This seminal 19th-century apologetic work addresses the prevalent European and Christian misconception that the Prophet Muhammad waged aggressive wars of conquest and compulsory conversion. Cherágh Ali sets out to demonstrate that the early Muslims were driven from their homes in Mecca only after enduring years of relentless persecution, torture, and social boycotts by the ruling Koreish. Consequently, their subsequent military engagements, including the battles of Badr, Ohad, and the Trench, were undertaken entirely in self-defense to protect their civil liberties and religious freedom.
The author carefully analyzes contemporary historical records and Koranic verses to refute allegations that Muhammad initiated hostilities against trade caravans or forced non-believers to accept Islam at swordpoint. He argues that the Meccans were the persistent aggressors, breaking treaties and attacking the Muslim community even after the migration to Medina. The text systematically examines the actual number of military skirmishes, demonstrating that casualties were remarkably low and that armed conflict was always a measure of last resort when peaceful negotiation failed.
Special attention is given to the author's treatment of the Jewish tribes of Medina, such as the Bani Kainúkaá, Nazeer, and Koreiza. Cherágh Ali contends that the military actions taken against these groups were justified responses to treason and the breach of defensive alliances during times of critical danger, rather than acts of religious intolerance. He also addresses slavery and concubinage, asserting that early Islamic teachings steadily worked to abolish these practices by encouraging the manumission of captives.
Furthermore, the book explores the rapid expansion of Islam across the Arabian Peninsula following the truce of Hodeibia. The author demonstrates that tribal conversions occurred voluntarily through persuasion and the moral force of Koranic teachings once the military blockade by the Koreish was lifted. He contrasts the original spirit of the Koran with later interpretations found in the traditional common law, arguing that rigidity in the latter has obscured the true, tolerant nature of the faith.
Throughout the study, Cherágh Ali engages with prominent Western scholars like Sir William Muir and Dr. Marcus Dods, methodically dismantling their critical interpretations of Muhammad's character and actions at Medina. He concludes that the fundamental principles of Islam are inherently compatible with high moral standards, peace, and civil progress. The volume serves as a rigorous scholarly defense of Islamic history, emphasizing that genuine faith cannot be compelled by force.
