Peaceful Islam?

I've been participating on a discussion board about the peacefulness or lack of peacefulness taught in the Qur'an.

The Qur'an is a book containing the literal Word of Allah. It was transmitted from Allah to an angel of His (Gabriel), and from the angel to the Messenger of Allah who delivered it to us. The Qur'an covers a wide variety of topics, including evidence to support its claim of being the Word of the Creator, stories of earlier generations, rules which humanity is asked to obey, and information about the Hereafter. The Qur'an claims that it is protected from change by other than Allah, and this is confirmed by its 1400 year history. The earliest copies and the latest copies are the same.

The Sunnah is the term used to describe how the Messenger of Allah (saas) lived his life. The Messenger's life is an example for all Muslims, or those who accept Islam, to follow. Whatever the Messenger (saas) did, said, or approved of is a source of Islam just as much as the Qur'an. The Messenger's role is not overemphasized: his life was dictated by what the Creator desired, and the Messenger did not add or subtract to Islam according to his own personal whim. His life was such that his wife called him "a walking Qur'an."

The Qur'an and Sunnah are the only two mediums by which Allah has directly taught us about Islam. This leads us to the following simple but critical principle:
-from Ten Misconceptions About Islam http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/notislam/misconceptions.html

It is important when understanding the Qu'ran to know that the Sura's are not ordered in a first to last revelation sequence. They are ordered according to the instructions of Mohammed and aren't an example of chronological revelations. This is a chart that shows the Sura's as they are number as well as what order Mohammed received them in:

http://www.submission.org/suras/app23.html

Each sura, or chapter, is generally known by a name derived from a key word in the text of that chapter (see List of chapter names). The chapters are not arranged in chronological order (i.e. in the order in which Islamic scholars believe they were revealed) but roughly descending by size, to aid oral memory (e.g. see Sura 54 Ayah 17).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qur

Here are the posts that I made on the discussion forum in response to assertions that there are possibly peace loving devout Muslims.

First post:

One of the main problems I have with people who say that only a small part of Muslims are extreme is the Quran and the teachings of Mohammed. I am not saying that there aren't peace loving Muslims but I'm saying ... they really don't understand a lot of the teachings of Mohammed or don't choose to follow them if they are.

In the first part of Mohammed's life He preached about peace and harmony. That was His message. The problem with Mohammed's teachings is that His entire message was based on a current revelation superseding a previous one. So as His life progresses His revelations become more hostile and militant. He then says earlier revelations about peace and harmony are superseded by His revelations of jihad and war. By the end of His life He was on a killing spree and His teachings at that time supported that. With the stress on the fact that the revelations later in His life cancelled out the earlier revelations.

This is a problem for any Muslim who wishes to claim a devote status with Mohammed as the prophet. They can't embrace peace and harmony as a part of their religious doctrine because Mohammed expressly does not teach by the end of His life that that is the way. It's almost like a Christian who only reads the Old Testament and bases their whole belief system on the first part of the book. The ironic thing is ... for the Christian, peace and harmony come in the second half of the book. For the Muslim, war and killing come at the second half of the book. But to really understand the tenants of each religion one must read the whole. Not just a part.

This would work fine if Mohammed made provision for His early teachings to mingle with His later teachings but He did not. Therefore, there is a serious quandary for the -peace loving- Muslim. One can't base their Christian life wholly on the 10 Commandments and one can't well base a devoted Muslim life on the first suras but ignoring the last ones.

This is the thing that -radical- Muslims understand. They -are- the ones most following the teachings of the Quran and of the Prophet. Based on His life and His own declarations that the last revelations supersede the first.

The Sacred month for the sacred month and all sacred things are (under the law of) retaliation; whoever then acts aggressively against you, inflict injury on him according to the injury he has inflicted on you and be careful (of your duty) to Allah and know that Allah is with those who guard (against evil). (2:194)

"Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that ye hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that ye love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knoweth, ye know not." (2:216)

"Soon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers, for that they joined companions with Allah, for which He had sent no authority: their abode will be the Fire: And evil is the home of the wrong-doers!" (3:151)

"How many a township have We destroyed! As a raid by night, or while they slept at noon, Our terror came unto them. No plea had they, when Our terror came unto them, save that they said: Lo! We were wrong-doers." (7:4-5)

"Remember thy Lord inspired the angels (with the message): 'I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instil terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them.'" (8:12)

