When the context is worse than the verse

Submitted by Prashant, Jul 14, 2018 at 17:15

Dear Dr Pipes,

Reynald de Chatillon's message entitled 'Most Enduring Foe' led me to read about Ann Marie Waters. That, in turn, led me to read about Sarah Haider of Ex-Muslims of North America (EXMNA). Muslims many time defend objectionable verses in the quran by saying that these verses must be seen in their full context. As a result, I personally, never interpret a quaranic verse without reading at least five to ten verses before and after the verse in question. I have often found that in most cases the full context of a bad verse does not redeem the verse.

Interestingly I found the same sentiment expressed by Sarah Haider that I will like your readers to know. Miss Haider says that to prove her friends who would point out 'horrible' verses of the quran to her wrong, she started studying the Quran to understand the context of these horrible verses. She often found that the context was worse!

It is good to know that some other person has thought the same way as I did. It is the responsibility of all people in the world to oppose the directives of Islam that do not lead to mutual respect, forgiveness, peace, non-violence and love.

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