The True Jihad
Non-Violence and Islam
~ 50 ~
2.
A great advantage of the non-violent method
is that, by following it, no part of one’s time is
wasted.
The
opportunities
available in any given situation
may then be exploited to the
fullest extent—as happened
after the no-war pact of
Hudaybiyya. This peace treaty
enabled the energies of the
believers to be utilised in
peaceful constructive activities
instead of being dissipated in a
futile armed encounter. One
great harm done by violent
activism is the breaking of
social
traditions
in
the
launching
of
militant
movements. Conversely, the great benefit that
accrues from non-violent activism is that it can be
initiated and prolonged with no damage to
tradition.
Generally speaking, attempts to improve or replace
existing systems by violent activism are counter-
productive. One coup d’état is often the signal for a
The truly
desirable
revolution is
that which
permits gradual
and beneficial
changes. And
this can be
achieved only on
the basis of non-
violence.
