Very often in discussions the so-called moderate Muslims use this argument that the slaughterers of Islamic State are not Muslims and have nothing to do with Islam, as they do kill other Muslims. The problem is, that Islam and the Quran in particular has this concept of Hypocrites, and Allah Himself has commanded “the true Muslims” to deal with them in the same way as they should do towards the disbelievers, mainly, to fight them and be harsh to them in this world and hereafter… (quotes will be provided)
The problem is in determination, WHO IS A TRUE MUSLIM AND WHO IS A HYPOCRITE!
Unfortunately, this matter has caused different Muslim communities to label each other as Hypocrites, and for this reason many of them grant themselves “a legal right to attack and kill the others”… On top of that, the Quran is quite specific about how to tell who and why becomes a Hypocrite! And yes, it rather confirms that the so-called Islamic State, as a clear regime of oppression of Muslims or not, are absolutely right to kill their fellow Muslims, if the latter refuse to give them a full obedience in fighting in the cause of Allah, which means – to oppress those who haven’t yet accepted Islam! (quotes will be provided).
Some people state that the the verse in Sura 9 (the last one revealed, so it is superior to all other commandments in the Quran if it contradicts earlier guidelines…) actually speaks about Allah punishing them in this World and Hereafter. The problem is, that this very Sura explains, that Allah works with the hands of “the (true) believers”…
Sura 9:14 (The Repentance)
Fight against them so that Allah will punish them by your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them and heal the breasts of a believing people,…
Quran 9:73 (The Repentance)
“O Prophet, fight against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be harsh upon them. And their refuge is Hell, and wretched is the destination.”
Quran 9:74 (The Repentance)
“They swear by Allah that they did not say [anything against the Prophet] while they had said the word of disbelief and disbelieved after their [pretense of] Islam and planned that which they were not to attain. And they were not resentful except [for the fact] that Allah and His Messenger had enriched them of His bounty. So if they repent, it is better for them; but if they turn away, Allah will punish them (Allah will punish them by your hands and disgrace them…) with a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And there will not be for them on earth any protector or helper.”
As you can see, the last quote actually is one of those that confirm that Allah has forbidden to criticize Islam in general.
The problem? The problem is that the true Knowledge and Truth is not afraid of being criticized. For instance, you can try your best by calling Jesus a pedophile who left behind him a teaching of pedophilia, and it will do no harm neither to Jesus nor his teachings. But Islam and its adherents are absolutely in pain every time you point it out to them. And the reason for this is – Quranic message has far too many problems with morals and violent oppression and logic and lack of clarity, like in this very verse (9:74) above, opening the door to so many speculations and interpretations, that it is far too easy to start an argument with anyone about anything. Naturally, it can only lead to conflicts even within the Islamic society itself. For this reason Muslims are encouraged not to read the Quran without a scholar at their side, as it is absolutely impossible to understand it (despite its own claim to be A Clear Guidance). And Scholars themselves often disagree with each other on what has been meant in particular places in the Quran…
For this reason we have Islamic scholars that preach morality and peace, and those that have no problem with pedophilia and violence.
where does the Quran command to fight the non-Muslims in order to turn them to Islam?
I will give you only a tiny number of those violent verses. Still, these ones are very telling…, and you will understand why after reading them.
Sura 9 (The Repentance) again…
5. Then when the Sacred Months (the 1st, 7th, 11th, and 12th months of the Islamic calendar) have passed, then kill the Mushrikun (see V.2:105) wherever you find them, and capture them and besiege them, and prepare for them each and every ambush. But if they repent and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat, then leave their way free. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
29. Fight against those who (1) believe not in Allah, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger (4) and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islam) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.
Remember, this is the Last Revealed Sura…, so it is superior to all other commands in the Quran, if they contradict with this one…
I believe there are not too many who still insist that these verses speak about self-defense… For it would be nearly stupid to assume that someone is fighting TILL RELIGION OS ALL FOR ALLAH AND TILL THE ISLAM HAS BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED AND TILL IT IS PRACTICED BY ALL THOSE THAT ARE TO BE FOUGHT… In self-defense?… Seriously?
