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Violence in Islam? Violence is only permissible in self-defense - Response to 9:29 that anti-Islamists Use

2009-07-17 16:06:02

Regarding 9:29, you should know it was revealed in Madinah, under the context of Muslims being attacked constantly by the Quarish. It applies in the situation where you're being attacked and fighting for your life.

We could find the same conclusion by analyzing the Bible or the Tor'ah (there are sites out there just like hate sites that people use to attack Muslims over). I'm not attacking any other religion though, I'm just putting it into perspective for the readers, as Muslims we believe in the same Prophets and Books the Christians and Jews follow. In fact our Qur'an states even Christians and Jews can go to heaven:

Quote:

2:62 Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

Anyway back to 9:29 which was revealed in Madinah while Muslims were being attacked by the Quarish. You have to take the rules of the entire Qur'an, which also say:

Quote:

26:227 (Y. Ali) Except those who believe, work righteousness, engage much in the remembrance of Allah, and defend themselves only after they are unjustly attacked. And soon will the unjust assailants know what vicissitudes their affairs will take!

Again the call is repeated, that you cannot just attack someone for being a disbeliever, but only those who wage war against you:

Quote:

2:193 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.

Again, this is revealed in Madinah at the time when Muslims were being slaughtered. This does not mean you can use violence just because you are unhappy or don't agree with government policy.

Quote:

2:224 (Y. Ali) And make not Allah's (name) an excuse in your oaths against doing good, or acting rightly, or making peace between persons; for Allah is One Who heareth and knoweth all things.

Again you can see the Qur'an inclines a Muslim towards peace.

Quote:

4:90 (Y. Ali) 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)

Another mention of how to behave during times of war, that if you have a peace treaty with others you cannot attack them, nor can you attack people who are not attacking you.

I could go on, you will dispute the Qur'an, but there is no compulsion in religion and my only duty is to show the truth from the Qur'an.

Quote:

2:256 (Y. Ali) Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.

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