The ManicaPost
WHILE “Islam” means peace and stands for peace, some non-Muslims seem to have the notion that there are verses of the Holy Qur’aan which condone “killing the infidel”! The fact of the matter is that the detractors of Islam, who mount an unjust
attack on the Muslims and the Holy Qur’aan, have very cunningly “cut and paste” some verses and taken them out of context all together.
If this is anything that is to go by and is to be regarded as an acceptable standard, then the reality is that almost all scriptures have verses which condone killing, etc. In fact even present day speeches by world leaders, community elders, and others would have to be included in the same category!
However, the reality is that the Holy Qur’aan commands the Believers to stick up for themselves in a defensive battle – i.e. if an enemy army attacks, then the Believers are to fight against that army until they stop their aggression.
All of the verses that speak about fighting/war in the Holy Qur’aan are in this context.
There are some specific verses that are very often “snipped” out of context, either by critics of Islam discussing “jihadism,” or by misguided elements who wish to justify their aggressive tactics.
“Slay Them” – If They Attack You First
For example, one verse (in its snipped version) reads: “slay them wherever you catch them” (Ch2: v 191). But who is this referring to? Who are “they” that this verse discusses? Upon closer examination, we come to realise that the preceding and following verses give the correct context: “Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loves not transgressors.
“And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter. . .But if they cease, God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. . .If they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression” (Ch2: v 190-193).
It is clear from the context that these verses are discussing a defensive war, when a Believing community is attacked without reason, oppressed and prevented from practicing their faith.
In these circumstances, permission is given to fight back – but even then the Believers are instructed not to transgress limits, and to cease fighting as soon as the attacker gives up. Even in these circumstances, Believers are only to fight directly against those who are attacking them, not innocent bystanders or non-combatants.
“Fight the Pagans” – If They
Break Treaties
A similar verse can be found in chapter 9, verse 5 – which in its snipped version (out of context) could read: “fight and slay the pagans wherever you find them, and seize them, hound them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war).”
This can be rather shocking as it stands, but once again, the preceding and following verses give the correct context.
This verse was revealed during a historical period when the small Muslim community had entered into treaties with neighbouring tribes (Jewish, Christian, and pagan).
Several of the pagan tribes had violated the terms of their treaty, secretly aiding an enemy attack against the Muslim community.
The verse directly before this one instructs the Muslims to continue to honour treaties with anyone who has not since betrayed them, because fulfilling agreements is considered a righteous action.
Then the verse continues, that those who have violated the terms of the treaty have declared war, so fight them . . .(as quoted above).
Directly after this permission to fight, the same verse continues, “but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them. . . for God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.”
Amazingly, the subsequent verses instruct the Muslims to grant asylum to any member of the pagan tribe/army who asks for it, and again reminds that “as long as these stand true to you, stand true to them: for God loves the righteous.”
Conclusion
Any verse that is quoted out of context misses the whole point of the message of the Holy Qur’aan. Nowhere in the Holy Qur’aan can be found support for indiscriminate slaughter, the killing of non-combatants, or murder of innocent persons in ‘payback’ for another people’s alleged crimes.
The Islamic teachings on this subject can be summed up in the following verses “It may be that God will grant love (and friendship) between you and those whom ye (now) hold as enemies.
For God has power (over all things), and God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. God does not forbid you, 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 God loves those who are just.”(Ch60: v 7-8)
For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact: MajlisulUlama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars Publications Department, P.O. Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare, Tel: 04-614078 / 614004, Fax : 04-614003, e-mail: [email protected]
