engaged in conflict based on considerations of religious beliefs.
In relation to the Battle of Khayber, academic Caner Dagle asserts in his paper ‘War and Conquest’:
“When Muslims were commanded to fight those who broke their treaties, the reasons inviting retaliation was the threat to the Muslim community and not the identity of the treaty brokers.”
This in turn, refutes the notion that the Jews of the time were engaged in conflict solely because of their Jewish identity.
In a similar vein, Historian Michael Cook, in his book “Muhammad,” highlights Muhammad (saw’s) commitment to peace. Cook writes,
“Muhammad actively sought peaceful solutions whenever possible. He signed treaties, engaged in diplomacy, and promoted forgiveness and reconciliation.”
Furthermore, John L. Esposito, a prominent Christian who studied Islam extensively, comments:
“While Muhammad had a military role during his lifetime, it is important to view this in context. His actions were often defensive, and his primary mission was to bring the message of monotheism and morality.”
Notably, a plethora of hadith support the compassionate nature of our Prophet Mohammed (saw) on and off the battlefield:
“Do not desire an encounter with the enemy; but when you encounter them, be firm.”
Sahih al-Bukhari
The stark contrast to the portrayal of a warlord is the profound compassion exemplified by Prophet Mohammed, which illuminates his inherent just character. Regrettably, this facet of truth often falls victim to distortion by many who harbor Islamophobic sentiments. Compassion and justice in the context of warfare stands as a pivotal facet of Islamic ethics, guided by precise principles and guidelines outlined in Islamic teachings. Below, we elucidate key tenets concerning compassion in the theatre of war:
1. Proportionality: Islamic law emphasizes proportionality in warfare, meaning that the use of force should be proportionate to the threat or harm faced. Excessive use of force that leads to harm to civilians or non-combatants is strictly prohibited.
2. Protection of Non-Combatants: Islam prohibits the targeting of non-combatants, including women, children, the elderly, and religious leaders. Deliberate harm to civilians, prisoners of war, or those who are not engaged in combat is considered a grave sin.
3. Treatment of Prisoners of War: Islamic teachings stress humane treatment of prisoners of war. They should be provided with food, clothing, and shelter and should not be subjected to torture or inhumane treatment. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) set a precedent of kindness and respect towards captives.
4. Avoiding Excessive Harm: Muslims are instructed to avoid causing unnecessary harm during warfare. This includes minimizing collateral damage and destruction, particularly to places of worship, hospitals, and infrastructure critical to the well-being of civilians.
5. Offering Peace: Before engaging in warfare, Muslims are encouraged to seek peaceful resolutions and to offer terms of peace to their adversaries. The Quran encourages dialogue and reconciliation whenever possible.
6. Ending Hostilities: Islamic teachings emphasize that hostilities should cease immediately when the enemy expresses a desire for peace or surrender. Revenge or prolonged conflict is discouraged.
7. Compassion in Victory: When victorious, Muslims are instructed to show compassion and magnanimity towards the defeated. This includes ensuring the safety and well-being of their adversaries.
Strengthening the Rebuttal: Compelling Insights from the Life of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him)
Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) endured 13 years of persecution in Mecca, where he sought to motivate religious groups outside Medina, endeavouring to relocate his followers away from the relentless boycott and persecution. His journey to Ta’if bore further rejection; amidst taunts, he bled profusely, with his sandals awash in blood. Additionally, he suffered the heart-wrenching loss of all his children, save one. Evidently, we can discern that this narrative sharply diverges from the portrayal of a warlord characterized by a lifetime of aggression and the abuse of others’ rights, as found in the definition above.
Knowing and loving the Prophet
The Western portrayal of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) has conspicuously been orientalised, where his character has been unjustly vilified by Islamophobes and interlocutors of Islam. Fallacious portrayals and disingenuous assessments have been made of him by those who serve to fulfil their own agenda without an earnest inquiry into his teachings or his life.
To genuinely grasp the essence of Mohammed (peace be upon him) and comprehend our love for him as Muslims; why we love him more than our own mothers, in fact more than our own selves, one must comprehensively appraise his manifold contributions to humanity, accentuating his commitment to justice. He was known as Sadiq al Amin, (celebrated for unyielding honesty and integrity), he embodied an extraordinary fusion of strength and mercy and was the liberator of women’s rights. He was a steward of the environment, inspiring even the trees to weep, and drawing animals to his presence.
He (saw), was the liberator of women’s rights, he served as a profound teacher of humanity’s true essence and embraced every being, irrespective of their past, while his nightly tears bore witness to his boundless care towards the believers. In addition, he demonstrated great concern, compassion, care and devotion to the spiritual well-being of the whole of mankind, loving and loathing that which Allah does and serving the mission of truth- Islam, all within the framework of Allah’s divine laws.
Furthermore, the foremost objective of his existence was the rectification of errant practices within Christianity and Judaism, thereby advancing the dissemination of monotheism. Loving the Prophet is an embrace of virtue – a celebration of resilience, thoughtfulness, patience, bravery, humility and wisdom.
We take immense pride in his military achievements as we comprehend them. Our fervent hope is that you come to know Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) as intimately as we do.
