Out of context??

Question

Here is something I have taken from an anti Islamic website:
"Seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and in any case take no friends or helpers from their ranks." (Surah 4:89)

However, when we look at the right translation and taking into account what the verse before says, we get this:

[4:89] They wish that you disbelieve as they have disbelieved, then you become equal. Do not consider them friends, unless they mobilize along with you in the cause of GOD. If they turn against you, you shall fight them, and you may kill them when you encounter them in war. You shall not accept them as friends, or allies.

[4:90] Exempted are those who join people with whom you have signed a peace treaty, and those who come to you wishing not to fight you, nor fight their relatives. Had GOD willed, He could have permitted them to fight against you. Therefore, if they leave you alone, refrain from fighting you, and offer you peace, then GOD gives you no excuse to fight them.

These verses were revealed when pagans signed a peace treaty with the Muslims.
Then they broke it by attacking a Muslim tribe.

So, God revealed these verses.

In conclusion, these were revealed for a specific group, in a specific time, to serve a specific purpose. Therefore, not applicable to refair to it and fight others these days as anti Islamic websites claim.

Now looking at 4:88, to know what "They" in the fight verses are referring to:

[4:88] Why should you divide yourselves into two groups regarding hypocrites (among you)? GOD is the one who condemned them because of their own behavior. Do you want to guide those who are sent astray by GOD? Whomever GOD sends astray, you can never find a way to guide them.

So, verse 89 and 90 are only talking about hypocrites at the time of the prophet and those who broke the treaty. Not infidels everywhere and anytime.

To cecilia a:
You said it. It is the websites responsibility. It is not Islam. Islam is not responsible for their actions. Also, no one pointed these websites out to represent Islam. Islam is represented by its teachings, not Muslims actions when they don't follow it.

To Mim:
Because they are terrorists and using religion for their own benefits.

to Elizabeth W:
The verse says you cannot be friends with those who attack you and the hypocrits. As for apostates, we can discuss that in a different topic.

Answer 1

Excellent point!

And that's exactly what these Islamic websites and haters do. Take things out of context, make false assumptions, use wordplay in a negative sense etc.

Answer 2

Is my understanding of what this is saying right? You can't be friends with people who don't believe what you do but you shouldn't kill them unless they go to war with you.

Why do some Muslim countries have the death penalty for apostasy or leaving the religion? Is this against the Koran and a misunderstanding of Islam?

Not trying to be difficult just to understand.

Answer 3

It's not at all out of context. For Baptist, read the book "Quran Bible and Science" by Morris Buquaille. See the videos of the debate with Ahmed Didat on "Is Quran/Bible word of God". Old Testament and New Testament WERE words of God, but have been corrupted. Holy Quran is the Final/Last Testament preserved so far and will be preserved till eternity in its true form by Almighty Allah Himself.

Answer 4

I think you are on the right track. Unfortunately the main growth in Islamic fervor today, is among those who do not so interpret the Koran, but are influenced by the ideas of Al Wahib.

Answer 5

Yeah, interesting how the Kuran allows a man to determine who he can and can't kill. "If they turn against you"...that can be subjective. Also "with whom you have signed a peace treaty". If you add to this the incentive of virgins in heaven, then the preclivity for Jihad becomes a little more understandable. A muslim can kill whoever he wants with these justifications and get virgins in heaven for his trouble. Nice.

also, if you read the implication about peace treaties, people who attack muslims, and not taking 'friends or helpers'....well, that kind of gives muslims a dogmatic right to kill prisoners of war. But that never happens, does it?

IN the bible, it says "thou shalt not kill." Pretty straightforward.

That's as big a religious contradiction as anyone on these forums has posted about christianity. In some cases killing is okay, in others it's sort of okay, but it depens on what the offender has done in regards to the muslim. Basically if God tells someone to fight you, they are your enemy. If he doesn't tell them to fight you, then they are not your enemy. I wonder if that makes god passive aggressive, and what to do with violent rhetoric unsupported by violence.

I dunno. This is interesting because like many other religions, it seems people will discard on verse in favor of the other to satisfy a personal grudge or blood lust. That means the same controversy exists over islam as it does within christianity.

Unfortunately Mohammad lost all credibility with me when I learned he was married to a 9 year old.

Answer 6

Very nicely explained. I have seen this exact (mis-)translation quoted many times, actually. I was never able to find it in my copy of the Quran. Now perhaps I know why. Thank you and peace to you.

Answer 7

so why to terrorist target people living their lifves in peace,

Answer 8

What about the web sites calling for Jihad and pick up a gun? Are they in context?

Answer 9

well the quran means nothing considering it has nothing to do with Jesus and it was written by a man and not inspired by God.

Answer 10

Good point

Thanks for sharing bro.

Ma'assalamah.