[2] Prohibition of Violence Toward Those Who Express Islam “O you who believe...

[2] Prohibition of Violence Toward Those Who Express Islam “O you who believe, when you go forth in the path of God, investigate, and do not say to the one who offers you peace: You are not a believer…” . [3] According to some reports regarding the verse’s occasion of revelation, the Prophet (PBUHH) sent a group to fight the people of Fadak. A man named Mirdas declared his faith and Islam.

The Prophet’s companions stoned him, killed him, and took his belongings; thereafter, this verse was revealed. [4] Prohibition of Violence Against Religious Leaders and Advocates of Justice The Quran warns those who commit severe violent acts, such as killing God’s prophets and those who command justice of “a painful punishment”: “And they kill the prophets unjustly, and kill those among the people who command justice, so give them the glad tidings of a painful punishment” .

[5] Prohibition of Violence by Religious Leaders Toward the People God the Exalted teaches that harshness in character and behavior drives people away from community leaders , especially religious leaders.

Addressing the Noble Messenger (PBUHH), He says that it was due to God’s mercy that the Prophet was gentle and kind toward the people; and had he been harsh and hard-hearted, they would have surely dispersed from around him: “So by a mercy from God you were gentle with them; and had you been harsh and hard-hearted, they would have scattered from around you …” . [6] Rulers and statesmen in an Islamic government must interact with citizens gently and kindly.

Likewise, religious leaders and preachers must not use violence in calling people to faith; rather, they should invite them with mercy, compassion, sympathy, and kindness, creating conditions that allow people to embrace religion thoughtfully and willingly.

Imam Ali (AS), in explaining the duties of the leader of the Muslim community, first refers to “advice and admonition”: “The Imam is responsible only for what God has placed upon him: delivering admonition, offering sincere counsel, reviving the Sunnah, enforcing punishments on those who deserve them, and distributing public funds to their rightful recipients” . [7] Prohibition of Insulting the Deities of the Polytheists The Holy Quran forbids insulting the gods worshipped by the polytheists.