“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah as just witnesses; and let not the hatred of a people make you avoid justice. Be just; that is next to piety, and fear Allah for Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” (5:8)

Islam teaches us to be just with all people, whether with friends or foes; and at all times, in peace or in war.

It teaches its followers to conduct themselves with unconditional justice and morality free from individual whims, social and cultural circumstances, or temporal relativism.

“Allah does command you that you restore deposits to their owners, and, if you judge between mankind, that you judge with justice.” (4:58)

As a practical manifestation of its beauty, eternal values, mercy, and justice, Islam commands us to protect what Muslim scholars call: The Five Necessities.

The Five Necessities

1. Religion.

2. Soul.

3. Mind.

4. Honor (dignity).

5. Money (and whatever we own).

Beautifully, the Glorious Qur’an pointed out that whoever kills an innocent soul - “it is as if he had killed mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” (5:32)

Concerning the freedom and protection of faith, the Glorious Qur’an states:

“There is no compulsion in religion…” (2:256)

Thus, Islam honors mankind and does not compel anyone to embrace its faith by force. This is the truth, beauty, justice, kindness, and tolerance of Islam when dealing with non-Muslims.

So, we have to be honest, objective, and fair when judging others. And let’s remember what Allah tells us in the Glorious Qur’an:

“…and let not the hatred of a people make you avoid justice. Be just; that is next to piety…”

Nonetheless, concerning those unfair political and religious leaders, writers, historians, and media people who unjustly accuse Islam and all Muslims of terrorism and claim that Islam was spread by force and sword, and those sick-minded and ill-hearted folk who depict Allah, the one true God and His last prophet Muhammad in the worst and ugliest images and cartoons, I wonder:

• Is this what is meant by freedom, and freedom of speech - is there not a double standard being used when dealing with Islam and Muslims? (For example, why are the terms ‘Christian terrorists’ or ‘Jewish terrorists’ never heard, although there is no shortage of atrocities being committed by people of those faiths?)

• Is anyone free to insult, curse and despise others and their beliefs, or accuse them all of terrorism?

• Is this how civilization, democracy, and freedom are taught to the younger generation in schools, colleges, and in society in general?

• Is it really the sword of Islam that makes thousands of wise, objective, sincere, and open-minded men and women around the world embrace Islam nowadays? (Many books, articles, and websites discuss why and how these brothers and sisters reverted to Islam. For example, I would recommend: Islam Our Choice, Portraits of Modern American Muslim Women – edited by Debra L. Dirks and Stephanie Parlove. Available on the Internet).

Furhthermore, according to recent American and Western reports, Islam is the world’s fastest- growing religion.

So, Why Islam?