"Allah hath opened no way for you (to war against them)."

As mentioned in the previous post, terrorists MISQUOTE the Quran verses to justify their actions and corrupt Muslim youth towards their UNISLAMIC mass murdering ways. Additionally, they manipulate the following verse 4:89 “But 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” to instigate hatred towards Non Muslims, and portray Islam as a religion that views non Muslims as enemies to be slaughtered mercilessly to attain Paradise.

However, upon opening the Quran to the related verse, one realizes that the terrorists once more MISQUOTE the Quranic verse to justify their UNISLAMIC beliefs, by pulling it out of context. Please see the verses below.

Verse 88 - Why should ye be divided into two parties about the Hypocrites? Allah hath upset them for their (evil) deeds. Would ye guide those whom Allah hath thrown out of the Way? For those whom Allah hath thrown out of the Way, never shalt thou find the Way.

Verse 89 - They but wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): But 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;-

Verse 90 - 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).

( Quran 4: 88 – 90 )

The verses relate to the ‘hypocrites’ who claim support for Prophet Muhammad and then turned back against him and Allah’s way, not ‘infidels’. Hypocrites are people who say they believe but their acts of disbelief prove otherwise. They differ from infidels or non believers, as infidels openly say they don’t believe and their acts of disbelief are in support of their words. Therefore you can’t accuse infidels of being ‘hypocrites’.

The hypocrites maybe Muslims or even ‘People of the Book’ ( Jews or Christians) who believe in ONE God, but reject Prophet Muhammad and his teachings as the Final Messenger of God. However, the key issue this passage deals with is RENEGADES, which means people that turned ‘traitors’ or ‘turncoats’. These were supposedly friends of the Prophet and now they have switched sides and joined their enemies. So what does Islam say is the right way to deal with traitors? Allah says not to take friends from the traitors, but seize them and slay them. In most countries around the world, treason is one of the most serious offences against the state, a crime even punishable by death, until the mid 20^th century, so why is it barbaric for Islam?

However, verse 90 goes further by giving exceptions to by which even traitors can be spared. The two conditions are a) they join a group with whom Muslims have alliances, OR b) they approach Muslims with restrains to fight against you or others. Allah further declares that if a) they withdraw from you and don’t fight you and b) offer you a peace treaty with guarantees then Allah closes all ways and justifications for Muslims to fight them, even if they are TRAITORS.

As you can see, Islam is a just religion as outlined in the Quranic passage above, which deals with traitors NOT Non Muslims, and is not the barbaric cult that the blood thirsty TERRORISTS like to portray. Allah is Most Merciful and his Mercy extends to the hypocrites and traitors as well, as the above verses are proof that Allah FORBIDS any violence against people that have turned against Muslims and are traitors not only to the state but Allah as well. IF they are peaceful towards Muslims or become friends of allies and don’t pose any threat, Allah himself blocks any justification for them to be harmed.

The terrorists strike to create fear and mayhem by unjustified killings of innocent victims and civilians. Their acts are a gross violation of laws of humanity and more importantly a greater violation of the laws of Allah. They deceive themselves and other young minds with their MISINTERPRETATIONS to wage wars against innocent civilians who pose no threat to Muslims and whose lives Allah forbids Muslims to take.

My next post will be about the verses, 8:7: “Wipe the infidels out to the last” and 8:12: “Instill terror into the hearts of the unbelievers” and 8:17 “It is not ye who Slew them; it is God; when thou threwest a handful of dust, it was not Thy act, but God’s…..”, which are verses that were revealed during the time of war, and are pulled out of context.

"Allah doth love the righteous"

As mentioned in my previous post, the verse Quran 9: 5 “then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush “ is MISQOUTED by the TERRORISTS and pulled out of context to instigate the UNISLAMIC killing of innocent civilians all over the world. To understand the verse, you must understand the context and the complete message of Allah’s command, by reading from 9:1 – 7.

Verse 1 -- (This is a declaration of) immunity by Allah and His Messenger towards those of the idolaters with whom you made an agreement.

Verse 2 -- So go about in the land for four months and know that you cannot weaken Allah and that Allah will bring disgrace to the unbelievers.

Verse 3 -- And an announcement from Allah and His Messenger to the people on the day of the greater pilgrimage that Allah and His Messenger are free from liability to the idolaters; therefore if you repent, it will be better for you, and if you turn back, then know that you will not weaken Allah; and announce painful punishment to those who disbelieve

Verse 4 -- Except those of the idolaters with whom you made an agreement, then they have not failed you in anything and have not backed up any one against you, so fulfill their agreement to the end of their term; surely Allah loves those who are careful (of their duty).

