Playing God

"All rights of this book are reserved for the publisher and the author. This copy is for reading purpose only. This copy cannot be uploaded on any website except those of the publisher and the author." Playing God: Misreading a Divine Practice 61 subjugation campaigns were directed to areas in which Muslims and non-Muslims were living together and there was no distinction between the two, neither in dress nor in places of residence. On the one hand, the attacking Muslim armies were told by the Qur’ ā n that if someone whom they attacked said the ceremonial salutation ( al- sal ā mu ‘alaykum ) to them, they should not harm him a nd regar d him as a Muslim; they should not tell him that he is not a Muslim simply to loot his wealth: 1 0J *- 1 3HW< Q 3H 4 < +W p :R 1 ?n F!G 2!@ ! HJ ?^? [/ N/ + 3 R 01@ FB 3I { 3i1 ` _W + 3 Q FB< H6 FP? +W X T GX {ˆdX +I _? Q < ˆH] B J B X Q R 1 3HW< ) s$:$ ( Believers! Investigate when you go to fight for the cause of God, and do not say to those that offer you peace: “You are not believers,” – seeking the booty of this world; for with God is a lot of booty. Previously you were also like this. The Almighty then bestowed on you His grace. Therefore investigate; God is cognizant of all your actions. (4:94) What is evident from this narrative is that the Muslim inhabitants in the attacked localities with a mixed population must have been told to distinguish themselves from non-Muslim neighbours in some form or the other lest the attacking Muslim army attack them too since they outwardly resemble the non-Muslims. This is what is www.javedahmadghamidi.com www.al -mawrid. rg