Serious Question: Are Muslims taught that infidels (non-Muslims) can be killed if they don't convert to Islam?

Question

This was asserted by Richard Dawkins on the Skeptical Inquirer podcast this week. I'm ignorant of the Quran on this point. Can Muslims enlighten me, and if he's incorrect (perhaps this part is an unfair question), do you know where in the Quran he might have gotten that idea?

Answer 1

No compulsion in religion

Quran (2:256)





This article has two sections. The first is a brief explanation of Quranic verses that are often mistaken as instructions to persecute Non-Muslims. The second section features verses from the Quran and Hadith that vehemently insist on religious tolerance and the idea of "no compulsion in religion." God willing, Non-Muslims as well as our Muslim brothers and sisters who resort to violence, will take these verses into consideration.

Section I

Anti-Islamic people often use the following verses to justify the stereotype that Islam is a religion of violence and intolerance, which was spread by the sword. The explanations here were aided by Abdullah Yusuf Ali's commentary on the Holy Quran.

Sura 8.12 "Remember thy lord has inspired the angels with the message. Give firmness to the believers and instill terror into the hearts of the unbelievers. Smite them above their necks and smite the fingertips of them."

Sura 9.5 "When the sacred months have passed, kill the idolaters whereever you find them."

Sura 47.4 "When you encounter the unbelievers, Strike off their heads. Untill you have made a wide slaughter among them tie up the remaining captives."

Sura 8 is about a BATTLE - the Battle of Badr - not just some daily affair. A battles take two side to occur. Are you under the impression that while these 'horrid' Muslims were fighting, the enemies were simply standing there like good little peaceful men?

Sura 47 was revealed during the first year of Hijrah when the Muslims were under *threat of extinction* by invasion from Makkah.

Sura 9 is interesting. Non-Muslims almost invariably quote verse 5 but leave out verse 4 and 6. Why? Because verse 4 says, "But the treatires are not dissolved with those Pagans with whom you have entered into alliance and who have you subsequently failed you in aught, nor aided anyone against you. So fulfill your engagements with them to the end of their term: for God Loves the righteous."

And verse 6 says, "If one among the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him so that he may hear the Word of God; and then escort him to where he can be secure."

So basically what has been done above is:

1. The background to each sura was shown. One cannot take a verse revealed for a battle and insist it is if for the daily affairs of Muslims.

2. It was shown how Non-muslims who wish to attack Islam, conveniently leave out verses before and after their quoted verse. Above, I have shown only one of the many examples.



Section II

This long list of verses from the Holy Quran and the Traditions of Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) show that Islam at it's core and at its source is a religion of peace. Terrorists who persecute innocent people because of their faith are not welcome - their use of Islam as a scapegoat, does not make Islam what they portray it to be.


2:256 There is no compulsion in religion, for the right way is clearly from the wrong way. Whoever therefore rejects the forces of evil and believes in God, he has taken hold of a support most unfailing, which shall never give way, for God is All Hearing and Knowing.

16:82 But if they turn away from you, (O Prophet remember that) your only duty is a clear delivery of the Message (entrusted to you).

6:107 Yet if God had so willed, they would not have ascribed Divinity to aught besides him; hence, We have not made you their keeper, nor are you (of your own choice) a guardian over them.

4:79, 80 (Say to everyone of them,) 'Whatever good betides you is from God and whatever evil betides you is from your own self and that We have (O Prophet) sent you to mankind only as a messenger and all sufficing is God as witness. Whoso obeys the Messenger, he indeed obeys God. And for those who turn away, We have not sent you as a keeper."

11:28 (Noah to his people) He (Noah) said "O my people! think over it! If 1 act upon a clear direction from my Lord who has bestowed on me from Himself the Merciful talent of seeing the right way, a way which you cannot see for yourself, does it follow that we can force you to take the right path when you definitely decline to take it?

17:53, 54 And tell my servants that they should speak in a most kindly manner (unto those who do not share their beliefs). Verily, Satan is always ready to stir up discord between men; for verily; Satan is mans foe .... Hence, We have not sent you (Unto men O Prophet) with power to determine their Faith.

