Religions are like fire or water or any other primal force. They can be either life-giving or death-dealing, depending on the motivations of their adherents.

Some practice a particular religion for purposes of enlightenment and some as an avenue to power. It's true of Islam and it's true of Christianity, as it inevitably becomes true of any religion that's stays around long enough and attracts enough followers. That's one reason why the separation of church (religion) and state is always a good idea. The temptation to abuse is too great otherwise.

The sacred literature of Islam, like that of Christianity and Judaism, was written in a particular historical context and shouldn't be evaluated simplistically. Those who do so usually reveal themselves to be more motivated by bigotry and politics than faith.