A few selected verses from the Quran are often
misquoted to perpetuate the myth that Islam promotes
violence, and exhorts its followers to kill those
outside the pale of Islam.
1. 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: “Kill the
mushrikeen (pagans, polytheists, kuffar) where ever
you find them.” [Al-Quran 9:5]
2. Context of verse is during 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
Mushriks (pagans) of Makkah. This treaty was violated
by the Mushriks of Makkah. A period of four months was
given to the Mushriks of Makkah to make amends.
The oft-quoted Quranic verse about killing of
disbelievers pertains to only a particular period when
the disbelievers had rejected a treaty. It is like
generalising the American army order to kill
Vietnamese guerillas for all time to come
Otherwise war would be declared against them. Verse 5
of Surah Taubah says: “But when the forbidden months
are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye
find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in
wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they
repent, and establish regular prayers and practise
regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah
is oft-forgiving, Most merciful.” [Al-Quran 9:5] This
verse is quoted during a battle.
3. 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.
4. Verse 9:5 quoted to boost morale of Muslims during
battle
Similarly in Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 5 the Quran
says, “Kill the Mushriks where ever you find them”,
during a battle to boost the morale of the Muslim
soldiers. What the Quran is telling Muslim soldiers
is, don’t be afraid during battle; wherever you find
the enemies kill them.
5. Shourie jumps from verse 5 to verse 7
Arun Shourie is one of the staunchest critics of Islam
in India. He quotes the same verse, Surah Taubah
chapter 9 verse 5 in his book ‘The World of Fatwahs’,
on page 572. After quoting verse 5 he jumps to verse 7
of Surah Taubah. Any sensible person will realise that
he has skipped verse 6.
6. 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: “If one amongst the pagans ask
thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear
the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can
be secure that is because they are men without
knowledge.” [Al-Quran 9:6]
The Quran not only says that a Mushrik 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
Quran to promote peace in the world.