21:107 to 109 (O Prophet?) 'We have not sent you except to be a mercy to all mankind:" Declare, "Verily, what is revealed to me is this, your God is the only One God, so is it not up to you to bow down to Him?' But if they turn away then say, "I have delivered the Truth in a manner clear to one and all, and I know not whether the promised hour (of Judgment) is near or far."

22:67 To every people have We appointed ceremonial rites (of prayer) which they observe; therefore, let them not wrangle over this matter with you, but bid them to turn to your Lord (since that is the main objective of religion). You indeed are rightly guided. But if they still dispute you in this matter, (then say,) `God best knows (the value of) what you do."

88:21, 22; also see 24:54 And so, (O Prophet!) exhort them your task is only to exhort; you cannot compel them to believe.

48:28 He it is Who has sent forth His Messenger with the (task of spreading) Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to the end that tie make it prevail over every (false) religion, and none can bear witness to the Truth as God does.

36:16, 17 (Three Messengers to their people) Said (the Messengers), "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you, but we are not bound to more than clearly deliver the Message entrusted to us.'

39:41 Assuredly, We have sent down the Book to you in right form for the good of man. Whoso guided himself by it does so to his own advantage, and whoso turns away from it does so at his own loss. You certainly are not their keeper.

42:6, 48 And whoso takes for patrons others besides God, over them does God keep a watch. Mark, you are not a keeper over them. But if they turn aside from you (do not get disheartened), for We have not sent you to be a keeper over them; your task is but to preach ....

64:12 Obey God then and obey the Messenger, but if you turn away (no blame shall attach to our Messenger), for the duty of Our Messenger is just to deliver the message.

67:25, 26 And they ask, "When shall the promise be fulfilled if you speak the Truth?" Say, "The knowledge of it is verily with God alone, and verily I am but a plain warner."

60:8 Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.

60:9 Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection). It is such as turn to them (in these circumstances), that do wrong.






The teachings of the Prophet on how you and I should treat our Non-Muslim friends and neighbours on a day to day basis as well as how to government should treat a Non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim state.

"He who believes in God and the Last Day should honour his guest, should not harm his neighbour, should speak good or keep quiet." (Bukhari, Muslim)

"Whoever hurts a Non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim state hurts me, and he who hurts me annoys God." (Bukhari)

"He who hurts a Non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim state, I am his adversary, and I shall be his adversary on the Day of a Judgement." (Bukhari)

"Beware on the Day of Judgement; I shall mysefl be complainant against him who wrongs a Non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim state or lays on him a responsibility greater than he can bear or deprives him of anything that belongs to him." (Al-Mawardi)

"Anyone who kills a Non-Muslim who had become our ally will not smell the fragrance of Paradise." (Bukhari)



Rights Of Citizens In An Islamic State

We turn now specifically to the question of the rights of citizen in an Islamic state. At these rights are more extensive than the general human right which have been described earlier, they need separate treatment.

1. The Security Of Life And Property

2. The Protection Of Honour

3. The Sanctity And Security Of Private Life

4. The Security Of Personal Freedom

5. The Right To Protest Against Tyranny

6. Freedom Of Expression



7. Freedom Of Association



8. Freedom Of Conscience and Conviction



9. Protection of Religious Sentiments



10. Protection From Arbitrary Imprisonment



11. The Right to The Basic Necessities Of Life



12. Equality Before the Law



13. Rulers Are Not Above The Law



14. The Right to Avoid Sin



15. The Right To Participate In The Affairs Of State



To know about these points in details please visit:

http://www.jamaat.org/islam/HumanRightsCitizens.html



War ethics in Islam


First of all, war is decreed in Islam in self defense. This indicates that aim behind war is to ward off aggression not to impose Islam as a religion. Referring to this, Allah Almighty says: To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged; and verily God is most powerful for their aid. (Al-Hajj:39)



Turning to the main topic of the question concerning war ethics in Islam, we would like to develop the whole issue while dealing with the following main points:



1-Personal Behavior of the Troops



2-Whom to Fight



3-The Prophet's instructions to Commanding Chiefs



4-Abu-Bakr's instructions to Usama's Campaign on Syria



5-Abu-Bakr's Instructions to Yazid ibn-Abi Sufian



6-Maintaining Justice and Avoidance of Blind Retaliation



7-Medical and Nursing Services



8-Prisoners of War



9-The Fate of War Prisoners



10-Nonbelligerents



11-International Law



12-Respect of Treaties and Agreements





To know more about the previous points in details, please visit:



http://members.tripod.com/maseeh1/advices7/id226.htm

Answer 2

Could it be that Islam is responsible for the historical backwardness of Islamic nations? I think it is high time we ask ourselves for the first time: Is Islam true? Does it help people to progress intellectually, morally, spiritually, scientifically, politically, culturally and economically? Or is it really the culprit for the social unrest, wars and upheavals in some countries? Was Islam responsible for the splitting of the mighty India in three feuding nations and the death of millions of innocent people? Is Islam responsible for the mayhem in Afghanistan, the chaos in Iran, the commotion in Kashmir, the turmoil in Philippines, the pandemonium in Palestine, the madness in Somalia, the anarchy in Algeria, the human right abuses in Egypt, the honor killings in Pakistan, and the brutalities in Saudi Arabia………….etc ? Correct me if I’m wrong Does Islam advance national unity by giving to all its citizens the same rights and privileges irrespective of their faith? Does Islam promote science? Does it cultivate culture and advancement of human mind? Does it encourage philosophy and arts? Does Islam promote democracy, freedom of expression and freedom of thoughts? Has Islam been a positive influence in your country? Truth will set you free but it isn’t easy to swallow. If you are not ready to face the truth, stay out of this debate. Don’t ask questions that may shatter your biased beliefs and your cherished faith. Keep your head under the sand and pretend nothing is wrong. Freethinking is not for everyone. It requires strength of character. It requires devotion to truth and an uncluttered mind to accept it, even if it goes against what we believe. If you don’t see yourself ready, don’t let people force you into it. But please don’t stand in the way of those who are ready to face it Does Islam stand for gender equality? Why you don’t allow your husband to marry more wives? Why you don’t obey him and instead prefer the infidel’s way of equality? Why would you take him to the court if he beats you, despite the fact that Allah gives him this right? Why you demand equal pay when you know that you are deficient in intelligence?

Answer 3

It is a fair question in my opinion. And as a serious answer: No. Absolutely not!

Where this person got the supposed verses from Quran stating that non-Muslims must be killed is from confusion of information about certain verses speaking of wartime. Some people have taken a part of one of the verses, "kill them wherever ye may find them," and have applied it to mean all non-Muslims must be killed. However this is not true, and is quite obviously so with just a tiny bit of research. The verses that have been so misrepresented are actually verses referring to war, and the specific people who must be killed wherever they are found are specifically those who are attacking Muslims because of our religion. We, like any other individual, have the right to defend ourselves, and this is highlighted in the Quran. What the Quran also touches base on are very strict rules regarding who we are to fight. For example, we are not to fight anyone but those who attack us and leaders who oppress their people. That's it. Getting into the details of these battles, we are also not to touch a woman (even if she's attacking), a child, the elderly, any man not wielding a weapon, and even a tree is forbidden to be harmed. And if the aggressors were to stop their battle against us, then it is not only a duty but an obligation for us to also stop.

Then we get into details that specify "infidels" and why we as Muslims have no say on who these "infidels" are. You can read more about that subject here: http://www.al-qiyamah.org/_/concept_of_infidels_kafirs_in_islam.htm

So to make things even more clear to you, here are the passages of the Quran that these people refer to, only complete:

2:190-194 "AND FIGHT in God's cause against those who wage war against you, but do not commit aggression-for, verily, God does not love aggressors. And slay them wherever you may come upon them, and drive them away from wherever they drove you away - for oppression is even worse than killing. And fight not against them near the Inviolable House of Worship unless they fight against you there first; but if they fight against you, slay them: such shall be the recompense of those who deny the truth. But if they desist-behold, God is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace. Hence, fight against them until there is no more oppression and all worship is devoted to God alone***; but if they desist, then all hostility shall cease, save against those who [wilfully] do wrong. Fight during the sacred months if you are attacked: for a violation of sanctity is [subject to the law of] just retribution. Thus, if anyone commits aggression against you, attack him just as he has attacked you - but remain conscious of God, and know that God is with those who are conscious of Him."

