- 19 Nov 2006, 23:40
#8104
In the name of Allah the most Beneficient the most Merciful.
Clarification of verse 5, sura Taubah, 9:5, on slaying the non- believers.
A few selected verses from the Qur’an are often misquoted to perpetuate the myth that Islam promotes violence, and exhorts its followers to kill those outside the pale of Islam.
Verse from Surah Taubah.
The following verse from Surah Taubah is very often quoted by critics of Islam, to show that Islam promotes violence, bloodshed and brutality:
"...then slay the idolaters wherever you find them,... ." [Al-Qur’an 9:5]
Context of verse is for battlefield.
Critics of Islam actually quote this verse out of context.
In order to understand the context, we need to read from verse 1 of this surah.
It says that there was a peace treaty between the Muslims and the Mushriqs (pagans) of Makkah. This treaty was violated by the Mushriqs of Makkah. A period of four months was given to the Mushriqs of Makkah to make amends. Otherwise war would be declared against them.
Verse 5 of Surah Taubah says:
" So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful ". (9:5)
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 9:5]
The command to fight against the perfidious and treacherous group of infidels who persistently violated the treaties and tried to destroy peace and security, was to restore law and order in the society. The command was not general but only refers to particular groups of the Makkan idolaters who were notorious offenders. They used to harass the Muslims whenever they found them helpless, and when overpowered, prayed for amnesty by making treaties which they used to break before their ink was dried.
When war becomes inevitable it must be fought with vigour. It may take the form of slaughter, or capture, or siege or ambush, but even then there is room for repentance and amendment, and if that takes place forgiveness is enjoined for the establishment of peace and harmony.
Example of war between America and Vietnam.
We know that America was once at war with Vietnam. Suppose the President of America or the General of the American Army told the American soldiers during the war: "Wherever you find the Vietnamese, kill them". Today if I say that the American President said, "Wherever you find Vietnamese, kill them" without giving the context, I will make him sound like a butcher. But if I quote him in context, that he said it during a war, it will sound very logical, as he was trying to boost the morale of the American soldiers during the war.
Verse 9:5 quoted to boost morale of Muslims during battle.
Similarly in Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 5 the Qur’an says, "then slay the idolaters wherever you find them", during a battle to boost the morale of the Muslim soldiers. What the Qur’an is telling Muslim soldiers is, don’t be afraid during battle; wherever you find the enemies kill them.
Furthermore,
Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 6, gives the answer.
Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 6 gives the answer to the allegation that Islam promotes violence, brutality and bloodshed. It says:
"And if one of the idolaters seek protection from you, grant him protection till he hears the word of Allah, then make him attain his place of safety; this is because they are a people who do not know. "[Al-Qur’an 9:6]
[Pooya/Ali Commentary 9:6]
The injunction to give asylum to those enemies who seek protection is to provide them opportunities for hearing the true message of Allah, so that they may see the light of reason and accept the true religion of Allah. It is the highest form of tolerance.
The Qur’an not only says that a Mushriq seeking asylum during the battle should be granted refuge, but also that he should be escorted to a secure place. In the present international scenario, even a kind, peace-loving army General, during a battle, may let the enemy soldiers go free, if they want peace. But which army General will ever tell his soldiers, that if the enemy soldiers want peace during a battle, don’t just let them go free, but also escort them to a place of security?
This is exactly what Allah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur’an to promote peace in the world.
Last edited by murtaza on 30 Nov 2006, 23:03, edited 2 times in total.
! MURTAZA !