So when the Sacred Months have passed, then fight the Mushrikun [unbelievers] wherever you find them, and capture them and besiege them, and lie inwait for them in each and every ambush. But if they repent and perform the Salah [Islamic prayers five times daily], and give the Zakah [alms asrequired by Islamic law], then leave their way free. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:5)

Arab-American psychologist Wafa Sultan has pointed out that the prophet of Islam said: "I was ordered to fight the people until they believe in Allah and his Messenger." Sultan has called on Islamic teachers to review their writings and teachings and remove every call to fight people who do not believe as Muslims.[66] Dr. Sultan is now in hiding, fearing for her life and the safety of her family after appearing on the al-Jazeera TV show. [67]Muslims for a Safe America have opened a dialogue on some of the issues raised by Dr. Sultan.[68]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_the_Qur%27an

Allah will bestow a vast reward on those who fight in religious wars. Sura 4, 74

Have no unbelieving friends. Kill the unbelievers wherever you find them. 89If the unbelievers do not offer you peace, kill them wherever you find them. Against such you are given clear warrant. 91Sura 4, 89-91

Second Post:

As Utar pointed out Solaris, no one denies the eye for an eye teachings of the Old Testament. HOWEVER, as I think You well know, the New Testament is the -New Covenant- that God made with His people it advocates NOTHING of violence. In fact, the New Testament scripture shows Jesus saying this: "You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth". But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."- (Matthew 5:38-39, NRSV)

I am not trying to debate religion here in so much as I am saying that -peace loving- Muslims seem to be unaware of their own history of their prophet.

Mohammed Himself moved through four stages of position on the issue of violence throughout His life. It is undeniable if you understand Islam that He taught that His revelations were progressive and that they canceled out previous revelations.

The Four Stages:

Stage One: No Retaliation

When Muhammad began preaching Islam in 610 A. D. in Mecca, his fellow tribesmen (Koreish) became increasingly hostile toward him because of his condemnation of their idolatry. The chapters (suras) of the Koran which originated during the 13 years Muhammad continued to live in Mecca, contain no instruction about fighting, in spite of the severe persecution suffered by his small band of followers. Why? Simply because his few followers stood no chance to win in a physical conflict. Thus it was a wise survival strategy to avoid violent confrontations. Few verses will serve to illustrate this teaching.

In Sura 73:10,11 Muhammad urges his followers to be patient toward those who deny the truth: "And have patience with what they say, and leave them with noble (dignity). And leave me (alone to deal with) those in possession of the good things of life, who (yet) deny the truth, and bear with them for a little while.

"In Sura 52:45,47,48 the prophet admonishes to leave the unbelievers alone and to wait patiently for the Lord to punish them: "So leave them alone until they encounter that day of theirs, wherein they shall (perforce) swoon (with terror) ... And verily, for those who do wrong, there is another punishment besides this... Now await in patience the command of thy Lord, for verily thou art in Our eyes."

Stage Two: Defensive Fighting is Permitted

On July 15, 622, the increasing opposition forced Muhammad and his followers to flee from Mecca to Medina, a distance of 250 miles North. This is an important date, known as the Hegira, because it marks the beginning of the Moslem calendar. In Medina Muhammad was recognized as a prophet and was able to consolidate his power. His followers began looting the Meccan caravans passing through Medina. This practice eventually led to several battles between the Koreish tribes of Mecca and his followers.

Muhammad gained the first victory in the Battle of Badr in 624 with an army of 305, mostly citizens of Medina, over a Koreish force twice as large. He conquered several Jewish and Christian tribes and ordered and watch in person the massacred of 600 Jews in one day. It was at this time that Muhammad instructed his followers to defend themselves by fighting and killing.

An example of this instruction is found in Sura 22:39-41 where permission is given to engage in defensive fighting : "To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged, and verily, God is most powerful for their aid." Again in Sura 22:58 rewards are promised to those who die in jihad: "Those who leave their homes in the cause of God, and are then slain or die, on them will God bestow verily a goodly provision." The promise of paradise to those who die fighting for Allah, has inspired countless Muslin through the centuries to become martyrs for their faith. It is this promise that inspires devout Muslims young men and women today to become suicide bombers for the cause of Allah.