***The reason I wanted to point this out is to show a couple different translations here, as it's more than meets the eye. The translation I gave here is from M Asad and can be found at http://www.islamicity.com/quransearch/ as well as the other two I will post here for you.

Yusuf Ali translation: 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 practise oppression.

Picktall translation: And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah. But if they desist, then let there be no hostility except against wrongdoers.

And commentary from the Asad translation: Lit., "and religion belongs to God [alone]" - i.e., until God can be worshipped without fear of persecution, and none is compelled to bow down in awe before another human being. (See also 22:40.) The term din is in this context more suitably translated as "worship" inasmuch as it comprises here both the doctrinal and the moral aspects of religion: that is to say, man's faith as well as the obligations arising from that faith.(Quran Ref: 2:193 )

Hope this helps you some, and if you need more info, don't hesitate to ask!

Answer 4

Funny how non-muslims here jump and answer this question without asking us muslims. NO OF COURSE MUSLIMS ARE NOT TAUGHT TO KILL ANYONE WHO DOESNT CONVERT I LIVED IN A MUSLIM COUNTRY MOST OF MY LIFE AND THERE IS A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF CHRISTIANS IN MY COUNTRY WHO LIVE PEACEFULY WITH US NO ONE EVER WAS FORCED OR ANNOYED TO CONVERT.


The Quran says in more than one verse this

- No Compulsion in religion -

- You have your religion, and i have mine -

- Are you going to force the people to change their faith? -

and there are so many of other verses. For non-muslims who answered yes, give us please a break and educated urself before you speak

Answer 5

no and anybody who says that is stupid and blind. There's a lot of people out there who want to give Islam a bad reputation. you should be careful of what you hear and what you read because it can effect your thoughts badly.

Answer 6

it IS incorrect. It came from surah Al-Tawbah. It says that we should kill jews and Christians. BUT that was written when jews and christians were trying to kill us.

Answer 7

That's what I have always heard of them.If they don't kill one of us they can't go to heaven. I think that is why so many of them are snicking in here from the Mexican boarder to kill as many of us as they can.. They are coming in here out of MEXICO, WATCH THE NEWS... That is why we have got to shut it down before they take us over, if it is not already to late.. but it probably already is. P.S. I am talking about the terrorist, not the people.

Answer 8

The Noble QUR’AN:

2:256

Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects Evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.

18.29 . Say : ( It is ) the truth from the Lord of you ( all ) . Then whosoever will , LET HIM believe , and whosoever will , LET HIM disbelieve. Lo! We have prepared for disbelievers Fire . Its tent encloseth them . If they ask for showers , they will be showered with water like to molten lead which burneth the faces. Calamitous the drink and ill the resting place!


The BIBLE:

(2 Thessalonians 2:3 NASB/WEY).

"Let no one in any way deceive you, for that day cannot come without the coming of the apostasy first, and the appearing of the man of sin, the son of perdition."

Deuteronomy 13:6-10:

If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which [is] as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; [Namely], of the gods of the people which [are] round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the [one] end of the earth even unto the [other] end of the earth; Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: BUT THOU SHALT SURELY KILL HIM; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. And thou shalt STONE HIM WITH stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

For further information, I suggest you refer to the following work: Yahiya Emerick's The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam 2nd edition. It should be available through your local library system or bookstores or you can order it online from Amazon.com.

Answer 9

No. but if Infidels attack 1st to kill us we have the right to defend our right to exist

Answer 10

thats what is says I do not think all muslims are taught to kill but they are taught about Jihad being ready to die for their fath

Answer 11

I'm not muslim, but yes, it says that in Surah 9:5, and Surah 47:4