There is a strange disconnect between people's awareness of Muhammad and, in fact, knowing anything about him. Most people would be aware that he claimed to be a prophet but not much besides that. Islam benefits from this, as most people tend to think that he might be classed as essentially a meek and mild religious leader. The purpose of this long-form article is to shine a light into this environment of ignorance by asking how Muhammad treated those around him. This is important as his conduct will be seen as normative and inspirational to more than a billion people on the planet. Putting his actions under the microscope is, therefore, one of the most important things that we can do.
There is no question about the fact that Muhammad is the central human figure in Islam. Although Muslims do not worship Muhammad as divine, the Qur’an cannot be any clearer about the fact that Muhammad has lived a life worthy of emulation.
In fact, Muslims are told that they should view him as a model if they hope to achieve paradise: “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often” (Qur’an 33:21). His example, as portrayed in the hadith and his Sira (biography) is, therefore, a matter of supreme importance to Muslims. By following in his footsteps, they believe that they give themselves the best possible chance to inherit eternal life.
If Muhammad consistently preached and lived toleration, then Muslims would be duty-bound to follow him in this example. On the other hand, if his example was one of aggression and belligerence towards unbelievers, then this would be the standard example that Muslims are required to follow.
Unfortunately, it quickly becomes clear, according to the authoritative Islamic texts describing his life, that Muhammad spent a significant part of his prophetic ministry in engaging or promoting warfare for the sake of Allah. This may come as a surprise to those who expect religious leaders to be peaceful and ready to “turn the other cheek”. This was something that Muhammad clearly did not believe in. The following are just some of the ways in which Muhammad promoted and practiced violence.
Muhammad’s exhortations to warfare for the sake of Allah
When studying the Qur’an and hadiths, a consistent pattern emerges. Muhammad made it clear on several occasions that engaging in warfare for the sake of Allah is one of the greatest things that a Muslim can do. Here are just some examples of this being made explicit by Muhammad (or supposedly said to Muhammad by Allah in the Qur’an):
“Not equal are those believers remaining [at home] - other than the disabled - and the mujahideen, [who strive and fight] in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Allah has preferred the mujahideen through their wealth and their lives over those who remain [behind], by degrees. And to both Allah has promised the best [reward]. But Allah has preferred the mujahideen over those who remain [behind] with a great reward” (Qur’an 4:95)
It was narrated that Amr bin Abasah said: “I came to the Prophet and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, which Jihad is best?’ He said: ‘[That of a man] whose blood is shed and his horse is wounded’” (Sunan Ibn Majah Book 24 Hadith 2794)
“Allah’s Apostle was asked, ‘What is the best deed?’ He replied, ‘To believe in Allah and His Apostle (Muhammad).’ The questioner then asked, “What is the next [in goodness]?’ He replied, ‘To participate in Jihad [religious fighting] in Allah’s Cause’” (Sahih Bukhari Book 1 Volume 2 Hadith 26)
“It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah [may peace be upon him] said: ‘One who died but did not fight in the way of Allah nor did he express any desire [or determination] for Jihad died the death of a hypocrite’” (Sahih Muslim Book 20 Hadith 4696)
It should be noted that the term “Jihad in the Way of Allah” always refers to warfare as the context of these verses makes abundantly clear. Muhammad’s emphasis on the fact that committing acts of violence in the name of Allah is a primary form of obedience to the message of Islam means that the many incidents of violence that he was directly involved in cannot be seen as aberrations.
They were, instead, entirely consistent with one of Muhammad’s core convictions – namely that the reign of Allah can, and should, be established through warfare. Muhammad followed through on this commitment by participating in raids and other violent actions for the sake of the spread of Islam. This aspect of the teachings and example of Muhammad has very troubling implications for those who want to maintain that Muhammad was essentially a man of peace. His record and his teachings point in the exact opposite direction. As if this was not enough, Muhammad also ensured that the fighting that he commanded will line his pocket with significant amounts of booty. This is not an idle claim, but enshrined in the Islam’s core texts, as will be seen below.