Please study the Holy Quran before mis-quoting from it!

Submitted by AMK (India), Oct 4, 2005 at 07:24

Hello,

I hope you don't take this the wrong way, this is a mere correction and not meant as a personal rebuke. Although I am no scholar of Islam or the Holy Quran, I am quite aware of this verse which you quote in your article. It is a pet quote of the critics of Islam, moreover proponents of the "Islam is Cruel" ideology.
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Your quote:
* Aggressive Islam: The Koran and other authoritative Islamic scriptures do contain incitements against non-Muslims. The eminent historian Paul Johnson, for example, cites two Quranic verses: "Strongest among men in enmity to the Believers will you find the Jews and Pagans" (Sura 5, verse 85) and "Then fight and slay the pagans wherever you find them. And seize them, beleaguer them and lie in wait for them." (9:5)
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Now let me enlighten you... Any piece of text, especially Historical Text should be read with great care, caution and within context. (The Holy Quran is not really Historical Text, it is the word of Almighty Allah, to be understood and followed till the end of the World, but that is my belief which you may not agree with, anyway... moving on...)

If you selectively quote passages of any text it may appear (to the not so well versed with the text) wrong, illegal, immoral, unjust. In case of the Holy Quran, the critics use this tactic to its full potential.

If you read the verse fully and the verse following the one you quote, you will realize that Islam is the most peaceful and forgiving religion.

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Chapter 9, verses 5 & 6:
5. But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

6. If one amongst the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah. and then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge.

http://web.umr.edu/~msaumr/Quran/
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Do you see the problems with still quoting the verse out of context. Let me enlighten you about the correct context.

The Muslims and Pagans had signed a peace accord which the Pagans unilaterally broke. That is when Almighty Allah revealed these verse to his Messenger (Peace be upon Him). In these verses Almighty Allah gives an ultimatum to the Pagans to put right their affairs in 4 months or a declaration of War. And in the context of the War, Almighty Allah says this (Slay them, seize them, beleaguer them) to boost the morale of the Muslims. Any Army Commander, at the time of war will say this to pep up his troops.

But would any Army Commander in any day and age have said anything similar to verse no. 6? Not let the enemy go, not forgive the enemy; BUT, if one should seek asylum grant it AND ESCORT HIM TO A PLACE OF SAFETY! SubhanAllah, these are Allah's great Words. Don't you see the mercy, peace and security emanating from these words?

There are various verses in the Holy Quran which show the peace loving nature of Islam. One well known one of them says that if one kills an innocent human it is like he has killed the entire human race. The innocent Human can be Muslim or Non-Muslim, it doesn't matter.

I request you and all other readers, at least for personal knowledge, read the entire Holy Quran with an open mind. Inshallah you will see the light and the right way.

AMK

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