Answering Questions Through The Holy Qur'an: Is Islam a religion of Peace?

Is Islam a religion of Peace?

10:25 And Allah calls to the Home of Peace (l-salami), and guides whom He wills to the straight path.

(In Arabic, “Islam” (Submission) and “Salam” (Peace) share the same triliteral root (Siin-Lam-Miim). Therefore, “Islam / Submission” also implies “Peace.” The root “Siin-Lam-Miim” means safety, security, freedom, immunity, escape, salutation, greeting, peace, submit, sincerity, humility, submission, conformance, obedience, being in sound condition, etc.)(In Islam, fighting is done in self-defense and against oppression. There is no peace if someone attacks you and/or oppresses you. The purpose of Muslims defending themselves is to make the attackers stop (2:192, 9:12, 4:90); “if they cease, then let there be no hostility” (2:193). Thus, the goal is to attain peace. On the other hand, “turning the other cheek” does not bring peace, nor does it encourage non-Muslims to correct their oppressive and belligerent behavior.)(Allah knows best)

5:32 From that time, We ordained on the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul other than for a soul or for spreading corruption in the earth, then it is as if he has killed the whole mankind, and whoever saves it then it is as if he has saved the whole mankind. And surely Our Messengers came to them with clear Signs, yet after that, indeed, many of them surely commit excesses in the earth. 5:33 Only the recompense for those who wage war (against) Allah and His Messenger and strive in the earth spreading corruption is that they be killed or they be crucified or their hands and their feet of opposite sides be cut off or they be exiled from the land. That is for them disgrace in the world, and for them in the Hereafter is a great punishment.

(“A soul for a soul” implies self-defense)(Allah knows best)

5:45 And We ordained for them therein that - a life for a life, and an eye for an eye, and a nose for a nose, and an ear for an ear, and a tooth for a tooth, and for the wounds is a retribution. But whoever gives it (up as) charity, then it is an expiation for him. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, then those are the wrongdoers.

6:151 Say, "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. That do not associate anything with Him, and be good to parents, and do not kill your children (out) of poverty, We provide for you and for them. And do not go near immoralities what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul, which Allah has forbidden except by right. That (He) has enjoined on you with it, so that you may use reason."

2:190 And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, and do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like the transgressors.

(Self-defense)(Allah knows best)

2:193 And fight against them until there is no oppression, and the religion becomes for Allah Then if they cease, then let there be no hostility except against the oppressors.

(Verse 2:193 is not about compulsion in religion. Compulsion in religion is forbidden in Islam (2:256, 50:45, 81:28, 33:28, 18:29, 10:99-100). This Verse is set in the context of Muslims being oppressed; therefore, Muslims fight against oppression until the religion (is) / becomes for Allah (2:193), interpreting it as Muslims are free to practice their religion rather than becoming oppressors themselves.)(Additionally, the purpose of fighting is so that they may cease (2:193), so the context also involves self-defense)(Allah knows best)

2:191 And kill them wherever you find them, and drive them out from wherever they drove you out, and oppression is worse than killing. And do not fight them near Al-Masjid Al-Haraam until they fight you there. Then if they fight you, then kill them. Such is the reward of the disbelievers.

(Self-defense)(Allah knows best)

9:13 Will you not fight a people who broke their oaths and determined to drive out the Messenger and they began (to attack) you the first time? Do you fear them? But Allah has more right that you should fear Him, if you are believers.

(Self-defense)(Allah knows best)

68:35 Then will We treat the Muslims like the criminals? 68:36 What is with you? How do you judge?

(“Muslim” is an Arabic word meaning “one who submits (to God).” By definition, if a person calls himself a Muslim but does not submit to the will of God, he is not a Muslim (e.g., If someone were to kill without right, he would be disobeying God (6:151)). According to Verses 68:35-36, Muslims are never criminals because they obey God, and what God orders is good. On the other hand, if an atheist, Jew, or Christian is, for example, a murder, rapist or terrorist, they still remain an atheist, Jew, or Christian. An atheist still does not believe in God; a Jew still has a Jewish mother (which makes them a Jew according to their own man-made rules); and a Christian still believes in Jesus as their savior regardless of their actions, according to Christians themselves. Thus, non-Muslims are the ones who belong to groups that may include wrongdoers against peace.)(Allah knows best)

42:39 And those who, when tyranny strikes them, they defend themselves.

