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The Qur'an commands Muslims to stick up for themselves in a defensive battle --i.e. if an enemy army attacks, then Muslims are to fight against that army untilthey stop their aggression. All of the verses that speak about fighting/war in theQur'an are in this context.There are some specific verses that are very often "snipped" out of context,either by those trying to malign the faith, or by misguided Muslims themselves whowish to justify their aggressive tactics.For example, one verse (in its snipped version) reads: "slay them wherever youcatch them" (Qur'an 2:191). But who is this referring to? Who are "they" that thisverse discusses? The preceding and following verses give the correct context:"Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; forGod loves not transgressors.And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they haveturned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight themnot at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fightyou, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith. But if they cease,God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until there is no moretumult or oppression, and there prevails justice and faith in God; but if theycease, let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression" (2:190-193).It is clear from the context that these verses are discussing a defensive war,when a Muslim community is attacked without reason, oppressed and prevented frompracticing their faith. In these circumstances, permission is given to fight back-- but even then Muslims are instructed not to transgress limits, and to ceasefighting as soon as the attacker gives up. Even in these circumstances, Muslim areonly to fight directly against those who are attacking them, not innocentbystanders or non-combatants.Another similar verse can be found in chapter 9, verse 5 -- which in its snipped,out of context version could read: "fight and slay the pagans wherever ye findthem, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem(of war)." Again, the preceding and following verses give the context.This verse was revealed during a historical period when the small Muslim communityhad entered into treaties with neighboring tribes (Jewish, Christian, and pagan).Several of the pagan tribes had violated the terms of their treaty, secretlyaiding an enemy attack against the Muslim community. The verse directly beforethis one instructs the Muslims to continue to honor treaties with anyone who hasnot since betrayed them, because fulfilling agreements is considered a righteousaction. Then the verse continues, that those who have violated the terms of thetreaty have declared war, so fight them... (as quoted above).Directly after this permission to fight, the same verse continues, "but if theyrepent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open theway for them... for God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." The subsequent versesinstruct the Muslims to grant asylum to any member of the pagan tribe/army whoasks for it, and again reminds that "as long as these stand true to you, stand yetrue to them: for God loves the righteous."Any verse that is quoted out of context misses the whole point of the message ofthe Qur'an. Nowhere in the Qur'an can be found support for indiscriminateslaughter, the killing of non-combatants, or murder of innocent persons in'payback' for another people's alleged crimes.

Does the Qur'an Say to Kill the Infidel? - Islam and Terrorism

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dowhatleft a comment

it looks to me that we should be on guard, because we are at war with them according to most of the world. so as far as im concerned we are now the non believer that this document says.
11 / 14 / 2009
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wscribdleft a comment

"The Quran claims to be eternal" as jeff said.. well that would mean that it's a book that lies in hearts of billions. Meaning that they know it by heart.. as for killing infidels well a true muslim doesn't have time to go around doing that. THey pray 5 times a day, and go on with their life..
08 / 11 / 2008
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dowhat replied:

did u even read what was written? they have plenty of time to do what ever. read the sixth paragraph and tell me its not there duty to kill when they are attacked.
11 / 14 / 2009

Salaamleft a comment

First off, the Jews have been persecuted through out all of history.They are the scapegoats for everyone.Phenomenons from The Plague to Communism have been blamed on the Jews.Jews are people who have chosen a religion to make sense of and explain life as they know it. They are not a nationality or race, they are a religion and culture. Jews are people who love, give, and try to do the best they can, just like the rest of us. I've been searching for the answer to whether Islam is a "violent religion". The media says it is, people say it is, but I have a hard time believing it.It sounds like the article says the Qur'an states that Muslims should not fight, unless in defense.The Qur'an was also written thousands of years ago in a different time,place, and culture than we know today. Probably a time which we can never fully comprehend.However, just because the Qur'an says certain things, does not mean every Muslim on the face of the earth lives by these guidelines. Every person does what he or she feels is right.In the case of Islam(which happens to have 1 billion plus followers), not every Muslim will believe the exact same thing. It's impossible for every person to be told one thing, and live their life in the black-and-white lines of those instructions, there will be variations and moderations.So why do we say Islam is a violent religion, when a few Muslim extremists become enveloped in violent acts?To judge many based on the actions of a few is short-sighted, and exactly how ignorance is spread.What we need to do, is learn about Islam first hand and from the source. Not by living among people who say they are believers, or by believing the media, but by reading from the root of Islam; the Qur'an.As I said before the truth of Islam won't be found in the people who say they are Muslims.They interpret their religion in the way they find it best, and best suits them, but they have their own bias' . The truth will be found in the Qur'an. Until we have made the journey, and searched for the truth with every drop of effort we have, we can not begin to condemn anyone for what they do or believe.Until we become all knowing and all powerful, we need to love everyone . No matter their race, religion, or philosophy, we need to treat them as a person who needs love, compassion, and who dreams of becoming happy. Enlightenment and our own goals will only come if we can do this for others.
06 / 15 / 2008
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dowhat replied:

i someone is a christian, they follow the bible, if they are muslim they follow the Curran. it is simple, some wack job started a war in the name of there religion and we attacked them or there land in retaliation. they are now in a war and are bound by what the Curran says, so if you're an American u better watch ur back.
11 / 14 / 2009

Monkinleft a comment

After reading the answer to the question I must agree, but I have an advantage that of the readers do not have, I have served in that part of the world and I have a better insight into the minds and ways of the believers of Islam. And from reading the comments here I see a problem, a real problem, many are responding from bias created from lack of knowledge and insight. But that does not mean that there are not those that would bastardize the religion. Having said this, this does not mean that we (Non-Muslims) should ever relax our guard against those that would mean (Muslims) that would intend us harm. And that means GET RID OF THE LIBERALS IN CONGRESS, and the sooner the better! The Motto of the 1/502 and 2/502 Airborn Infantry Battalion comes to mind, "FIRST STRIKE"!
03 / 31 / 2008
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