Why do some claim
that
the Quran includes some verses
calling for killing the non-believers?
I believe it is safe
to say that
Muslims believe that the Quran,
as do the Jew and Christians
believe about the Bible,
is the word of their God (Allah)?
I also have
discovered
that each of the
three books
preach love
and
peace
unless under attack!
It has also been
pointed out that the
"confusing saying being bounced around the internet
about killing non
believers"
was stated in the Quran by the Prophet
Abū
al-Qāsim Muḥammad ibn ʿAbd Allāh ibn ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib ibn Hāshim
and only after a
dispute with a treaty and should be looked at as, only if under an attack!
"Fight in the
cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loves
not transgressors. And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out
from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than
slaughter... But if they cease, God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful... If they
cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression"
(2:190-193).
It is clear from the
context that these verses are discussing a defensive war, when a Muslim
community is attacked without reason, oppressed and prevented from practicing
their faith. In these circumstances, permission is given to fight back -- but
even then Muslims are instructed not to transgress limits, and to cease
fighting as soon as the attacker gives up. Even in these circumstances, Muslim
are only to fight directly against those who are attacking them, not innocent
bystanders or non combatants.
Quran says (surah
9:4 to 7):
Excepted are those
with whom you made a treaty among the polytheists and then they have not been
deficient toward you in anything or supported anyone against you; so complete
for them their treaty until their term [has ended]. Indeed, Allah loves the righteous
[who fear Him]. (4) And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the
polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in
wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish
prayer, and give zakah, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving
and Merciful. (5) And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then
grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah. Then deliver him
to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know. (6)
How can there be for the polytheists a treaty in the sight of Allah and with
His Messenger, except for those with whom you made a treaty at al-Masjid
al-Haram? So as long as they are upright toward you, be upright toward them.
Indeed, Allah loves the righteous [who fear Him]. (7)
So, if
you are a Muslim, Jew or Christian bent on killing anyone that disagrees with you.
You are speaking and
doing against the words of your GOD!