Verse 5 -- So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

Verse 6 -- And if one of the idolaters seek protection from you, grant him protection till he hears the word of Allah, then make him attain his place of safety; this is because they are a people who do not know.

Verse 7 -- How can there be a league, before Allah and His Messenger, with the Pagans, except those with whom ye made a treaty near the sacred Mosque? As long as these stand true to you, stand ye true to them: for Allah doth love the righteous.

(Quran 9: 1-7)

The context of the above passage is regarding the violation of agreements between the Muslims and their enemies. Of course, Al Qaeda, Taliban and other terrorists groups only quote the first half of 9:5 to justify the ‘Holy War’ or jihad against the enemies of Islam. They brainwash the youth to believe that Allah has given permission to mercilessly slay the unbelievers and it is their sacred duty to slaughter in the name of Islam. Non Muslims also see this as proof that Islam commands Muslims to slaughter the unbelievers and expect great rewards from Allah, whom they see as a merciless and blood thirsty deity.

IF slaying and killing unbelievers were sacred and holy, then why would Allah forbid it during the four ‘sacred months’? Shouldn’t Allah encourage more murder and mayhem during the sacred months to get more rewards? Allah forbids it because Allah is Merciful, and commands Muslims to allow their enemies to repent and leave them free. Further proof of Allah’s Mercy can be seen in 9:6, where if idolaters seek protection, Muslims are commanded to grant protection and further ensure the idolaters attain safety.

Although, the first half of 9:5 does state ‘slay the idolaters’ , there are clear instructions not to harm the idolaters who have honored their agreement in 9:4 and also in 9:7. As long as the unbelievers maintain peaceful relations with Muslims and don’t violate agreements, Allah commands Muslims to maintain peace as well.

This is no different from the natural moral laws that govern humanity. Agreements of peace with enemies are to be honored unless the enemies violate the peace. Furthermore, even enemies that seek protection, as in refugees in war torn countries, are to be escorted till safety, not massacred, as in Rwanda or Srebrenica or countless other human tragedies.

I will be addressing the verse 4:89 “But 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;- ”, which has a similar message containing clearer instructions towards establishing peace with unbelievers who haven’t wronged the Muslims.

"Allah loveth not transgressors"

Many terrorists use the following verse, “And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out;” ( Quran 2:191) to justify a war on the ‘infidels’. The same verse is then quoted by Non Muslims to portray Islam as a ‘barbaric’ or ‘backward’ religion / cult.

However, all of them are MISQUOTING and pulling the words out of context. If you want to quote Quran 2: 191, then one should also read from 2: 190 till 2: 193 as well, to understand the context of the verse and Allah’s message.

verse 190 -- Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.

verse 191 -- And slay 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, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.

verse 192 -- But if they cease, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

verse 193 -- 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 practise oppression.

( Quran 2: 190 – 193)

This is my point exactly. Islam says to “fight those who fight you”. If someone attacks you, then fight back against them, but DON’T TRANGRESS limits. Muslims are allowed to fight those who OPPRESS and should fight against injustice. I don’t think any human on earth should tolerate injustice and oppression and no one would blame one for fighting back, as long as they don’t cross limits.

However, even in fighting back, Allah commands Muslims that DONT TRANGRESS LIMITS. Suicide bombing was a technique that was popularized by the LTTE militants in Sri Lanka, who were terrorizing their country and even assassinated many political leaders, including Rajiv Gandhi of India. They had no connection with Islam and their activities have nothing to do with the Muslims. Al Qaeda started adopting their ‘suicide bombing’ techniques and started brainwashing Muslims to make them accept suicide bombing as a legitimate weapon in Islam.

Suicide bombing, is UNISLAMIC and transgresses all limits of humanity and Allah as well. Furthermore, it leads to indiscriminate loss of innocent lives, who have nothing to do with the war, but just went to buy a loaf of bread or medicines from the market.

What is worth noting is that in the four verses above, TWO verses clearly state “ if they cease, let there be no hostility”, which is emphasized by Allah being Oft forgiving and Most Merciful. Muslims could be in the midst of a fight against oppression, but irrespective of how long or how brutal the war is, IF the oppressors CEASE oppression, then Muslims are commanded by Allah to stop hostilities.

