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In the eyes of some commentators on Islam in the West, Islam has been
portrayed as a militant religion, a religion of blood, fire, and sword. We
have already tried to draw attention to the fundamental concern of Islam
for tolerance and religious freedom, and have also commented upon the
emphasis Islam places on peace and cooperation among mankind.

However, Islam is a practical religion, a religion which never ignores for a
single moment the complexities and demands of the harsh realities and
facts of life. Islam is fundamentally concerned with establishing societies
in which the rights of freedom of belief, human rights, and protection of
life, dignity, and property are secure from both internal and external
threats.

Therefore, even as Islam teaches its followers to be merciful and inclined
toward forgiveness and peace even in times of war, it never teaches them
to turn the other cheek. The philosophy of "turning the other cheek" may
be appropriate for private individuals and small day- to-day affairs,
however, it spells social suicide if it is implemented by society as an