Does Islam promote violence?

[OneoftheLost]

Before we continue to the issue at hand, please understand where I am coming from. As an American who has been overseas, I have seen quite a few interesting things. One thing that has become a discussion between me and a few friends, is why exactly Islam is currently host to so many extremist factions in so many different countries. To date, I can't really think of any other religion that has so many different wars going on in so many countries for so... long.

My question is this, do the basic teachings of Islam promote violence?

I read this Islam and Violence (*EDIT* This is clearly a christian website, so pleas forgive me, but it seems to be the only source of info for me on the subject. hence my fear that it is reather bias.)

But I'm not really sure its trustworthy. I'm hoping some devout Muslims can fill me in on this.

Pleas don't mistake this for 'trolling' I'm just curious on the subject, as I really don't understand Islam. Now, it isn't the ONLY violent religion. (I'm looking at you Spanish inquisition and Witch hunts.) I'm just curious as to the justification for the violence. I understand the cause is probably not Islam at all, but socio-political factors. I don't care about those, I'm wondering what justifies in Islam a terrorist/revolutionary movement?

 

[Songbird]

Mod Post

Thread moved to General Debates section
​

 

[Bringing Truth]

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.

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 mushriqeen (pagans, polytheists, kuffar) where ever you find them."
[Al-Qur'an 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 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:
"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-Qur'an 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 Qur'an says, "Kill the Mushriqs where ever 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.


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-Qur'an 9:6]
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.




I am sure I have cleared the misconceptions taken in Islam.


@songbird

There was no point of moving this to "general debate section." the person who made this thread intended to take the answer from the muslims, and it was seeking for an answer not a debate. If debate was intended, you should have opened a new thread.

 

[OneoftheLost]

Thanks for the move Songbird, I was unaware that I was in the wrong section.

In response to the previous post, I wanted to thank you for taking the time to respond. I was indeed looking for answers, and it seems yours is quite comprehensive, having never read the Qur'an in its entirety, I do recognize some of those quotes, and now that you explain it, can see where things might be misinterpreted. (As is done to some degree with most.. er... 'holy works') Thanks again! I'll obviously have to do some more research, but this is heartening.

 

[Songbird]

Thanks for the move Songbird, I was unaware that I was in the wrong section.

Here to help.

 

[Reverend Rick]

@songbird

There was no point of moving this to "general debate section." the person who made this thread intended to take the answer from the muslims, and it was seeking for an answer not a debate. If debate was intended, you should have opened a new thread.

2. Discussion of Moderation
There must be no discussion of The Moderation of posts or members on the open forums, or between members by private discussion. In all cases of dispute, members are to first attempt dialogue with RF staff by creating a thread in the Site Feedback section. To ensure the privacy of such matters, all threads in Site Feedback will only be visible by the member who created the thread, and the staff. Members also have the option of contacting a member of staff outlining the problem by private message. Final appeals will be decided by an Administrator. General issues and concerns about moderation can also be directed to site feedback.

The OP was more of an accusation than a respectful question and we could have just closed the thread instead of moving it.

Muslims can reply here as well if they choose to.

If you have a problem with how this forum is ran, please start a thread in "site feedback" where you can have a private conversation with the staff.

 

[kai]

Does Islam promote violence?

people promote violence, some people use Islam as their justification, but some people will find justification in anything that suits them really.

and really the US and the UK have a seemingly endless list of wars.

 

[Bringing Truth]

The OP was more of an accusation than a respectful question and we could have just closed the thread instead of moving it.

Muslims can reply here as well if they choose to.

If you have a problem with how this forum is ran, please start a thread in "site feedback" where you can have a private conversation with the staff.

in your way it seemed to be an accusation, and for me it was a simple question asking muslims to wether islam is violent or not. I just simply answered by taking out the common misconceptions in islam

I have no problem at how this forum is ran, since I am new I am well used with the forum, if I did something wrong, I simply apologize

 

[beenie]

Does Islam promote violence?

people promote violence, some people use Islam as their justification, but some people will find justification in anything that suits them really.

and really the US and the UK have a seemingly endless list of wars.