Stage Three: Defensive fighting is Commanded

A few months after granting permission to fight in self-defense, Muhammad instructed his followers in making war as a religious obligation. At first the enemies were the idol worshippers of the Koreish tribe in Mecca, but later it included the Jews and Christians who did not accept Muhammad as prophet.

This teaching is found in numerous verses of the Koran. Richard Bailey lists 32 passages, annotating them with valuable comments. For the sake of brevity I refer only to four of them. In Sura 2:190 instruction is given to fight until persecution is stopped and Islam is established: "Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loveth not transgressors. 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."

In Sura 2:216 Muslims are commanded to fight for the cause of Allah, even if they do not like, because Allah knows what is best for them: "Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But God knoweth, and ye know not." Statements such as these make it abundantly clear that for a devout Muslims who follows the teachings of the Koran, fighting to advance the cause of Islam is a divine obligation that can hardly be ignored.

In Sura 8:12,13 Muslims are instructed to cut the necks and fingers of those who opposed God and to never turn their back on unbelievers: "Remember thy Lord inspired the angels (with the message): 'I am with you: give firmness to the believers. I will instill terror into the hearts of the unbelievers. Smite ye above their necks and smite all their fingertips off them. This because they contended against God and His Apostle. If any contend against God and his Apostle, God is strict in punishment ... O ye who believe! When ye meet the unbelievers in hostile array, never turn your backs to them. If any do turn his back to them on such a day –unless it be in a stratagem of war, or to retreat to a troop (of his own) – he draws on himself the wrath of God, and his abode is hell, – an evil refuge (indeed)! It is not ye who slew them; it was God.

"The instruction is clear. When in combat, there is no room for second thought. Muslim soldiers are to finish the job by smiting the head and cutting the fingers of their enemies. The intent of these amputations was to make it impossible for the victims ever to fight again.

Sura 61:4,11-13 teaches that God loves those who fight in His cause with determination. He will give them victory, forgiveness of sins and admission to the pleasure of paradise: "Truly God loves those who fight in His cause in battle array, as if they were a solid cemented structure ... that ye believe in God and His Apostle, and that ye strive (your utmost) in the cause of God, with your property and your persons. That will be best for you, if ye but knew! He will forgive you your sins, and admit you to gardens [Paradise] beneath which rivers flow, and to beautiful mansions in gardens of eternity. That is indeed the supreme achievement. And another (favor will He bestow), which ye do love–help from God and a speedy victory. So give the glad tidings to the believers.

"One of the benefits of fighting for the cause of Islam is the permission to take captured women as concubines, in addition to several legitimate wives. Sura 33:50: says: "O Prophet! We have made lawful to thee thy wives to whom thou hast paid their dowers, and those whom thy right hand possesses out of the prisoners of war whom God has assigned to thee ... For the believers (at large), We know that We have appointed for them as to their wives and the captives whom their right hands possess ..." The notion that God would assign captured women as concubines to Muslim believers who fight for His cause, hardly reflect high moral standards of the Islam faith. Polygamy and servile concubinage have destroyed the dignity of women and the beauty of the home. In this areas the infinite superiority of Christianity is clearly evident.

By teaching that those who die fighting for the cause of Allah will have their sins forgiven and are admitted into the pleasure of Paradise, the Koran has inspired Muslims throughout the centuries to fight unto death for the cause of Allah. Today it is inspiring young Palestinians become suicide bombers. For them a "martyr's death" is the surest and quickest way to a better life of comforts, prosperity, and pleasures in Paradise. "Suicide bombers" see themselves as carrying out the teaching of the Koran, while serving their communities and acquiring admission in paradise.

Sura 55:52-58 describes Paradise as a place where there "will be fruits of every kind, two and two... They will recline on carpets, whose inner linings will be of rich brocade. The fruit of the gardens will be near (and easy to reach)... In them will be (maidens), chaste, restraining their glances, whom no man or Jinn before them has touched ... like unto rubies and coral." The sensual element pollutes even Islam's vision of Paradise. Believers are promised not only blooming gardens, abundant food, fresh fountains, but also beautiful virgins. Seventy-two beautiful virgins will be created for the enjoyment of the meanest believer. A moment of pleasure will be prolonged a thousand years. This pleasure-oriented Paradise differs radically from the Biblical view of the world to come as this planet earth restored to its original perfection for the habitation of the redeemed who will engage in productive activities and the elevating worship of God.

