Strong against kaafir - Qur’an 48:29, "what is the context" - A Hindu brother asks

Strong against kaafir - Qur’an 48:29, "what is the context" - A Hindu brother asks.

Khurshid Imam

***************************************************

Question: Muhammad is the apostle of Allah. Those who follow him are strong towards unbelievers, merciful to one another.....” (Qur’an 48:29)

What is the context of the ayah [is this spreading hatred?] - a Hindu brother wants to know.

Answer in one line: - The ayah tells about Prophet and believers being firm against those people who had terrorized believers and thrown them out of their own land.

For details, please read below:

It can be a case of presenting some statements out of context and thus portraying negative image.

For example: In these corona-virus times, Mr. X tells Mr Y, "Avoid going out and stay 1 meter away from every person you meet. Don't even shake hands with anyone".

I understand these words of Mr.X because I know that corona-virus is spreading, which is life threatening and close contact with people might lead to corona-virus infection and associated problems.

But, if someone ignores the context and claims that - "Mr. X is spreading hatred and cruelty. He is asking Mr Y to boycott people and not even do a hand shake", then he is spreading false and negative image of Mr.X. He is ignoring the context in which Mr.X gave this advice to Mr.Y. These instructions/advice were only for the prevailing conditions and not as a general rule of life.

Similarly Quran talks about using love and wisdom as a general rule in life. However, for the war time - there are another set of protocols.
If you read Quran, Surah Fateh, from the beginning then you will get complete picture of the ayah in question. 

1. People of Mecca had thrown Muslims out of their homeland. The lands, property and wealth of Muslims were taken by people of Mecca forcibly. Muslims were killed. They were made to migrate to Medina.

When Muslims decided to come back to Mecca, then also they were not allowed to visit their land.
A treaty was made between Meccans and Muslims. 

2. In this context Aayah of this chapter were revealed.

3. Most important part is: even though Muslims were stronger than Meccans, yet they made a treaty with Meccans with the aim to give peace a chance.

Read Ayah 22 onward -

4. Ayah 22 says - "And if those [Meccan] who disbelieve had fought you, they would have turned their backs [in flight]."

5. Ayah 25 says that these people of Mecca prevented Muslims from reaching Masjid Al haram.

So, Quran is talking about a Particular group of people who had fought Muslims, thrown them out, unleashed all kinds of terror on Muslims, while Muslims had been patient for years and wanted to return to their homeland and yet again they were stopped by these group of Meccans.

Can you imagine the sufferings and patience of these Muslims?

With respect to these kind of people the Aayah 29 is saying that Prophet and believers are firm against these people [who were at war with meccans].
And last part of this aayah says - "Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them forgiveness and a great reward."

What is difficult to understand?

What does an army of a country do when it goes to reclaim its land from where it was thrown out? 

They fight for their rights, right?

*************************************