Agreed.

 

[Revoltingest]

The OP was more of an accusation than a respectful question and we could have just closed the thread instead of moving it.

For what it's worth, I thought the OP was respectful.....provocative in today's climate, but respectful.
I see far more accusatory & disrespectful threads than this one, so it seems to comport with standards.
And the answers address the author's concerns. I'd say this is what we're all about.

 

[England my lionheart]

Before we continue to the issue at hand, please understand where I am coming from. As an American who has been overseas, I have seen quite a few interesting things. One thing that has become a discussion between me and a few friends, is why exactly Islam is currently host to so many extremist factions in so many different countries. To date, I can't really think of any other religion that has so many different wars going on in so many countries for so... long.

My question is this, do the basic teachings of Islam promote violence?

I read this Islam and Violence (*EDIT* This is clearly a christian website, so pleas forgive me, but it seems to be the only source of info for me on the subject. hence my fear that it is reather bias.)

But I'm not really sure its trustworthy. I'm hoping some devout Muslims can fill me in on this.

Pleas don't mistake this for 'trolling' I'm just curious on the subject, as I really don't understand Islam. Now, it isn't the ONLY violent religion. (I'm looking at you Spanish inquisition and Witch hunts.) I'm just curious as to the justification for the violence. I understand the cause is probably not Islam at all, but socio-political factors. I don't care about those, I'm wondering what justifies in Islam a terrorist/revolutionary movement?

Its not as easy as a yes or no answer,there are many things to consider,Islam has a following of 1.6 billion but like Christianity it has many branches,add to this cultural and political differences and possibly the biggest difference between an Islamist and a follower of Islam.

An Islamist like Hasan Al Banna founder of the Muslim Brotherhood,it is his words in the preamble of the Hamas Charter,there is also Sayyid Qutb another bright star of the MB who promotes violence against us Kuffar and Jahilliya in general they are IMO the violent ones,many in the MB are trying to distance themselves from them but their leader wants to carry on their path.

The words for violence are certainly in the Qur'an and especially the Hadith IMO if you are looking for them but there are many words for peace too,i guess it depends which one you are looking for.

 

[Badran]

Does Islam promote violence?

people promote violence, some people use Islam as their justification, but some people will find justification in anything that suits them really.

and really the US and the UK have a seemingly endless list of wars.

I agree wholeheartedly.

 

[Tarheeler]

Does Islam promote violence?

people promote violence, some people use Islam as their justification, but some people will find justification in anything that suits them really.

and really the US and the UK have a seemingly endless list of wars.

I agree as well.

Almost every ideology, whether religious, political, or philosophical, has been used at some time to justify violence and other brutal acts. If ones tries, it is easy to cherry-pick almost any document and to twist its contents to justify those acts.

 

[kai]

I agree as well.

Almost every ideology, whether religious, political, or philosophical, has been used at some time to justify violence and other brutal acts. If ones tries, it is easy to cherry-pick almost any document and to twist its contents to justify those acts.

Exactly

 

[Reverend Rick]

in your way it seemed to be an accusation, and for me it was a simple question asking muslims to wether islam is violent or not. I just simply answered by taking out the common misconceptions in islam

I was very impressed with your answer. It was very informative.

I have no problem at how this forum is ran, since I am new I am well used with the forum, if I did something wrong, I simply apologize

No apology needed, the staff moderates the DIR's very strictly where we tend to let things run much more loosely in our debate forums.

I personally found the OP very respectful as well, but his non-muslim quote raised some hairs on the back of my neck in a Muslim DIR.

Enough said here guys, this is turning out to be a good thread.

 

[Father Heathen]

The OP was more of an accusation than a respectful question and we could have just closed the thread instead of moving it.

It was a completely fair and valid question, in my opinion.

 

[Reverend Rick]

It was a completely fair and valid question, in my opinion.

Lets run with that thought FH.

There are over a billion Muslims in this world and for the most part, they are peaceful. There will always be a small fraction of any group that pervert the meaning of any religious writing to justify their wrong doing.

Painting with a broad brush and condemning over a billion people for the actions of the few and extreme is prejudicial.