Many modern Islamic scholars are trying to get away from this problem is Sura 9 by stating that it speaks about particular time and particular society of disbelievers who were breaking the treaty with Muslims, and for this reason this applies to self-defense. We already slightly touched this problem. But there is more to it.
Everyone is free to get their version of the Quran and read it by himself, and decide, what it truly speaks about, and is it a historical account only or an eternal guidance to all “true believers”…
When you read those verses in Sura 9 you have to keep in mind certain things to be sure you understand it correctly. And those things to remember are as follows:
- It is Allah, a Supreme and All-wise and All-knowing God Himself speaking, and He has the highest possible ability to make Himself abundantly clear…
- Allah Himself in the Quran on multiple occasions have stated – this is A Clear Guidance… So the text shouldn’t be confusing anywhere, meaning, the texts means what is seems to mean…
- The Quran is Islam IS NOT THE BOOK OF HISTORY, and Islamic scholars will confirm this to you unanimously (in one voice), that the Quran indeed is a perfect and eternal Word and, above all, A CLEAR GUIDANCE FOR ALL HUMANKIND FOR ALL TIMES…
- Allah ON ZERO OCCASIONS has stated, that any verse in the Quran has to be looked at in the so-called historical perspective, meaning, that the time when it was revealed should be taken into account to understand. Would Allah, as the Supreme and All-knowing Being have missed so important requirement that would lead to misunderstanding of the Quranic text?
In due time I will take a proper look and discuss this Sura verse by verse, as it is so vital in understanding the true face of Islam! For now, read the text by yourself and (very, very important!!!) keep in mind those 3 conditions mentioned just above! Here I paste not even whole Sura, but you will get the idea, if you keep your minds open and truly want to understand, what is it Allah Himself wanted to deliver, and not some posh scholars are trying to interpret into this verse.
So, Sura 9 (The Repentance) it is!
1. Freedom from (all) obligations (is declared) from Allah and His Messenger to those of the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah), with whom you made a treaty.
2. So travel freely (O Mushrikun – see V.2:105) for four months (as you will) throughout the land, but know that you cannot escape (from the Punishment of) Allah, and Allah will disgrace the disbelievers.
3. And a declaration from Allah and His Messenger to mankind on the greatest day (the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah – the 12th month of Islamic calendar) that Allah is free from (all) obligations to the Mushrikun (see V.2:105) and so is His Messenger. So if you (Mushrikun) repent, it is better for you, but if you turn away, then know that you cannot escape (from the Punishment of) Allah. And give tidings (O Muhammad) of a painful torment to those who disbelieve.
4. Except those of the Mushrikun with whom you have a treaty, and who have not subsequently failed you in aught, nor have supported anyone against you. So fulfill their treaty to them to the end of their term. Surely Allah loves Al- Mattaqun (the pious – see V.2:2).
5. Then when the Sacred Months (the Ist, 7th, 11th, and 12th months of the Islamic calendar) have passed, then kill the Mushrikun (see V.2:105) wherever you find them, and capture them and besiege them, and prepare for them each and every ambush. But if they repent and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat, then leave their way free. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
6. And if anyone of the Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) seeks your protection then grant him protection, so that he may hear the Word of Allah (the Qur’an), and then escort him to where he can be secure, that is because they are men who know not.
7. How can there be a covenant with Allah and with His Messenger for the Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) except those with whom you made a covenant near Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah)? So long, as they are true to you, stand you true to them. Verily, Allah loves Al-Muttaqun (the pious – see V.2:2).
8. How (can there be such a covenant with them) that when you are overpowered by them, they regard not the ties, either of kinship or of covenant with you? With (good words from) their mouths they please you, but their hearts are averse to you, and most of them are Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah).
9. They have purchased with the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah a little gain, and they hindered men from His Way; evil indeed is that which they used to do.
10. With regard to a believer, they respect not the ties, either of kinship or of covenant! It is they who are the transgressors.
11. But if they repent, perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and give Zakat, then they are your brethren in religion. (In this way) We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail for a people who know.
