Response to “Prophet or Conqueror”

I think I’m coming to the conclusion that I’m reading a different book than everyone else.  Where in any of our readings did it say that Muhammad spread the message by force?  You’re all reading Martin Lings, right?  You sat in the same lectures I sat in right?  I thought the raiding tactic was brilliant.  He was just saying, to keep your trade out of our vicinity.  So, the Quraysh were stuck.  If they were arrogant and proud of themselves, they’d continue on with their trade caravans inspite of Muhammad’s announcement, and would lose them.  If they cared about their caravans, then they’d have to travel an extra month or so.  It reminded me of all those union protests when companies would exploit their employees.  

Then when they went to battle, none of the battles were offensive.  I think we could argue that the battles should have been expected if Muhammad was confiscating the Quraysh’s property.  But, when Muhammad was marching into Mecca, I thought he was gonna wipe out the Quraysh, but he didn’t.  

Are you people paying attention to what we’re covering?