Full context of Chapter 5 verse 32 (killing one man is like killing the whole people)

Submitted by Govind (United States), Nov 6, 2012 at 02:26

Dear Dr Pipes:

Verse 5:32 of quran is very often quoted to establish that Islam is a religion of peace. Muslims challenge others to read the quran before criticising Islam. So I went bythe book and read 5:32. I was expecting an unqualified call to show mercy to all people. I was shocked. The full context of 5:32 should incude 5:33 (5:31 seems not to be directly elated to 5:32). 5:32 says that killing anyone, for any reason other than murder or creating mischief in the land, is tantamount to killing the whole people. You see, readers, the exceptions allowed in 5:32 are pretty drastic. If you believe that I am creating mischief in your land, you can kill me and it will not be equivalent to killing the whole people. But do not stop at 5:32. If 5:32 scores any points, 5:33 loses them all. 5:33 says that punishment for people who wage war against the God and his messenger is crucifixion, execution, or cutting of hands or legs. So, dear readers, if you were a pagan in Mecca in those fateful days and had chosen to stand up to the messenger of God, you could have selected your pick from being executed, being crucified, or being amputated. 5:34 allows a nice remedy. If I repent, these three things will not apply to me. Of course, if it comes to losing my hands, I will repent.

This all sound strange but this all is from Abdullah Yusuf Ali's translation. Readers should check for themselves. I went to 5:32 to find some solace. I found little. I must say that 5:35 is the first verse in this sequence that must be quoted. It tells people to do their duty to God and in that process get prosper. But then that sentiment is a part of every religion.

What makes this story sad is that while lots of Muslims quote 5:32, they choose not to include its exclusions. And, they most definitely do not mention 5:32. That is a sad dishonesty.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".