Does Quran really teach violence?

Lots of people (Muslims and non-muslims) consider The Holy Quran teaches violence and orders Muslims to kill the non- Muslims. In the first place, we would like to stress that when we Muslims state that Islam is a religion of peace, we are not trying to prove something unreasonable or solve a crossword puzzle. Rather, we are just stating a fact backed by clear-cut evidence and unquestionable proofs. Even we don’t need to state this fact, for Islam, in itself, is self-explanatory, in terms of its meaning, its noble teachings and the core of its message conveyed by the Prophets Allah sent to mankind.

Now, some people said that they have read the Quran, and found a lot of orders to kill people. I will be absolutely neutral and the show you what they read and then tell you the explanation.

They read: “And slay them wherever ye catch them…” Al Baqarah 2:191.

Also they read: “…But if they turn away, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks” (Al-Nisaa' 4: 89).

That is very fine. I did not say that those parts do not exist, but walk with me to the end. Actually, those are only a part of a sentence, not the whole sentence.

The whole sentence is in “Al-Baqarah”:

“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.) (Al-Baqarah 2: 190-194)

For the second on: “…But if they turn away, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks” (Al-Nisaa' 4: 89).

That is also a part of a sentence. Read it all, because it is saying it gradually. The sentence is:

“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.) (An-Nisaa’ 4: 89-91)

Now tell me honestly, do these verses give a free permission to kill any one anywhere? These verses were revealed by God to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), at the time when Muslims were attacked by the non-Muslims of Makkah on a regular basis. They were frightening the Muslim community of Madinah. One may say using the contemporary jargon that there were constant terrorist attacks on Madinah and in this situation Muslims were given permission to fight back the “terrorist”. These verses are not permission for “terrorism” but they are a warning against the “terrorists.” But even in these warnings you can see how much restraint and care is emphasized.

It is important that we study the religious texts in their proper context. When these texts are not read in their proper textual and historical contexts they are manipulated and distorted. It is true that some Muslims manipulate these verses for their own goals. But this is not only with Islamic texts; it is also true with the texts of other religions. I can quote dozens of verses from the Bible which seem very violent, if taken out from their historical context. These Biblical texts have been used by many violent Jewish and Christian groups. Crusaders used them against Muslims and Jews. Nazis used them against Jews. Recently Serbian Christians used them against Bosnian Muslims. Zionists are using them regularly against Palestinians. That is the way it is done. If you took something from its proper place, it would change the meaning”.

Now, after I told you all that. I say lots of Muslims misunderstand Quran and think it is ordering them to kill non-Muslims. But they are wrong and racist.

Muslims do not want to kill non-Muslims. Prophet Mohamed married a Christian from Egypt named Maria and by the way he did not kill her. He was tolerant and faithful to the orders of Allah. True Muslims never misunderstand Quran.

Convinced? or.....
Please, be convinced. Every word that came out of my mouth is absolutely true. Always take Islamic facts only from an educated true Muslim.