Does Islam promote violence?

Recently, a video clip called 'FITNA' causes chaos and anger to muslims. If any of you who have not seen it, the video clip emphasizes on how Islam promote violence, bloodshed and brutality.

I have seen the video. While watching, all I can do was shook my head as the case being brought up by the video was just short snippets of war clips. And yes, it was biased.

Answer:-

This misconceptions occur because a few selected verses from the Qur'an are often misquoted. Based on their own assumptions, they concluded that Islam promotes violence, encourages its followers to kill those outside the circle of Islam.

1) Verse from the Qur'an, Surah Taubah:

The following verse is a common quote, used by critics of Islam, to show that Islam promotes violence, bloodshed and brutality.

"Kill the mushriqeen (non-muslims, pagans, polytheists, kuffar) where you find them." [Al-Qur'an 9:5]

2) The context of this verse is specifically during battle

Actually, the critics of Islam quoted this verse out of context. In order to understand the context, we need to read from verse 1 of this surah.

From the first verse of Surah Taubah, it says that there was a peace agreement between the Muslims and the Mushriqs (non-muslims, pagans) of Makkah. This agreement was then violated by the Mushriqs of Makkah. A period of four months was given to them (mushriqs) to make amends. Otherwise, war would be declared against them. So, verse 5 of surah Taubah says:

"But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, belaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every plot (of war); but if they repent and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: Allah is oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." [Al-Qur'an 9:5]

This verse is quoted during a battle.

3) Example of war between America and Vietnam

(Taken from a book by Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik)

We know that America was once at war in Vietnam. Suppose the President of America or the General Army told the American soldiers during the war: "Wherever you find the Vietnamese, kill them."

Today, if I say that the American President said "Wherever you find the Vietnamese, 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 war, it sounds more logical, as he was trying to boost the morale of the American soldiers during war.

4) The verse is quoted to boost the morale of Muslims during battle

Similarly, the verse 9 in Surah Taubah, is specifically to boost the morale of the muslims soldiers during battle.

What the Qur'an is telling them is, do not be afraid during this battle, wherever you find the enemies, kill them.

5) Most critics of Islam (including the 'FITNA' video) will jump from verse 5 to verse 7

This is so that they can make their case. But honestly, (giggles) --- any sensible person will realise that they skipped verse 6.

6)Surah Taubah, verse 6, gives the answer:

"If one amongst the pagans ask thee for asylum (protection), 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."

Based on this verse (the verse that were skipped by critics of Islam), it stated that a Mushriq seeking asylum during the battle should be granted refuge. Even more, the Mushriq should be escorted to a secure place.

This is exactly what Allah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur'an to promote peace in the world.

In short, Islam is a religion of unity and peace. The misconceptions arise is nothing but a propaganda and ignorance of some people.