What does the Qu'ran say about violence against infidels?

Question

Is there any truth in the claim that the Qu'ran encourages or allows Muslims to kill infidels? If not, what is (in English) the sutra of the Qu'ran that has been misinterpreted this way, and what does it really mean?

Answers in one or two paragraphs, please, not page-long discourses.

Answer 1

I think you meant "surah" which means chapter. Well I'll put this as brief and as simple as I can for you. We are not incouraged to kill "infidels". We are permitted to fight only inself defence as a last resort angainst those who fight us (that includes Muslims ) These verses are most often misinterpreted,misqouted:

1. "And slay them wherever ye catch them." (Al-Baqarah: 191)

2. "But if they turn away, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks” (An-Nisa': 89)

These are the essentials to understanding a verse:


## Textual context of the verse within the Qur’an##

For example, here is the first verse noted above in the appropriate Qur’anic textual context:

Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, kill them. Such is the reward of those who reject faith. But if they cease, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression. The prohibited month, for the prohibited month, and so for all things prohibited, there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves. (Al-Baqarah: 190-194)


And the second verse frequently cited out of context by critics occurs in the following series of verses:


They but wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): so take not friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah (from what is forbidden). But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks. Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty (of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If Allah had pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you: therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (guarantees of) peace, then Allah hath opened no way for you (to war against them). Others you will find that wish to gain your confidence as well as that of their people: every time they are sent back to temptation, they succumb thereto; if they withdraw not from you nor give you (guarantees) of peace besides restraining their hands, seize them and slay them wherever ye get them; in their case We have provided you with a clear argument against them." (An-Nisa: 89-91)


# #The historical context.##

An understanding of the historical context of these verses is also critical. Muslims believe that these verses were revealed by God to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, at the time when Muslims were attacked by the non-Muslims of Mecca on a regular basis. The Meccans wanted to kill the Muslims and stop the rise of Islam in Medinah. These verses do not grant permission for violence, but they are a warning against those who seek to instigate violence and oppression against the Muslims. Note that even in these warnings, restraint and caution are emphasized to the Muslims.

## The manner in which the Prophet Muhammad implemented the verse.##

The third factor to keep in mind is how each verse was implemented at the time of Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet implemented these verses in the following manner: The intention must be pure, meaning those with personal agendas were not allowed to fight. The war was declared by a legitimate authority (Prophet Muhammad). War was a last resort. There existed an openness among Muslims to respond to just peace initiatives--even during the battle. The Prophet spared non-combatants and refrained from destruction of homes, trees, or resources needed by Meccans to survive. In addition, the Prophet gave and ordered his followers to give humane treatment of the injured and prisoners of war.

more info:

http://islam.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.islamicresourceonline.org/files/qv.html


peace unto you

Answer 2

It does but has to be put in to context of the time, ie all the scrapping in the holy lands and the fact that Islam was a new religion having to compete with Christianity and Judaism to ensure that they got bums on seats, or rather people on their knees every Friday. Its tough breaking in to an already overcrowded market with yet another package promising an afterlife and fulfilment. Unfortunately this doesn't stop a few theological simpletons from taking it as carte blanche to conveniently use it as a justification to incite and commit gross acts of violence against humanity.

Answer 3

i love the fact that the muslim answers are long and full of proof with reasoned explanation that really settles the argument for any normal person, and then we see the christian just type in his standard non thinking response, 'it says kill all non muslims'. if people just read the muslim answers, it would be finished, but there is no sincerity, people have to hang on to their bitter and false prejudice

Answer 4

in line with danger if there have been any Muslims condemning the homicide bombers it may be somewhat much less complicated to settle for the declare that it rather is basically some "radicals" that are killing. in certainty that lots of the best non secular leaders instruct that it rather is an honor to die as a homicide bomber- they inspire the death and destruction. There are a startling loss of any form of average "peace loving" Muslims. in the event that they're accessible, they're afraid to talk out, with the aid of fact they comprehend that they are going to easily come approximately ineffective on the hands of their "peace loving" Muslim brothers. till there's a international-extensive condemnation from the Muslim international of the mindless killing and homicide bombers, your cries of hypocrisy ring hollow, and with each passing day Islam proves itself to be a faith of hate and mindless homicide. You my buddy ought to awaken and smell the ashes.