16:126 And if you retaliate, then retaliate with the like of that with which you were afflicted. But if you are patient, it is surely better for those who are patient.

(Self-defense)(Allah knows best)

42:40 The recompense for an evil is an evil like it. But whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, then his reward is on Allah. Indeed, He does not like the wrongdoers.

4:90 Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty or those who come to you with hearts restraining them from fighting you or fighting their people. And if Allah had willed, surely He would have given them power over you, and they would surely have fought you. So if they withdraw from you and do not fight against you and offer you peace, then Allah has not made for you a way against them.

4:91 You will find others wishing to be secure from you and to be secure from their people. Every time they are returned to the temptation, they are plunged into it. So if they do not withdraw from you and offer you peace and they restrain their hands, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them. And those - We made for you against them a clear authority.

(Self-defense)(Allah knows best)

26:227 Except those who believe and do righteous deeds and remember Allah much, and defend themselves after they were wronged. And those who have wronged will come to know to what return they will return.

4:75 And what is with you that you do not fight in the way of Allah, and (for) those who are weak among men and women and children who say, "Our Lord, take us out of this town whose people are oppressors and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper.

41:34 And the good and the evil are not equal. Repel by that which is better; then behold, one between you and between him there was enmity, as if he was an intimate friend.

60:8 Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you in the religion and do not drive you out of your homes, that you deal kindly and justly with them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

(If Jews, Christians, or any other group do not fight Muslims or drive them out from their homes, it is not forbidden to deal with them kindly and justly (60:8). However, if they fight you or evict you from your homes, it is lawful for Muslims to defend themselves and drive them out from wherever they drove you out.)(Allah knows best)

2:84 And when We took your covenant, "Do not shed your blood and nor evict yourselves from your homes," then you ratified while you were witnessing.

(In Islam (Submission (to God)), you cannot evict anyone from their home. Therefore, the Jews are the ones causing trouble in Palestine and making God the excuse to evict Palestinians from their homes (also killing them and their children without the right to do so (genocide)). The Prophets were not Jews; they were Muslims (i.e., (those who) Submitted (to God).)(Note: “Jew” in the Qur’an refers to their religion, while “Children of Israel” establishes their lineage.)(See the articles in my blog: “Were the Prophets Jews or Christians?” and “Does the Qur'an (and the Bible) say that Palestine/Israel belongs to the Muslims or to the Jews?”)(Allah knows best)

2:120 And the Jews and the Christians will never be pleased with you until you follow their religion. Say, "Indeed, the Guidance of Allah is the Guidance." And if you follow their desires after what has come to you of the knowledge, you will have neither any protector from Allah nor any helper.

(“The Jews and the Christians will never be pleased with you until you follow their religion” (2:120). However, in Islam, there is no compulsion in religion (2:256, 50:45, 81:28, 33:28, 18:29, 10:99-100).)(See the link below,: “Is there freedom of religion in Christian countries?”)(Allah knows best)

5:13 So for their breaking of their covenant We cursed them and We made their hearts hard. They distort words from their places, and forgot a part of what they were reminded of. And you will not cease to discover treachery from them except a few of them. But forgive them and overlook. Indeed, Allah loves the good-doers.

(In a context where there is no war, the Verse does not say that Muslims must fight them)(Allah knows best)

24:22 And let not those of virtue among you and the wealthy swear not to give to the near of kin, and the needy and the emigrants in the way of Allah. And let them pardon and let them overlook. Do you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

42:15 So to that then invite, and stand firm as you are commanded and do not follow their desires, but say, "I believe in what Allah has sent down of the Book, and I am commanded to do justice between you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord. For us are our deeds and for you your deeds. There is no argument between us and between you. Allah will assemble us, and to Him is the final return."

28:55 And when they hear vain talk, they turn away from it and say, "For us are our deeds and for you are your deeds. Peace be on you; we do not seek the ignorant."

6:108 And do not insult those whom they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge. Thus We have made fair-seeming to every community their deed. Then to their Lord is their return, then He will inform them about what they used to do.

6:112 And thus We made for every Prophet an enemy - devils from mankind and jinn, inspiring one another with decorative speech in deception. But if your Lord had willed, they would not have done it, so leave them and what they invent.

