Is Islam Violent?

Question:

What's so good about Suras 48:29, 8:12, 9:5, 3:151 or other such verses that always DEMAND VIOLENCE AND EVIL against us infidels (including backstabbing, lying, etc.)?

Answer :  (1) Surah Al-Fath (48:29) : 

Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah ; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves.

While passing through a cantonment area, cantonment established by the British, yours truly saw a motto written on the wall. Purpose of (technical name for shooting practice) : one bullet, one enemy. Is it like turning the other cheek? Not by any stretch of imagination. And if you get worked up by war situations then there is of course a way out. Just do not create war situations. Any just analysis of present situation will tell you that Muslims are the victims of war rather than perpetrators.

And if the proposition in above excerpt seems to be asymmetric then please rest assured that there is no assertion here for atrocity. It might demand a tooth for a tooth in case of disbelievers but not more then that. Of course the implications for believers are bit different - they might be forgiven altogether. If you find that a very attractive preposition then Marhaba - you are invited to Islam.

(2) Surah Al-'Anfal (8:12) :

[Remember] when your Lord inspired to the angels, "I am with you, so strengthen those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved, so strike [them] upon the necks and strike from them every fingertip."

To be honest this is not a statement from Muslims. This is a statement from God. You may not believe in it but we do. Again if it disturbs you too much then know that this too is from war situation. Please know here the instructions from God are for fighting only - not for those things that we hear from your battle fields. Think of Afghanistan (Bagram), Iraq (Abu Gharayb), Guantanamo bay - just for a sample.

And as usual the best situation is not create a war situation - Muslims are duty bound not to be aggressive.

(3)  Surah At-Taubah (9:5) :

And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

If it disturbs you then just think that it a commander instructing his battalion. Have you ever picked up the instructions of a commander from the battlefield and complained about it? Most probably not. In case you are connected with the rest of the Noble Qur'an you shall realize that there was a wait period of thirteen years with extremely grave situation such that the wars with the tormentors of beloved Prophet (PBUH) were wholly justified. But if you are bent upon denying any right to defend to Muslims then there is precious little that can be done.

(4) Surah Al-i-Imran ((4)  3:151) :

We will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve for what they have associated with Allah of which He had not sent down [any] authority. And their refuge will be the Fire, and wretched is the residence of the wrongdoers.

 Brother again please understand that this again from God. And we believe it even if you do not. If you dislike it then take your fight to God. If you have decided to be disbeliever then it is between you and your God and please sort it out yourself. You can not hold Muslims responsible for God's actions.

(5) No we do not agree that God always demands violence against disbelievers.You just saw in point (3) above : Surah At-Taubah (9:5) :

 But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This is a clear instruction to cease action. And just in case this makes you believe that it is still gives upper hand to believers then it is bit naive because why should you expect God to treat believers and unbelievers at the same level - it is silly to expect God to fall in line with your demands.

Finally you should understand that there is no assertion in all of these things for unilateral aggression on part of believers.

Hope this clarifies some of the matters.