12. But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and attack your religion with disapproval and criticism than fight (you) the leaders of disbelief (chiefs of Quraish – pagans of Makkah) – for surely their oaths are nothing to them – so that they may stop (evil actions).
13. Will you not fight a people who have violated their oaths (pagans of Makkah) and intended to expel the Messenger, while they did attack you first? Do you fear them? Allah has more right that you should fear Him, if you are believers.
14. Fight against them so that Allah will punish them by your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them and heal the breasts of a believing people,
15. And remove the anger of their (believers’) hearts. Allah accepts the repentance of whom He wills. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
16. Do you think that you shall be left alone while Allah has not yet tested those among you who have striven hard and fought and have not taken Walijah [(Batanah – helpers, advisors and consultants from disbelievers, pagans, etc.) giving openly to them their secrets] besides Allah and His Messenger, and the believers. Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.
17. It is not for the Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah), to maintain the Mosques of Allah (i.e. to pray and worship Allah therein, to look after their cleanliness and their building, etc.), while they witness against their ownselves of disbelief. The works of such are in vain and in Fire shall they abide.
18. The Mosques of Allah shall be maintained only by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day; perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat and fear none but Allah. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance.
19. Do you consider the providing of drinking water to the pilgrims and the maintenance of Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah) as equal to the worth of those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah? They are not equal before Allah. And Allah guides not those people who are the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers).
20. Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) and emigrated and strove hard and fought in Allah’s Cause with their wealth and their lives are far higher in degree with Allah. They are the successful.
21. Their Lord gives them glad tidings of a Mercy from Him, and that He is pleased (with them), and of Gardens (Paradise) for them wherein are everlasting delights.
22. They will dwell therein forever. Verily, with Allah is a great reward.
23. O you who believe! Take not for Auliya’ (supporters and helpers) your fathers and your brothers if they prefer disbelief to Belief. And whoever of you does so, then he is one of the Zalimun (wrong-doers, etc.).
24. Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight … are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger, and striving hard and fighting in His Cause , then wait until Allah brings about His Decision (torment). And Allah guides not the people who are Al-Fasiqun (the rebellious, disobedient to Allah).
25. Truly Allah has given you victory on many battle fields, and on the Day of Hunain (battle) when you rejoiced at your great number but it availed you naught and the earth, vast as it is, was straitened for you, then you turned back in flight.
26. Then Allah did send down His Sakinah (calmness, tranquillity and reassurance, etc.) on the Messenger (Muhammad), and on the believers, and sent down forces (angels) which you saw not, and punished the disbelievers. Such is the recompense of disbelievers.
27. Then after that Allah will accept the repentance of whom He will. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
28. O you who believe (in Allah’s Oneness and in His Messenger (Muhammad)! Verily, the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, and in the Message of Muhammad) are Najasun (impure) . So let them not come near Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah) after this year, and if you fear poverty, Allah will enrich you if He will, out of His Bounty. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
29. Fight against those who (1) believe not in Allah, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger (4) and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islam) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.
30. And the Jews say: ‘Uzair (Ezra) is the son of Allah, and the Christians say: Messiah is the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouths. They imitate the saying of the disbelievers of old. Allah’s Curse be on them, how they are deluded away from the truth!
31. They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allah (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allah), and (they also took as their Lord) Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary), while they (Jews and Christians) were commanded [in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)) to worship none but One Ilah (God – Allah) La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) . Praise and glory be to Him, (far above is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him).”
32. They (the disbelievers, the Jews and the Christians) want to extinguish Allah’s Light (with which Muhammad has been sent – Islamic Monotheism) with their mouths, but Allah will not allow except that His Light should be perfected even though the Kafirun (disbelievers) hate (it).
33. It is He Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islam), to make it superior over all religions even though the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) hate (it).
…hope it helps a lot…
More on Islamic problems (hatred, hostility towards Disbelievers, Female Genital Mutilation, Acid Attacks, Harassment of Women) deriving directly from the Quran – click here! Some topics are still to be finished and published.