Interpreting the Koran

Submitted by Wallace Edward Brand (United States), Oct 8, 2011 at 14:16

It is true that some verses in the Koran are more peaceful than others. There are many verses that are outright inconsistent. However there is a rule in Islamic jurisprudence that deals with this problem. The rule applicable to all of the four or five schools of Koranic jurisprudence, I am advised, is that the verse later in time is the one that should be followed.

I found this from Raymond Ibrahim, an Egyptian who is on the staff of the Middle East Quarterly. He says that the more benign statements are earliest in time when Mohammed was still trying to influence those in Mecca to support him. The hate verses and kill the infidel verses are latest in time according to Ibrahim.

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