9:95 They will swear by Allah to you when you returned to them, that you may turn away from them. So turn away from them, indeed, they are impure and their abode is Hell, a recompense for what they used to earn.

51:53 Have they transmitted it to them? Nay, they are a transgressing people. 51:54 So turn away from them, for you are not to be blamed.

16:90 Indeed, Allah commands justice and good, and giving to relatives, and forbids immorality and bad and oppression. He admonishes you so that you may take heed.

9:6 And if anyone of the polytheists seek your protection then grant him protection until he hears the Words of Allah. Then escort him to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know.

(Verse 9:6 states that if anyone of the polytheists seek protection, then grant him protection. They are then to be escorted to his place of safety. So, if an “enemy’s“ intention is something other than fighting (e.g., seeking your protection), they are not to be killed, nor are they killed “when the opportunity arises.”)(Allah knows best)

3:134 Those who spend in ease and hardship and those who restrain the anger and those who pardon people - and Allah loves the good-doers.

(Verse 3:134 is set in the context of peace, not war; it applies to cases where no one is trying to kill you.)(Allah knows best)

30:22 And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed, in that are surely Signs for those of knowledge.

49:13 O mankind, indeed, We created you from a male and a female and We made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you near Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is All-Knower, All-Aware.

2:194 The sacred month is for the sacred month, and for violations there is legal retribution. Then whoever transgressed against you, then you transgress against him in the same manner as he transgressed against you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is with those who fear.

(Self-defense)(Allah knows best)

4:101 And when you travel in the earth, then there is no blame upon you that you shorten the prayer, if you fear that those who disbelieved (may) harm you. Indeed, the disbelievers are for you an open enemy.

(Muslims do not treat people as enemies for no reason; they only defend themselves. Conversely, many disbelievers act as enemies for evil reasons, such as theft, racism, or hate.)(Allah knows best)

2:98 Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His Angels and His Messengers and Gabriel and Michael - then indeed, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers.

(If the disbelievers act as enemies, “then” God is an enemy to the disbelievers.)(Allah knows best)

8:61 And if they incline to peace, then you incline to it, and put trust in Allah. Indeed, He is All-Hearer, All-Knower.

(Self-defense)(Allah knows best)

47:35 So (do) not weaken and call for peace while you (are) superior, and Allah (is) with you, and (He) will never deprive you (of) your deeds.

(It is interpreted to mean that if they do not call for peace, you do not call for peace either while you are superior. The Verses of the Qur’an are not mutually exclusive; they complement one another.)(Allah knows best)

45:14 Say to those who believe to forgive those who do not hope for the days of Allah; that He may recompense a people for what they used to earn.

(In a context where there is no war, they are not to be fought.)(Allah knows best)

33:48 And do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and disregard their harm, and put your trust in Allah. And sufficient is Allah as a Trustee.

(There are no Verses that support irrational or unjustified violence; rather, the Verses involve self-defense and the fight against oppression. Self-defense is not the root of violence. On the other hand, the Bible in 1 Samuel 15:3 speaks of putting to death women, children, babies, cattle, etc.; in Ezekiel 9:5-6, there is the killing of old men, women, mothers, and children.)(Note: It is well known that the Torah was written by multiple authors, making it an unreliable source as they mix truth with falsehood. Following or believing in verses that contradict the religion of God (in the Qur’an) may result in punishment in Hell.)(See also the article below, which exposes Judaism and Christianity and proves there is nothing wrong with the Qur’an (containing the religion of God): “Which religion is moderate and which is extreme?” and also “Exposing those who misquote and mistranslate verses of the Qur’an / Some frequently misquoted verses of the Qur’an”)(Allah knows best)

3:83 So is (it) other than the religion of Allah they seek? While to Him (have) submitted whatever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and to Him they will be returned.

4:114 (There is) no good in much of their secret talk except (he) who orders charity or kindness or conciliation between (the) people. And who(ever) does that seeking pleasure (of) Allah then soon We will give him a great reward.

3:167 And that He might make evident those who are hypocrites. And it was said to them, "Come, fight in the way of Allah or defend." They said, "If we knew fighting, certainly we would have followed you." That day they were nearer to disbelief than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah is Most Knowing of what they conceal.