Islam is not only a religion, but a complete way of life that guides a Muslim how to live in this world as per Allah’s rules and regulations to keep the peace on Earth. It provides guidelines on how to pray, how to conduct business fairly, to pay wages to the labors promptly, to protect and look after your neighbors house and his family, to protect the orphans, to be hospitable to visitors, and a vast field of topics such as fidelity in marriage, and even inheritance. How is it possible that Allah would not provide guidelines about warfare and fighting in Allah’s cause? Allah has provided guidelines of fighting wars and has imposed limits which Muslims are forbidden to cross.

To further emphasis how suicide is UNISLAMIC, please see the following Prophet’s Tradition that clearly emphasizes suicide is not acceptable, even during times of war.

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 77, Number 603:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

We witnessed along with Allah's Apostle the Khaibar (campaign). Allah's Apostle told his companions about a man who claimed to be a Muslim, "This man is from the people of the Fire." When the battle started, the man fought very bravely and received a great number of wounds and got crippled. On that, a man from among the companions of the Prophet came and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Do you know what the man you described as of the people of the Fire has done? He has fought very bravely for Allah's Cause and he has received many wounds." The Prophet said, "But he is indeed one of the people of the Fire." Some of the Muslims were about to have some doubt about that statement. So while the man was in that state, the pain caused by the wounds troubled him so much that he put his hand into his quiver and took out an arrow and committed suicide with it. Off went some men from among the Muslims to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Allah has made your statement true. So-and-so has committed suicide." Allah's Apostle said, "O Bilal! Get up and announce in public: None will enter Paradise but a believer, and Allah may support this religion (Islam) with a wicked man."

It is clear even thought that man fought bravely alongside the Prophet and defended Islam by killing many enemies, all his acts were in vain, as he committed suicide on the battlefield and condemned to Hell. How can the clerics claim then that suicide bombing is allowed in Islam? It is not allowed, but like the Prophet said, " Allah may support this religion with a wicked man". Like the above tradition, Al Qaeda are fighting for Islam, but their use of suicide bombings and terrorist strikes against civilian are UNISLAMIC even though they claim to be ‘soliders of Islam’.

I hope I have clearly showed how Islam isn’t a religion that allows suicide bombing, or other transgressions that are committed presently in Allah’s name. Allah doesn’t allow you to continue to keep fighting but cease the hostilities once the oppression has stopped, even if they are your enemies. If they aren’t oppressing you, and are treating Muslims justly, Muslims are not allowed to fight, but encouraged to forgive and maintain peace as Allah wills.

In the next post, I will discuss another misquoted verse, Quran 9:5: “fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war)”. I hope to show that verse is also misquoted and used out of context by the terrorists and Islamophobes alike.

I am not sure how many people are reading this blog, so would appreciate some comments and questions, which I will try to address, as long as they are civil and respectfully posed.

I am a Muslim, NOT a terrorist

Recently, the Obama administration reviewed their National Security Strategy and removed the terms “Islamic extremism” and “jihad” from their dictionary. Not surprisingly, this didn’t sit well with many of his opponents, who felt Obama was selling out his country, to appease his Muslim allies. Regardless of how Obama’s acts, he is bound to face criticism from some group or the other. However, Obama’s word choice is a step in the right direction, the direction towards putting an end to the menace of what was formerly known as “Islamic extremism”. It is time the world and especially the Muslim world join hands and start calling a spade what it is, a spade, by referring to miltants claiming to be ‘jihadists’ as what they are in reality, “terrorists”.

Terrorism is an act that transgresses not only all religions, but humanity as well. Furthermore, it is an act that is condemned by all religions and humanity as well. The IRA has terrorized and brought years of civil war to the Irish people, the LTTE have shattered the peace of Sri Lanka and killed many innocent civilians over the years. The FARC in Colombia, the KKK in America, and even the Zionist military group, Irgin, that blew up the King David Hotel, claiming over 90 deaths. Then why has the world gotten carried away with terms such as ‘Islamic extremists”, “jihadists”, and other creative terms joining these terrorists with Islam. Generalizations like these are counterproductive and end up creating a divisive world which plays into exactly what the terrorists want, a ‘clash of civilizations’. However, the only clash that is occurring is the clash of humanity, a war between the humane and the inhumane.

