Does Islam
promote violence?
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.
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