This fact is 42 The Holy Qur’an...

This fact is 42 The Holy Qur’an, the Pen (68): 5 43 The Holy Qur’an, the Pilgrimage (22): 39 44 The Holy Qur’an, the Heifer (2): 194 supported and documented in authentic books of history. Do you presume that self-defence is tantamount to spreading by sword or inviting at sword’s point?” He said, “If it is so, I withdraw my words.” For his benefit he was referred to a number of relevant books on this subject, with the help of interpreters.

He then asked, “How do you treat the word of our fathers of the churches? Do all of them tell lies?” I said, “With all my respect for them, whosoever accuses Islam in terms of its spread by sword is either ignorant or obstinate; otherwise, history is there (to rebut such falsehood).” He said, “What do you have to say about the applicability of Islamic teachings today?” I said, “This is what Islam teaches us: • That there is a god who is Just, All-Knowing, Powerful, and Able.

He sent prophets for the guidance of human beings. The prophets too had their appointed successors (to maintain the guidance). All human beings will return to Allah to have their' reward to their deeds (in this world). The good-doers' shall enter Paradise and the evildoers into Hell. • Islam makes it an obligatory duty to worship Allah, and to deal fairly and kindly with people.

Allah has ordained for us the rules for marriage, divorce, inheritance and all the needs of human beings from birth to death. • To maintain the obligation of truthfulness and honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty and modesty, and to refrain from telling lies, exercising dishonesty, crime and cruelty.” Then I asked, “Do you presume that the age of these values has ended?” He replied in negative. I said, “But as for the horse and the donkey you referred to, do you think that these are bad things?

If Islam admires useful things, is it a sin? He replied in negative. Don’t you know that nowadays the world feels pride to defend the horse and other animals? Is it not so that man meets many of his requirements from horse?

Even in this advanced age, a great number of people make use of donkeys for carrying household effects and other loads.” When he confirmed my answer, I added, “On the very same basis, if horse and donkey are admired in Islam, it does not prove that Islam has passed its sell by date.” The Christian man next asked for my opinion on the prohibition of wine and music in Islam.