Source: Times of Israel.
Rabbi Sacks has applied himself to this mission with impressive diligence, persistence and intelligence, as well as captivating grace and humility. In this regard, he should serve as an inspiration to us all. As for his messages themselves, here the situation is more complicated: some of these are brilliant, others problematic and require refining, and still others disturbing in their tendency toward political correctness and cry out for refutation.
“Muslim violence, on the other hand, constituted a direct continuation of Mohammed’s teachings. Mohammed’s career moved gradually from passivity in the Mecca period, to tolerant rule at the beginning of the Medina period, to violent conquest and forcible conversion to Islam in the final years. (Read Mohammed’s last messages in Sura 9 of the Qur’an, keeping in mind that, according to most commentators, later Suras nullify their predecessors.) Accordingly, immediately after his death, his followers launched an unprecedentedly rapid campaign of conquest, and within a little over a hundred years set up an empire larger than Rome at its height. Indeed, the Crusades were first and foremost a reaction to the alarming Islamic invasions. The Hadith literature of both the Sunnis and Shi’ites devotes pages upon pages to praising Jihad and the martyr who gives up his life for it. A Christian returning to his primal sources finds non-violence and non-politics; a Muslim returning to his finds a call to violent political conquest.”
To me the analysis is ridiculous. Source of your knowledge seems to be restricted to specific writers. The insidious disease of misconception about Islam has a source, and that source must be identified. Indeed, that source is clear. All Muslim Scholars and ordinary Muslims know it. But just did not want to deal with it. Let’s face it: it is the incorrect history, interpretations and misquoted examples by few so called Islam expert writer that has created the mess you refer above. Their work and scholarship is fabulous, but few drops of their poisonous insertions wipe it all. Islam and its Prophet never went about ruling,dictating and subjugating others. Islam is about living our life and letting others live theirs. It is about building societies with justice, fairness, kindness and caring for all of Gods creation. Few so called Islam experts infected the religion of peace with exclusivism and arrogance.
Shall suggest you to read Life of Muhammad (pbuh) by second Spiritual head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. It will definitely facilitate you much better understanding about Prophet of Islam.
The Muslim Times has the most extensive collection of articles about the Holy Prophet Muhammad.