19
forfeited their lives and liberty, yet they were given a chance of life in verse 6.
This verse has, however, given rise to some misconception. It appears to have suggested the ludicrous charge commonly brought against Islam. It is alleged that the early Muslims offered the sword or Islam to the non-Muslims of the world. "They were to be converted to Islam or destroyed by the sword." So says a critic of Islam. Could there be a clearer example of the distortion which the Qur-án has to meet at the hands the defamers of Islam than the one seen here? It is wickedness to draw such a conclusion from a verse which has verses 4 and 6 before and after it. The former verse makes exceptions in the case of such idolaters as remained true to their agreement with the Muslims, and the latter gives a chance of life to those who had no right to live on the earth after such perfidy against Islam. The verse, on the other hand, leaves no doubt that the idolaters and the non-Muslims were not to be slain on account of their religion. In the words of Sale, as he notes under the very verse, "The Muslim had to give such idolaters a safe conduct that they may return home again, in case they should
