Is Islam a religion of war?

Answer 1

The terms "religion of peace" and "religion of war" are really meaningless terms because religions like Islam are meant to capture all aspects of the human experience, which include peace and war. Islam has numerous provisions concerning the Lesser Jihad, often termed as a holy war, and how it should be waged against Nonbelievers. Islam also provides for methods of friendly social interaction and toleration of diverse peoples. It has both the aspects of light and dark within it.

As Tariq Ramadan, one of the leading Islamic Scholars at Oxford University said, "I do not like this question, ‘Is Islam a religion of peace?’ Islam is a religion for human beings, and if you deal with human beings, you deal with violence…You must ask, ‘Is my religion helping us towards peace?'”

Answer 2

The word Islam means 'submission', which could well be seen as consistent with a religion of war.

While a great many Muslims are religiously tolerant and respectful of other beliefs, there are many who believe that force is justified if they feel slighted by the views of others, by public worship of other gods or even by so-called apostasy. For many Muslims, Islam is a religion of peace, but there are Muslims who would certainly feel that Islam justifies any illegal or violent action against individuals or nations they disagree with.

Answer 3

Another answer from our community:

Absolutely not. In fact, the word Islam itself means peace.