This is a compilation of the views of eminent Indian scholars, historians, statesmen and saints who expressed their views on Islam at different forums on the basis of their studies and historical evidences. Their views reflect the different dimensions of Islam including its theological, social, political, evangelical and iconoclastic aspects.
The author quotes from the book Satyarth Prakash wherein Swami Dayanand had asked that when the Quran says that Mohammed is the Lord of all creatures and is merciful and kind, then why did He command the Mohammedans to slaughter men of other faiths and animals? ?If He is merciful, will He show mercy even to the sinners? If the answer is given in the affirmative, it cannot be true because in the Quran it is said: ?Put the infidels to the sword?.? Swami Dayanand had continued, ?Since the Quran sanctions such cruelty to non-Mohammedans and killing of innocent creatures such as cows, it can never be the word of God.? Swami Dayanand raised a very pertinent point when he said that in other religions it is believed that according to his deeds on earth, man goes to heaven or hell, but since the Mohammedans do not believe in previous existence of the soul nor on the deeds done before, then ?their God will be open to the charge of being partial by showing favour to some and disfavour to others, inasmuch is it is quite unjust to bestow happiness on them or subject them to pain and suffering without paying any regard to their merits and demerits?. He aptly pointed out that such discrimination was tantamount to arbitrary behaviour on God'spart and could not be treated as just treatment.
Quoting from the book Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, the author says that it was the Mohammedans who taught slaughter of fellow-humankind but ?the Hindu religion never persecutes. It is a land (Hindustan) where all sects may live in peace and amity. The Mohammedans brought murder and slaughter in their train, but until their arrival, peace prevailed.? He adds that the Mohammedans used the greatest of violence to achieve their aim.
(Hindu Writers Forum, 129 B, MIG Flats, Rajouri Garden , New Delhi-110027.)
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