Stage Four: Offensive War is Commanded Against the Pagans, Christians and Jews.

The final phase of Muhammad's teaching on warfare developed after he conquered Mecca in 630 A. D. Most of the pagans living in the city became Muslims. At that time Muhammad was able to take over the city and cleanse the Ka'aba (sacred shrine) of some 360 idols resident there.

At this point it became evident to Muhammad that Jews and Christians would not accept him as prophet, so they became part of the list of Islam's enemies to be conquered. Thus, warfare was no longer to be a defensive fighting, but an aggressive Jihad against all unbelievers. This is the final teaching of the Koran which is still in force today and has inspired the recent acts of terrorism.

There are several texts commanding offensive warfare to kill the pagans, Jews, and Christians. Among them Sura 9:5 stands out for its explicit injunction to slay the infidels: "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 practice regular charity [becomeMoslem], then open the way for them." The best way for people to save their lives, was by renouncing their religion and adopting the Islam faith. In some instances conquered people could save their lives by paying a heavy tribute and becoming submissive to Muslim rulers.

In the same chapter, Sura 9:29-31, Muslims are commanded to fight Jews and Christians until they are subdued. Those who submitted themselves to Muslim rulers were to be subjected to a heavy tribute. The reason is because God's curse is upon them: "Fight those who believe not in God nor the last day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by God and His Apostle, nor acknowledge the religion of truth, (even if they are) of the people of the Book [Christians and Jews], until they pay the jizya [tribute] with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued. The Jews call Uzair [Ezra] a son of God, and the Christians call Christ the Son of God ... God's curse be on them."

Sura 5:36-38 prescribes four types of punishments for those who oppose Allah and his prophet, Muhammad: "The punishment of those who wage war against God and His Apostle, 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, except for those who repent before they fall into your power. In that case, know that God is oft-forgiving, most merciful. O ye who believe! Do your duty to God. Seek the means of approach unto Him, and strive with might and main in His cause, that ye may prosper.

"The four types of punishments (cutting off the head, crucifixion, maiming, or exile), which were to be applied according to the circumstances, reveal the ruthless methods used by Muslims invaders to advance their religion. Such methods stand in stark contrast to the teachings of Jesus to win men and women for the Kingdom of God by proclaiming the Good News of God's saving grace through the atoning sacrifice of Christ.

The Teachings on Holy Warfare in Muhammad's Traditions ("Hadith")

The teachings of the Koran on the use of the sword to advance the cause of Islam, are corroborated by the collections of traditions ("Hadith") concerning the teaching of Muhammad. The nine volumes by Iman Bukhari are generally regarded as the most authentic of the Hadith literature. In volume 4 alone Richard Bailey found 283 passages teaching holy warfare (Jihad) to advance the cause of Islam. For the sake of brevity I will quote only four of them.

Muhammad said, "A single endeavor (of fighting) in Allah's cause in the forenoon or in the afternoon is better than the world and whatever is in it" (4:50). Again he said, "Know that Paradise is under the shades of swords." (4:73). For Muhammad fighting for the cause of Allah was a way of life. He said, "My livelihood is under the shade of my spear, and he who disobeys my orders will be humiliated by paying Jizya" ( 4:162b).

The "Jizya" is the poll tax paid by subjugated peoples in return for their right to exist. Muhammad said, "I have been ordered to fight with the people till they say, 'None has the right to be worshiped but Allah,' and whoever says, 'None has the right to be worshiped but Allah,' his life and property will be saved by me except for Islamic law, and his accounts will be with Allah (either to punish him or to forgive him.)" (4:196 ). The order is clear. Muslims had to fight people until they became Muslims.
-http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/696408/posts

All of this information is supported by FACT from History. Mohammed lived the Quran and one only needs to study His own life to understand that He became a progressively militant person and taught that to Muslims as the way. One can not base a relgion on the teachings of a Prophet and then only accept part of what He teaches when He is supposed to be the holy mouthpiece of Allah.

