The Quran and Jihad

Submitted by Wayne (United States), Sep 5, 2006 at 17:44

Dear Mr. Rizwan,

Do you think I am really misinformed? Possibly you think I am reading the wrong Quran or misquoting it? Well then let me give you a brief summary of what I believe the Islamic terrorist believes, correct me if you think I'm wrong:

1. Islam requires submission to Allah, whose words are written in the Quran.
2. On Judgment Day, Allah weighs your good and bad works and decides whether you go to Paradise or hell.
3. Allah stated in the Quran that if you die in jihad, then you are spared judgment and automatically go to Paradise.
4. The verses in the Quran that speak of jihad over-ride (nasikh) the verses that speak of love and kindness.
5. Jihad is the motivation behind almost every act of terrorism that is done in the name of Islam.

In the Prophet Muhammad's day, jihad was practiced against Christians and Jews on a regular basis, as well as people who were idol worshipers–anyone who did not convert to Islam. (See Surah 2:217; 4:71-104; 8:24-36, 39-65). Why don't we let the Quran speak for itself (using the Noble Quran translation):

• "Those who reject Islam must be killed. If they turn back (from Islam), take (hold of) them and kill them wherever you find them…Surah 4:89"

• So, when you meet (in fight–Jihad in Allah's Cause) those who disbelieve, smite (their) necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives). Surah 47:4

• O you who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are close to you, and let them find harshness in you; and know that Allah is with those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious). Surah 9:123

It seems that Allah commanded the prophet Muhammad to enforce killing rather than taking prisoners.

• It is not for a Prophet that he should have prisoners of war (and free them with ransom) until he had made a great slaughter (among his enemies) in the land. Surah 8:67

What were Muslims told to do? How about preparing themselves to fight against the unbelievers:

• Let not the unbelievers think that they can get the better (of the godly): they will never frustrate them. Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies, of Allah and your enemies, and others besides, whom you may not know, but whom Allah knows. Surah 8:59-60 [Ali translation]

It is my understanding that the following verse is considered to be the final revelation from Allah regarding Christians and Jews; therefore, it is understood to override all other revelations. It states:

• And fight them until there is not more Fitnah (disbelieve and polytheism, i.e., worshipping others besides Allah) and the religion (worship) will all be for Allah Alone [in the whole of the world]. But if they cease (worshipping others besides Allah), then certainly, Allah is All-Seer of what they do. Surah 8:39

If I understand that verse correctly, it says to "Fight those who reject Islam until all the worship is for Allah alone." Also, from what I understand, the Quran states that Muslims must not be friends with Christians or Jews:

• Take not the Jews and the Christians as Auliya (friends, protectors, helpers), they are but Auliya of each other. And if any amongst you takes them (as Auliya), then surely he is one of them. Surah 5:51

I think you will find that this fact is also emphasized in Surah 5:52-57 along with Surah 4:89. Also, when fighting Christians, the Quran says to punish them severely so they will leave their homes and be dispersed –Surah 8:57.

You will also find that the Quran commands Muslims to force Christians and Jews to convert to Islam with very strong and direct words. The following is from The Noble Quran in English, which includes commentary in the parenthesis:

• O you who have been given the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Believe in what We have revealed (to Muhammad) confirming what is (already) with you, before We efface faces (by making them like the back of necks; without nose, mouth, eyes) and turn them hindwards, or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers. And the commandment of Allah is always executed. Surah 4:47

By the way, Mr. Rizwan, just in case the meaning is not crystal clear, this translation has a footnote at the bottom of the page, which reads: "This Verse is a severe warning to the Jews and Christians, and an absolute obligation that they must believe in Allah's Messenger Muhammad and in his Message of Islamic Monotheism and in this Quran."

As far as Christianity goes, you will find nothing in the New Testament that even hints of the things taught in the above Surahs However, this reply to you is long enough and I will read with interest any returning comments.

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