ABC Islam - Does Islam Teach Violence?

Does the Quran teach violence?
As many of these blog postings relate too, the word “terrorism” and “violence” seem to find its way into the words “Islam” and “Muslim”. Common stereotypes and misrepresentations in the media that surround people give off these perceptions, but what about the Quran? Passages in the Quran can be misinterpreted. Here are a few examples…

“And slay them wherever ye catch them…” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:191)

“…But if they turn away, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friend or helpers from their ranks” (Surah An-Nisaa 4:89)

Passages from the Quran need to be read in their full context, taking into consideration of their historical context. Let’s re-examine those two quotes in their fuller context to allow their actual meaning to emerge.

“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors. And kill them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, kill them. Such is the reward of those who reject faith. But if they cease, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression. The prohibited month, for the prohibited month, and so for all things prohibited, there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2: 190-194)

“They but wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): so take not friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah (from what is forbidden). But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks. Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty (Of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If Allah had pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you: therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (guarantees of) peace, then Allah hath opened no way for you (to war against them). Others you will find that wish to gain your confidence as well as that of their people: every time they are sent back to temptation, they succumb thereto; if they withdraw not from you nor give you (guarantees) of peace besides restraining their hands, seize them and slay them wherever ye get them; in their case We have provided you with a clear argument against them.” (Surah An-Nisaa’ 4: 89-91)

The verses above, which are commonly misinterpreted, were reveled to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) during a period of time where Muslims were being attacked by those who were non-Muslim in Mecca. One would say that due to the constant attacks of “terror” in Madinah at the time, Allah gave consent to Muslims to defend themselves.
Without taking into consideration the historical period, passages from the Quran can be easily misinterpreted into thinking Islam is a faith that sanctions violence, when really, it does not.
Islam, in fact, is a faith of peace. The world Islam has the same meaning as “peace” in Arabic.
Let us not forget our other religions and religious scriptures out there.

"I will make my arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the long-haired heads of the enemy." (Deut. 32:42)

"I say to you that to everyone who has, more shall be given, but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. As for my enemies who do not want me to reign over them, bring them here and kill them in my presence" (Luke 19:26-27).

The two passages above don’t sound so friendly themselves, so why do we not title Christianity as a faith that involves violence? The Quran sanctions war as the only mean to be used in defence of invading enemies.

In conclusion, passages from the Quran must be read entirely (not selectively) and taken into the consideration of the period of time they relate too. Islam is not a faith that associates with terrorism, and rather a faith that promotes peace and the well being of others.

"Do not take life, which Allah has made sacred, except for a just cause. If anyone is killed unjustly, We allow his heir (to seek justice) but do not allow him to exceed bounds when it comes to taking life, for he is helped (by the law)" (17:33).