During the time of the Prophet, Arabs largely earned their living by trade with nations in the north then known as Syria, now divided into many smaller countries. The trade routes from Mecca towards north passed near Medina. Arabs also conducted local trade from one town to another.

Critics allege that Prophet Muhammad began raiding the camel caravans of Arab traders travelling between Mecca and other Arab towns and oases. Some critics claim that Prophet Muhammad organized as many as eighty-two raids, personally leading over twenty, and cite the Qur’an 2:217 [1] as the “justification.”

We begin by presenting the full verse in question: “Fighting is ordained for you, though it is repugnant to you; but it may be that you dislike a thing while it is good for you, and it may be that you like a thing while it is bad for you. Allah knows all things, and you know not.” [2]

In this verse, the Holy Qur’an is reminds Muslims that, due to the Meccan’s massive hostilities against them, their thriteen years of non-violent resistance in Mecca and peaceful emigration 240 miles away unfortunately has not changed the hostile behavior of the Meccans. Therefore, the Muslims should be ready to fight even though they do not wish to fight. Of course, the Muslims did not wish to fight. That is exactly why they bore persecution patiently for thirteen years and migrated to a different region altogether—to avoid fighting. The verse is a commentary on human nature. These Muslims had suffered for over a decade in Mecca, left all their homes, properties, belongings, and ancestries to emigrate, all for the sake of peace. Now, war pursued them once more. It is completely reasonable to believe that some Muslims were tired of the persecution, suffering, and running. They simply wanted peace—but the Qur’an admonished them to remain firm because God knew the consequences of their acquiescence to Meccan aggression. Commenting on this situation, the Prophet Muhammad reassured the Muslims, “O ye Muslims! you should not desire to fight the enemy, and remain desirous of the peace and security of God.  If however, contrary to your desire, you are compelled to fight an enemy then demonstrate steadfastness.” [3]

This is a universal principle. Sovereign governments throughout history and even today enact mandatory drafts to ensure that their nation remains secure against attack. Critics who find objection with this verse should also declare that all nations that obligate fighting for the security of their citizens are behaving unjustly.

Turning specifically to the issue of the alleged plundering raids, history records elicit facts contrary to what critics fabricate:

Āṣim bin Kulaib relates from his father that an Anṣārī Companion narrates that, we set out on a Ghazwah with the Holy Prophet.  On one occasion, the people were struck by severe hunger and became very much distressed (since they had no provisions with them).  Upon this they caught a few goats from a flock, slaughtered them and began cooking them.  Our pots were boiling with their meat when the Holy Prophet arrived.  The Holy Prophet immediately upset our pots with his bow and angrily began grinding the pieces of meat beneath his feet and exclaimed, ‘Plunder is no better than carrion.’” [4]

History is clear. Let alone during times of prosperity, even in the face of severe hunger, Prophet Muhammad forbade plunder of any sort. In another famous tradition, Prophet Muhammad commanded the Muslims,

O ye Muslims! go forth in the name of Allāh and perform Jihād with the intention of protecting religion.  But beware! do not embezzle the wealth of spoils and do not deceive a people.  Do not mutilate the enemy dead, do not kill women and children [5], nor religious recluses[6]; and do not kill the elderly.  Create peace in the land, and treat the people with benevolence, for surely, Allāh loves the benevolent.” [7]

Once again, Prophet Muhammad, in word and deed, explains that the purpose of fighting is to protect religious freedom—not wealth, power, or terror. He specifically forbade Muslims from harming innocents, condemned violence, and implored benevolence.

Islamic history scholar Hadrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad details the purpose of the raids that were undertaken by the Prophet, and demonstrates that they were not unjust, but a just form of defense that nations even today employ.

The more I look into this, the more I think Islam's rise was due to a combination of brutal violence and complete lack of reason. It is like the stereotypical South American drug lord being the scariest and most violent to fight his way to the top. If a person is genuinely crazy and dangerous, you give them a wide berth, and this is the image Muhammed projected. While it may seem ludicrous from our position of safety, it would be quite a thing to face if such a man was actually in a position to slaughter every man in your tribe, take all your possessions and take every woman as a sex slave. What is even scarier is that modern educated people so readily adopt all the crazy excuses and justifications for Muhammed's brutality and violence. The mind boggles at what they could use Muhammedan 'logic' to justify today, if they were given the chance.

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The "no desruction of property" rule was to increase the spoils of war right?

What article is that the "rest" of?

Are you saying that these caravan raids were in the context of an actual war? I have not seen any mention of it. Most Muslims use past persecution to justify the theft, not the context of war.

Is Islam always at war, by default, until Muslims decide they have obtained revenge for every perceived past injustice and destroyed every possible "seed of enmity" towards them?

Particularly when Muhammed was involved.

Do you agree that Muhammed engaged in highway robbery to finance his political ambitions? (if I can google your answer please let me know)

Are you trying to say I need to google your answer?

Are you saying that highway robbery is not contrary to Islam?

Do you want me to substantiate my claims that Muhammed engaged in banditry?  If not, which claims do you think are BS?