As to the Bilble vs the Quran for violence? Aside from the point I made about there being a clear and dividing line between Old and New Testament for followers of the Bible and of Christianity. Here are a few stats:

Number of Cruel or Violent Passages:
Bible: 842
Quran: 333

Taking into account the size of both works:
Bible: 842, total verses- 31102 percent- 2.71
Quran: 333, total verses- 6236 percent - 5.34

When expressed as a percentage of cruel or violent verses (at least as marked in the SAB/Q), the Quran has about twice that of the Bible. (5.34 vs. 2.71%)*http://skepticsannotatedbible.com/cruelty/bible_quran.html

However, regardless of the number of violent passages, one must look at the message of the Prophet as a whole. Jesus came to finish the Bible and to set the tone for Christianity - forgiveness and non-violence. Mohammed says that Allah wants more and more violence throughout His life and depicts that in His life to an undeniable level.

It isn't just about the words of the holy book it's what is ultimately taught as the -way- of one's follwers. One can not read the Quran and truly study Mohammed's life and conclude that the Muslim way is peace. Perhaps if one isn't a -good- Muslim one could claim peace.

The really disturbing thing here is that I know some very wonderful Muslim people. I also know that most of them could tell me little to nothing about Mohammed's actual life or teachings beyond what is found in the Quran. The Quran is written in beautiful and sometimes confusing verse. The life of the Prophet as He models the will of Allah for the Muslim is not ambiguous or vague. No other leader of a major world religion practiced or taught the amount of violence that Mohammed represented and set out for the followers of Allah to follow.

Now we can point at -other- holy books all day and find violent verses or point out hypocrites through history or we can honestly look at the religion in question and what it's most revered prophet actually taught and lived. Just because other holy books contain violence DOES NOT mean that it's relevent to what Islam DOES teach. This topic is specifically about what Islam is. i didn't take anything out of context to try to misquote or misrepresent. One is free to examine Mohammed's life and teaching for themselves. History is very clear on His actions and teachings.

Third Post:

Oh but Solaris, you have NO idea what religion I was raised around. You have no idea what my religious background is at all.Yes Christ came to "fulfill" the law. Are you aware of what Law that was? According to Christianity the Law being spoken of here was the law that required a BLOOD SACRIFICE for atonement of sin. He was sent to be the ultimate blood atoning sacrifice and thereby fulfill the law that God had required of blood atonement from the beginning of the Old Testament.

There was no LAW regarding the waging of war. Those were the dictates of God to the people regarding their behavior to try to stop the need for a blood atonement. Jesus clearly says in the New Testament that He brings a new teaching that is one of peace. He clearly shows through progressive revelation in the Bible that peace and love and forgiveness was the way that God wished His people to go. The Prophet or Savior Jesus led a life that exemplifies peace, forgiveness and love and THAT is what He taught His followers.

Conversely Mohammed taught a progressive revelation also and His progression was TOWARDS, not AWAY from violence.

It is undeniable that if one follows Jesus His teachings were of peace. If one follows Mohammed His teachings are of violence. You just can't deny that IF you are reading the texts and histories.

This isn't about supporting prejudice against Muslims but this is about the truths of Mohammed and the Muslim religion. As any peaceful Muslim and they say that the Quran is confusing and contradictory. This is their explanation for -throwing away- the violent passages and directives. Clearly however, to be a real follower of the Quran you can not throw out the later revelations of Mohammed that call for violence just as the Christian can't throw out the last teachings of their Prophet/Savior Jesus. Each prophet or prophetic message supersedes the last.

What you don't want to accept is that what you are labeling as extreme is in fact just devout following of the Quran and of Mohammed. To the Muslim who understands the Quran it is NOT extreme. It IS the teachings of their Holy Prophet.

I am not promoting my -opinion- only. I encourage you to RESEARCH what I've written. Not just write it off with ... oh your words are just words. That is the most non-argument or non-basis for dismising what I've said that you could possibly offer. If you disagree with me ... then base it on facts. On YOUR understanding of the Quran. Show me where I am wrong. I invite you. Show me something besides a dismissal based on the fact that you assume that I wasn't raised Muslim so I couldn't possibly understand.

Just for your infomation - my nephew is 1/2 Iraqi (His first middle name is Mohammed and His second middle name is Younis) and His father is Iraqi (who happens to be named Mohammed) so I am more well versed than you might think in what is taught to Muslims. That however shouldn't be the basis of your refute of my assertions. Give me some research. Give me some history. Give me some fact that shows that I'm misrepresenting the Quran and Mohammed.

End of posts

It seems that no one else wishes to engage in the discussion at this point however, I think it's vital that people understand more than a spin doctoring to make Islam more -agreeable- in western society.