'God forbids you not, with regards to those who fight you not for (your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them; for God loveth those who are just. (Qur'an, 60:8)
It is one function of Islamic law to protect the privileged status of minorities.Islam granted freedom of worship to all religious communities. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him )said: 'God has no mercy on one who has no mercy for others'. 'Powerful is not he who knocks the other down, indeed powerful is he who controls himself in a fit of anger'.
Jihad in Prophet's times was applicable for when a Muslim community is attacked without reason, oppressed and prevented from practicing their faith. In these circumstances, permission is given to fight back -- but even then Muslims are instructed not to transgress limits, and to cease fighting as soon as the attacker gives up. Even in these circumstances,Muslim are only to fight directly against those who are attacking them, not innocent bystanders or non-combatants. Its really a matter of shame that some misguided Muslims call on jihad to justify their aggressive tactics.