(Verse 3:167 says to “fight in the way of Allah or defend.” This suggests there is a reason for fighting other than self-defense, which, according to other Verses, that other reason is “fighting against oppression”. The Verses of the Qur’an are not mutually exclusive but complement each other.)(Allah knows best)

2:278 O you who believe, fear Allah and give up what remained of usury, if you are believers. 2:279 And if you do not, then be informed of a war (biharbin) from Allah and His Messenger. And if you repent, then for you is your capital - do not wrong and you will not be wronged.

(This Verse is addressed only to the believers, not to the general public. Thus, fighting in self-defense and against oppression is in regard to disbelievers.)(The word “harbin” (war) does not necessarily imply physical fighting if the moneylenders do no fight; it could also imply that their goods are spoiled or plundered because usurers cause social harm.)(The root of “harbin” is “Ha-Ra-Ba,” meaning: war, battle, or conflict; to spoil one’s goods, plunder, or despoil; to ask for something importunately; to become angry or mad; or to excite or provoke or stir up war.)(Allah knows best)

22:60 That (is so). And whoever has retaliated with the like (of) that which he was made to suffer, then he was oppressed, Allah will surely help him. Indeed, Allah (is) surely Oft-Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving.

5:15 O People of the Book, surely there has come to you Our Messenger making clear to you much of what you used to conceal of the Scripture and overlooking much. Surely there has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book. 5:16 With it/(By which) Allah guides (those) who seek His pleasure (to the) ways (of) [the] peace, and brings them out from [the] darkness[ess] (in)to [the] light by His permission, and guides them to (the) straight way.

33:58 And those who harm believing men and believing women for other than what they have earned, then certainly, they bear false accusation and manifest sin. 33:59 O Prophet, say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw over themselves their outer garments. That is more suitable that they should be known and not harmed. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. 33:60 If the hypocrites and those in whose heart is a disease and those who spread rumors in the city do not cease, We will let you overpower them, then they will not remain your neighbors therein except for a little, 33:61 Accursed, wherever they are found, they are seized and massacred completely. 33:62 The way of Allah with those who passed away before and you will never find any change in the Way of Allah.

(Verse 33:60 mentions three characteristics of wrongdoers: “the hypocrites, those with diseased hearts, and those who spread rumors in the city.” According to the Verse, if they do not cease (33:60), they could be completely massacred (33:61). These Verses are in the context of believers being harmed (33:58-59), so the response is rooted in self-defense and the struggle against oppression.)(Similarly, Verse 9:12 mentions fighting a people who defamed the religion, but the reason for fighting is that they broke their oaths and initiated an attack (9:13). Verse 9:12 says: “And if they break their oaths after their treaty and defame your religion, then fight the leaders of disbelief, indeed, their oaths are nothing to them - so that they may cease.”)(On the other hand, defaming and spreading rumors or fake news against Islam and Muslims (or against any other group) is a grave matter that should be punishable and forbidden, as it incites violence and terrorism against Muslims (e.g., the killing and oppression of Muslims). For example, biased media coverage of the Middle East and political discourse causes anti-Arab and anti-Islamic sentiment to rise, leading some non-Muslims terrorists (whether Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, or atheist terrorists) to kill or oppress innocent people around the world simply because they speak Arabic or are Muslim)(Allah knows best)

48:16 Say to those who remained behind of the Bedouins, "You will be called to a people, possessors of great military might; you will fight them, or they will submit. Then if you obey, Allah will give you a good reward; but if you turn away as you turned away before, He will punish you (with) a painful punishment."

(While Verse 48:16 addresses fighting disbelievers, the broader context - which includes disbelievers fighting believers (48:22) – suggests a state of reciprocity)(Allah knows best)

73:11 And leave Me and the deniers, possessors (of) [the] ease, and allow them respite (for) a little. 73:12 Indeed, with Us (are) shackles and burning fire,

(Allowing them respite for a short time could imply something other than “fighting disbelievers a little later”; it may refer to allowing them respite during their life in this world if they do not fight believers, though they will be punished in the Hereafter. This interpretation is confirmed by Verse 2:126: “And whoever disbelieves, [then] I will grant him enjoyment for a little; then I will force him to the punishment of the Fire.”)(Allah knows best)

2:217 They ask you about fighting in the sacred month. Say, "Fighting therein is a great (sin); but hindering from the way of Allah, and disbelief in Him and (preventing access to) Al-Masjid Al-Haraam, and driving out its people from it is greater (sin) near Allah. And oppression is greater than killing." And they will not cease to fight with you until they turn you away from your religion, if they are able. And whoever among you turns away from his religion, then dies while he is a disbeliever - for those, their deeds became worthless in the world and the Hereafter. And those are the companions of the Fire, they (will) abide in it forever.