 

[Father Heathen]

Lets run with that thought FH.

There are over a billion Muslims in this world and for the most part, they are peaceful. There will always be a small fraction of any group that pervert the meaning of any religious writing to justify there wrong doing.

Painting with a broad brush and condemning over a billion people for the actions of the few and extreme is prejudicial.

That clearly wasn't what the op was doing. Of course not all or even most muslims belong to or support terrorism. And of course not all acts of terrorism are committed by Muslims. But that aside, it does appear that terrorist organizations who claim to be Islamic are more prevalent and widespread than other types of terrorist organizations. Again, the question was perfectly fair and valid, and it would be rather disingenuous to dodge it.

 

[Reverend Rick]

That clearly wasn't what the op was doing. Of course not all or even most muslims belong to or support terrorism. And of course not all acts of terrorism are committed by Muslims. But that aside, it does appear that terrorist organizations who claim to be Islamic are more prevalent and widespread than other types of terrorist organizations. Again, the question was perfectly fair and valid, and it would be rather disingenuous to dodge it.

I'm not one to dodge issues and I consider myself to be genuine. I just have to ask, have you considered that perhaps the media covers Islamic terrorism more than other groups?

Perhaps there are more Islamic terrorists than other terrorists because there are more folks who follow Islam than other religions in the world.

Perhaps it may have to do with many groups of people who are not interested in becoming so modern so quickly. I believe a thousand years from now it will not matter if women have drove cars for the last 850 years or 950 years.

Not everyone on the planet is ready to be so progressive and embrace Western standards. People do have a right to be different and resist change.

That does not mean however that the world is not changing.

I am no different. If the world required me to take a mark to buy and sell, I would instantly become a "terrorist".

 

[England my lionheart]

Perhaps its due to the ambiguous nature of the Qur'an,here Hasan Al Banna the founder of the MB tells us according to him what Jihad is:

Jihad,Hasan Al Banna

Many Muslims today mistakenly believe that fighting the enemy is jihad asghar (a lesser jihad) and that fighting one's ego is jihad akbar (a greater jihad). The following narration [athar] is quoted as proof: "We have returned from the lesser jihad to embark on the greater jihad." They said: "What is the greater jihad?" He said: "The jihad of the heart, or the jihad against one's ego."
This narration is used by some to lessen the importance of fighting, to discourage any preparation for combat, and to deter any offering of jihad in Allah's way. This narration is not a saheeh (sound) tradition: The prominent muhaddith Al Hafiz ibn Hajar al-Asqalani said in the Tasdid al-Qaws:
‘It is well known and often repeated, and was a saying of Ibrahim ibn 'Abla.’
Al Hafiz Al Iraqi said in the Takhrij Ahadith al-Ahya’:
‘Al Bayhaqi transmitted it with a weak chain of narrators on the authority of Jabir, and Al Khatib transmitted it in his history on the authority of Jabir.’
Nevertheless, even if it were a sound tradition, it would never warrant abandoning jihad or preparing for it in order to rescue the territories of the Muslims and repel the attacks of the disbelievers. Let it be known that this narration simply emphasises the importance of struggling against one's ego so that Allah will be the sole purpose of everyone of our actions.
Other associated matters concerning jihad include commanding the good and forbidding the evil. It is said in the Hadeeth: "One of the greatest forms of jihad is to utter a word of truth in the presence of a tyrannical ruler." But nothing compares to the honour of shahadah kubra (the supreme martyrdom) or the reward that is waiting for the Mujahideen.

from the Epilogue

My brothers! The ummah that knows how to die a noble and honourable death is granted an exalted life in this world and eternal felicity in the next. Degradation and dishonour are the results of the love of this world and the fear of death. Therefore prepare for jihadand be the lovers of death. Life itself shall come searching after you.
My brother, you should know that one day you will face death and this ominous event can only occur once. If you suffer on this occasion in the way of Allah, it will be to your benefit in this world and your reward in the next. And remember brother that nothing can happen without the Will of Allah: ponder well what Allah, the Blessed, the Almighty, has said:

Not all Muslims see it this way but a significant amount do