Answer 5

this is mentioned in the explanation of Jihad(holy struggle NOT holy war) It says Jihad can be done through the mouth(speach), the heart(love or marriage), the Hands(work) and the sword. It further states that it is the duty of every muslim to excercise Jihad and that every infidel unwilling to convert is to be killed. This however excludes Jews and Christians who are named as "students of the scripture" they are only to be mocked and made to pay a toll or tax.

Answer 6

The verses were revealed in the middle of a war. They were trying to kill the Prophet and his companions

Answer 7

Do a google search on it and you will find much of what is in the qu'ran. It specifically says to kill all infidels and non believers. It says to hide in waiting for them in diverse places to strike at them. Need I say more?

Answer 8

A few selected verses from the Qur’an are often misquoted to perpetuate the myth that Islam promotes violence, and exhorts its followers to kill those outside the pale of Islam.

1. Verse from Surah Taubah
The following verse from Surah Taubah is very often quoted by critics of Islam, to show that Islam promotes violence, bloodshed and brutality:

"Kill the mushriqeen (pagans, polytheists, kuffar) where ever you find them."
[Al-Qur’an 9:5]

2. Context of verse is during battlefield
Critics of Islam actually quote this verse out of context. In order to understand the context, we need to read from verse 1 of this surah. It says that there was a peace treaty between the Muslims and the Mushriqs (pagans) of Makkah. This treaty was violated by the Mushriqs of Makkah. A period of four months was given to the Mushriqs of Makkah to make amends. Otherwise war would be declared against them. Verse 5 of Surah Taubah says:

"But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is oft-forgiving, Most merciful."
[Al-Qur’an 9:5]

This verse is quoted during a battle.

3. Example of war between America and Vietnam
We know that America was once at war with Vietnam. Suppose the President of America or the General of the American Army told the American soldiers during the war: "Wherever you find the Vietnamese, kill them". Today if I say that the American President said, "Wherever you find Vietnamese, kill them" without giving the context, I will make him sound like a butcher. But if I quote him in context, that he said it during a war, it will sound very logical, as he was trying to boost the morale of the American soldiers during the war.

4. Verse 9:5 quoted to boost morale of Muslims during battle

Similarly in Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 5 the Qur’an says, "Kill the Mushriqs where ever you find them", during a battle to boost the morale of the Muslim soldiers. What the Qur’an is telling Muslim soldiers is, don’t be afraid during battle; wherever you find the enemies kill them.

5. Shourie jumps from verse 5 to verse 7
Arun Shourie is one of the staunchest critics of Islam in India. He quotes the same verse, Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 5 in his book ‘The World of Fatwahs’, on page 572. After quoting verse 5 he jumps to verse 7 of Surah Taubah. Any sensible person will realise that he has skipped verse 6.

6. Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 6 gives the answer
Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 6 gives the answer to the allegation that Islam promotes violence, brutality and bloodshed. It says:

"If one amongst the pagans ask thee for asylum,grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure that is because they are men without knowledge."
[Al-Qur’an 9:6]

The Qur’an not only says that a Mushriq seeking asylum during the battle should be granted refuge, but also that he should be escorted to a secure place. In the present international scenario, even a kind, peace-loving army General, during a battle, may let the enemy soldiers go free, if they want peace. But which army General will ever tell his soldiers, that if the enemy soldiers want peace during a battle, don’t just let them go free, but also escort them to a place of security?

This is exactly what Allah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur’an to promote peace in the world.

Answer 9

as the 1st answerer said, that the verses were revealed in a middle of a war. & i believe that what mortgagegirl101 was referring to, maybe, the same as the 1st answerer was referring to..

in a war,any war, soldiers would hide them selves, camouflage, to ambush the enemy.....

Answer 10

"May your swords drink the blood of the unbeleivers"

I had an intrepter tell me this was written in the Koran, and it was what a gang of Iraqi thugs were shouting at our vehicles when we were on patrol. I guess the new sword is the AK-47 though since the chanting ruffians were all strapped with them, but got punked once we opened fire first with a few 50 cals. as "peackeeping" shots.