Many Muslims feel ‘Jihad’ is justified in the Holy Quran and is a duty of every Muslim as commanded by Allah. However, the acts perpetrated by the ‘terrorists’ are NOT jihad and they are NOT doing their duty to Allah by achieving ‘martyrdom’ in the name of Islam. These terrorists attacks are UNISLAMIC in every sense: in theory and in practice. They violate the Holy Quran by misrepresenting Allah’s commands to the world, and earn the wrath and hatred of the world and more importantly, Allah himself.

Many readers on the internet keep pointing out that the Holy Quran and Islam promote terrorism by proclaiming to “ kill disbelievers” or “slay disbelievers” and label the Islamic faith as ‘backward’ or ‘barbaric’. They misquote the same verses that the terrorists use to brainwash their fresh recruits, by taking verses out of context and distorting the message of Islam. Once again, this plays into the hands of the terrorists, who want to create ‘ a clash of civilizations’, which is a war fueled on by ignorance and strong emotions on both sides.

Below is a list of the verses from the Holy Quran that are MISQOUTED to justify that the terrorist mindset is an integral part of Islam. In the next series of posts, I will go through EACH of these verses and show how they are pulled out of context to misguide both Muslims and non Muslims to claim the terrorism is part of Islam.

2:191: Kill the disbelievers wherever we find them

8:12: Instill terror into the hearts of the unbelievers

8:7: Wipe the infidels out to the last

4:89 :But 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

9:5: Fight and kill the disbelievers wherever you find them, take them captive, torture them

8:17—It is not ye who Slew them; it is God; when thou threwest a handful of dust, it was not Thy act, but God’s…..”

47:4- “Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in fight), strike off their heads; at length; then when you have made wide Slaughter among them, carefully tie up the remaining captives”: thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens.”

5:33, The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter;

However, terrorism has no place in Islam and anyone killing innocent people or committing suicide are automatically condemned to dwell in Hell for eternity, as the following verses from the Holy Quran and Prophet’s Traditions clearly state.

(Quran Ch. 4: v 29 – 30)

O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: But let there be amongst you Traffic and trade by mutual good-will: Nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful!

If any do that in rancour and injustice,- soon shall We cast them into the Fire: And easy it is for Allah

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 446:

Narrated Abu Huraira-:

The Prophet said, "He who commits suicide by throttling shall keep on throttling himself in the Hell Fire (forever) and he who commits suicide by stabbing himself shall keep on stabbing himself in the Hell-Fire."

I hope the above verses and the upcoming posts help reveal the true message of Islam as a humane religion of humble Muslims, not the barbaric doctrines of the blood thirsty terrorists.

Once again, readers are welcome to post comments and questions, as long as they are respectful to Muslims and non Muslims alike.

Introduction

As an educated and practicing Muslim, I found that there are many misconceptions about Islam that have been ingrained into the minds of people all over the world. It has created a sense of Islam phobia that has severely impacted the quality of lives for all kinds of people. Innocent non-Muslims feel uneasy and threatened when they come across Muslims and Muslims feel uneasy and threatened when they are looked upon by non-Muslims. Although, it is possible to lay blame equally on both sides, the cause is the same for both groups, ignorance. Muslims, ignorant of the true message of Islam, act in ways that contradict the religion, while non-Muslims, ignorant of the true message of Islam, see these acts as representative of the religion and its followers. How to best address this dilemma?

I guess it would be best to follow the advice of the Supreme Being, whose eternal command to the human race was provided through the first revelation to his final messenger, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

“Read: In the name of thy Lord Who createth, / Createth man from a clot. / Read: And thy Lord is the Most Bounteous, / Who teacheth by the pen / Teacheth man that which he knew not “

(The Holy Quran, Chapter 96, verses 1 – 5)

It is my goal, to follows God’s command, encouraging people to read about Islam and learn the truth about the religion, its message and purpose in our lives. As they often say, the pen is mightier than the sword, so I hope to use the “Pen of Islam” to learn and teach myself and others the message of Islam.

Dear readers, please feel free to submit comments, suggestions and even questions that you would like to address. I hope to research it to the best of my ability, and provide my input, as a practicing muslim in the 21^st century. If any reader feels I am mistaken or inaccurate, please feel free to correct me and provide the reasons accordingly.

Even though people are entitled to their opinion, I would request readers to be cordial and civilized in their comments and questions. Racist and obscene comments, towards Muslims and non-Muslims alike, will not be entertained.

I would like to thank Allah for giving me the opportunity and strength to begin this project, under whose guidance and blessings, I hope to discover and reveal the true beauty of Islam to Muslims and Non Muslims alike.

May Allah bless this journey to be enlightening and rewarding for you and for me as well.