Re Koran Study

Submitted by Jonathan Brahms (United States), Jan 20, 2004 at 10:33

Dr. Pipes,

I too was tempted to buy and study the Koran in order to understand the source of Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism.

<<. For example, verse 9:5 commands Muslims not to slay pagans until the sacred months have passed and verse 9:36 tells Muslims to fight pagans during those same months. >>

Verse 9:5 tells us SOMETHING, does it not? Doesn't it tell us anything at all about why Muslims must fight pagans?

It could just be the usual territorial stuff, of course, but is there any *ideological* basis for why Muslims should or must combat pagans?

BTW, why and when did "Moslems" become "Muslims"?

Do you recommend reading Bernard Lewis for understanding the ME today?

I am a regular reader of yours; I am extremely grateful for the courageous public stands you have taken.

Please stay safe!

JB

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