2:246 Did you not see the chiefs of the Children of Israel after Moses, when they said to their Prophet, "Appoint for us a king, that we may fight in the way of Allah?" He said, "Would you perhaps not fight if it was prescribed upon you?" They said, "And why should we not fight in the way of Allah while surely we have been driven out from our homes and our children?" Yet, when fighting was prescribed upon them they turned away, except a few among them. And Allah is All-Knowing of the wrongdoers.

(Fighting is for self-defense and against oppression, due to the actions of wrongdoers.)(Allah knows best)

28:15 And he entered the city at a time of inattention of its people and found two men fighting each other (yaqtatilani) therein; one of his party and the other of his enemy. And the one who was from his party called to him for help against the one who was from his enemy, so Moses struck him with his fist and killed him (faqada). He said, "This is of the work of Satan. Indeed, he is an enemy who clearly misleads."

(According to Verse 28:15, the word for “killing” (Qaf-Ta-Lam) in Arabic does not always imply taking a life; it can also mean “attempting to kill” or “rendering a person as if they were killed.”)(According to Verse 2:194: “whoever transgressed against you, then you transgress against him in the same manner as he transgressed against you” -this is a matter of justice and self-defense.)(The root of “yaqtatila” (fighting / killing) is “Qaf-Ta-Lam,” which means “to kill, put to death, be accused, slay, murder, kill, slaughter, attempt to kill, render a person like one killed, wage war, combat, battle, master, contend, fight, deadly, etc.”)(Allah knows best)

47:4 So when you meet those who disbelieve, then strike the necks until, when you have subdued them, then bind the bond firmly, then afterwards either a favor or ransom, until the war lays down its burdens. That. And if Allah had willed, surely, He could have taken retribution from them, but to test some of you with others. And those who are killed in the way of Allah, then He will never cause their deeds to be lost.

(The context of Verse 47:4 is “war.” Fighting is conducted in self-defense and against oppression.)(Allah knows best)

See also: Exposing those who misquote and mistranslate verses of the Qur’an / Some frequently misquoted verses of the Qur’an

http://aqtthq.blogspot.com.es/2017/11/exposing-those-who-misquote-and.html

See also: Does the Qur'an say that Palestine/Israel belongs to the Muslims or to the Jews?

http://aqtthq.blogspot.com.es/2016/02/does-quran-say-that-palestineisrael.html

See also: Which religion is moderate and which is extreme? Who are the radicals? Judaism vs. Christianity vs. Islam

https://aqtthq.blogspot.com.es/2016/08/which-religion-is-moderate-and-which-is.html

See also: Do Muslims have to kill Jews and Christians just because they are not Muslims? Or is it only allowed in self-defense?

https://aqtthq.blogspot.com.es/2016/10/do-muslims-have-to-kill-jews-and.html

See also: Is there freedom of religion in Islam? Is there compulsion in Islam?

http://aqtthq.blogspot.com.es/2016/02/is-there-freedom-of-religion-in-islam.html

See also: Is Surah 9 the most violent chapter in the Qur'an and abrogates peaceful chapters?

http://aqtthq.blogspot.com.es/2016/04/is-surah-9-most-violent-chapter-in.html

See also: Is there a verse in the Qur’an called “verse of the sword”? Does it abrogate other verses?

http://aqtthq.blogspot.com.es/2017/06/is-there-verse-in-quran-called-verse-of.html

See also: Which Qur’an, Mecca or Medina?

http://aqtthq.blogspot.com.es/2017/06/which-quran-mecca-or-medina.html

Answering Questions Through The Holy Qur'an

Index

Index (Answering questions through the Holy Qur’an)

Friday, February 5, 2016

Is Islam a religion of Peace?

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