*Does Quran Promote Violence, Bloodshed and Brutality by Saying Muslims Should Kill the Kuffar Wherever They Find Them?*
A few selected verses from the Qur’an are often misquoted to perpetuate the myth that Islam promotes violence and exhorts its followers to kill those outside the pale of Islam. For example, the following verse from chapter 9 is very often quoted by critics of Islam, to show that Islam promotes violence, bloodshed, and brutality: “Kill the Mushriqs (pagans, polytheists, kuffar) wherever you find them” (Qur’an 9:5)
*Context of Verse is During Battlefield:*
Critics of Islam actually quote this verse out of context. In order to understand the context, we need to read from verse 1 of this chapter. It says that there was a peace treaty between the Muslims and the polytheists of Makkah. This treaty was violated by the polytheists of Makkah. A period of four months was given to them to make amends. Otherwise, war would be declared against them. Verse 5 of the same chapter says: “But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the polytheists wherever you 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, then open the way for them; for Allah is oft-forgiving, Most merciful” (Qur’an 9:5)
This verse was revealed during a battle.
*Example of War Between India and Pakistan:*
We know that India was once at war with Pakistan. Suppose the President of India or the General of the Indian Army told the Indian soldiers during the war: “Wherever you find the Pakistanis, kill them”. Today if I say that the Indian President said, “Wherever you find Pakistanis, kill them” without giving the context, I will make him sound like a butcher. But if I quote him in context, that he said it during a war, it will sound very logical, as he was trying to boost the morale of the Indian soldiers during the war.
Similarly, Quran 9:5 says, “Kill the polytheists (Mushriqs) wherever you find them”, during a battle to boost the morale of the Muslim soldiers. What the Qur’an is telling Muslim soldiers is, do not be afraid during battle; wherever you find the enemies kill them.
*Critics Jumps from Verse 5 to Verse 7:*
Arun Shourie is one of the staunchest critics of Islam in India. He quotes the same verse Quran 9:5 in his book ‘The World of Fatwahs’, on page 572. After quoting verse 5, he jumps to verse 7 of same chapter. Any sensible person will realize that he has skipped verse 6.
*Quran 9:6 Gives the Answer:*
Chapter 9 verse 6 gives the answer to the allegation that Islam promotes violence, brutality, and bloodshed. It says: “If one amongst the polytheists ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure that is because they are men without knowledge” (Qur’an 9:6)
The Qur’an not only says that a polytheist seeking asylum during the battle should be granted refuge, but also that he should be escorted to a secure place. In the present international scenario, even a kind, peace-loving army General, during a battle, may let the enemy soldiers go free, if they want peace; but which army General will ever tell his soldiers, that if the enemy soldiers want peace during a battle, don’t just let them go free, but also escort them to a place of security?
But, this is exactly what Allah said in the Glorious Qur’an to promote peace in the world.
For those who would like to know more about Islam:
