Critical Analysis of the Allegations of Violence against the Prophet Muhammad (P) from the Perspective of Orientalists

In today's world, similar to the time of the noble Prophet (P), some Orientalists, due to prejudice or ignorance, have accused the Prophet of employing violence and force in propagating the faith, either to undermine Islam or to foment Islamophobia. Examining and addressing these allegations is essential to demonstrate the true essence of Islam and its expansion. These allegations can be summarized in three axes: the establishment and propagation of Islam based on force, warfare and jihad, and the implementation of severe rulings. This article, adopting an intrinsic approach of Orientalists, explicates and critically analyzes the first axis (the accusation of violence and force in the expansion of Islam). This is accomplished through an inferential method and by appealing to the Quran to refute these allegations, drawing upon Quranic evidence from various commentaries. The findings and Quranic evidence indicate the following regarding the refutation of the misconception of the Prophet's violence in propagating Islam: 1. The compassionate character of the Prophet, manifested through gentleness, forgiveness, and harmonious interactions even with non-Muslims, has been the paramount factor in the propagation of Islam; 2. The Prophet's call was rooted in wisdom, eloquence, and good persuasion, containing elements of admonition, glad tidings, and a message of liberty. The Messenger of Mercy progressively implemented this content and approach in accordance with the audience and circumstances, starting with mercy and adapting to necessity, culminating in the final option of violence and combat against the obstinate, as a defensive measure to safeguard Islam and Muslims against the conspiracies of hostile adversaries. Therefore, even the final option is, within the holistic order of the world, an act of mercy for all, as it upholds order in society. Consequently, none of the axes of allegations of violence against the Prophet constitute instances of brutality. Contrary to Orientalist views, the expansion of Islam did not and does not necessitate or rely upon the sword, coercion, or compulsion