their burdens in full on the Day of Resurrection, together with part of the burdens of those whom they mislead without knowledge. Evil indeed is what they load upon themselves.”

Perhaps this will serve as a reminder and a convincing proof for those who dislike such refutations altogether and who would prefer that the same effort be channelled into purely academic pursuits free of debate and rebuttal. Most of them, however, do not possess the scholarly spirit that would help them first to discern the truth amid people’s disagreements and then to hold fast to it and invite others to it.

Although we share their wish, they must also remember that, as the poet said,
“Not everything a man desires he attains;
the winds often blow contrary to what the ships desire.”

Moreover, it is not one of the believers’ traits to remain silent in the face of aggression and injustice, or in the face of the slander and lies levelled against them, when they have a lawful means of repelling such wrongs and returning them to their authors. This differs from what is ascribed to our master Jesus—peace be upon him—which the Christians call the “golden verse”:
“If someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the left; if he asks for your cloak, give him your coat; and if he compels you to walk one mile, go with him two!”
Nothing of this sort exists in Islam. Taken at face value it even contradicts the Noble Quran when it describes certain qualities of the servants of the Most Compassionate, the believers, in the verse:
“And those who, when oppression befalls them, defend themselves; the recompense of an evil deed is an evil deed like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation—his reward is with Allah. Indeed, He does not love…"