My Opinion

When we look at the number of verses in the Qur'an dealing with the theme of jihad or the struggle in the cause of God, it becomes clear that jihad is one of the main themes of the Koran.

The Arabic word is "Jihad-e-Kabir" (greater jihad). Muslims therefore believe that the physical war is "Jihad-e-Saghir" (smaller jihad), although this term is not expressly mentioned in the Koran (see also 4:74-76).

The 114 Quran suras, chapters, or parts of the Koran are not listed in the chronological order in which Mohammad recited them, but in the order of length, from the longest to the shortest. Instead of listing the verses in the order in which they appear in the Quran, I listed them in the historical order in which they were "revealed" (according to the list of Noldeke). This will help to make the obvious development of Jihad thinking more comprehensible.

The Ka'aba, a rectangular building in the city of Mecca, contained many religious symbols and was the center of the worship of the pagan Arabs at the time of Muhammed. Arabs from all over the Arab world undertook an annual pilgrimage to Mecca to adore these idols.

When Mohammad lived in Mecca in 610, he began to preach the Islam he had invented. His Quraish tribesmen became increasingly angry because of their condemnation of their idolatry. Ninety-eight of the 114 Suren of the Koran came into existence during the 13 years that Muhammed lived in Mecca. These Suras did not contain any instructions to the struggle in spite of the heavy persecution, the striking, the expulsion from their houses, and the death threats to which his small bonds of followers were subject. (See Suras about Jihad in the Koran from phase 1: (in Mecca) - no retribution)

The last 24 Suras are from the time after 622, when Mohammad and his followers had to flee to Medina to escape their persecution in Mecca. There, Mohammad became the political leader of the city, and his followers increased significantly. The doctrine of jihad or the struggle for "Allah" began to develop in these medieval suras.

The number of successors to Muhammad would be small if he had attempted to retaliate immediately. Muhammed was also protected by his uncle until his death. When Muhammad received an invitation to come to Medina, he fled with his followers from Mecca. In Medina he soon received the position of the city's leader and many more Arabs accepted him as a prophet.

Several months after arriving in Medina, the Muslims began attacking the Meccan caravans. (It is very difficult to understand how someone who claimed to be a prophet could take carnal, pagan, Arab practice to deceive the caravans of other tribes, and under the cover of the mantle, to "strive on the way of God" And then say that one-fifth of the prey belongs to God !?). This practice eventually led to the owners of the goods, the tribe of Mecca's Quraish, and several battles against Muhammed. It began with the Battle of Badr in the year 624. At that time, the Muslims were granted permission to defend themselves by fighting and killing. While Muhammed and his followers were themselves the cause of the war, it called Muhammed self-defense. After all, the Quraish simply wanted to protect their own caravans, which were robbed by the Muslims. The only enemies of the Muslims at this time were the "disbelievers" of the tribe of the Quraish of Mecca, who, according to his opinion, had idols instead of Muhammed. (See Suras about Jihad in the Koran from phase 2: (Medina) - self-defense is allowed)

A few months later, a religious obligation was made out of the permission to fight in self-defense. At first, the only enemy images were the "unbelievers" of the tribe of Quraish of Mecca. According to Muhammed, they were in a certain way which had declared war on the Muslims. Starting from the battle of Uhud, they began to regard the hypocrites as enemies, and later also the Christians and Jews as enemies. In the beginning, the Jews were not regarded as enemies, as Muhammed hoped that the Jews would accept him as a prophet in the same way as Moses. (see suras about jihad in the Koran from phase 3: (Medina) - defensive battles are commanded)

Until Phase 4, after the conquest of Mecca, where Muhammed was convinced that assault is the best defense and the attack war is being ordered. Only heathen should get killed and Christians and Jews should get humiliated.

The Muslims have gained strength, they attacked Mecca and the Meccans emerged in the year 630. Most of the heathen of the city converted to the Islam and so Muhammed and his followers were able to take over the city completely. From the Ka'aba got removed around 360 symbols of other religions. At this time new commands were given to adapt to the current situation. It was also obvious that the Jews would not accept Muhammed's claim to be a prophet. Thus the list of enemies was extended to all unbelievers - Jews and Christians as well as the heathen. Now it is no longer just defensive fighting but aggressive jihad against all infidels. Since this is the last doctrine of the Quran on jihad, it is still in force. In other words, Islam and the Muslims have been in the "holy" war since the year 630 of the Christian era with the rest of the world.

On page 538 of Brill's Encyclopaedia of Islam, the author describes:

The djihad is a duty. This precept is laid down in all the sources. It is true that there are to be found in the Koran divergent, and even contradictory, texts. These are classified by the doctrine, apart from certain variations of detail, into four successive categories:

1. those which enjoin pardon for offences and encourage the invitation to Islam by peaceful persuasion
2. those which enjoin fighting to ward off aggression
3. those which enjoin the initiative in attack provided it is not within the four sacred months
4. and those which enjoin the initiative in attack absolutely, at all times and in all places

In sum, these differences correspond to the stages in the development of Muhammad's thought and to the modifications of policy resulting from particular circumstances

The Meccan period during which Muhammad, in general, confines himself to moral and religious teaching, and the Medina period when, having become the leader of a politico-religious community, he is able to undertake, spontaneously, the struggle against those who do not wish to join this community or submit to his authority.

The doctrine holds that the later texts abrogate the former contradictory texts ... to such effect that only those of the last category remain indubitably valid.

Even Brill's Encyclopaedia of Islam describes the Koran in this part as a diary of the warlord and mass murderer Muhammed. Muhammed invented Islam as an excuse and designed Allah according to his wishes.

Even Muhammad Muhsin Khan, the translator into the English of the Bukhari Hadith, writes in on page XXIV in his instructions for translation:

So at first ‘the fighting’ was forbidden, then it was permitted and after that it was made obligatory - (1) against those who start ‘the fighting’ against you (Muslims) ... (2) and against all those who worship others along with Allah ...

In summary, the question "Is the Koran merely hate propaganda?" can get answered clearly with a big YES. The status of a religion must urgently get withdrawn from the Islam.

Until the conquest of Mecca, the motto of the Muslims was to kill the Gentiles and to humiliate the Christians and Jews.

The Muslims continue to gain strength and defeat the Meccans (630 AD). Most of the heathen of the city was then Muslims. Muhammad and his followers were able to take over the city and the Ka'aba. About 360 symbols of other faiths have been removed from the Ka'aba. A new order, adapted to the new situation, was created. At that time, it was obvious that the Jews would not accept Muhammad's claim to be a prophet. Thus the list of his enemies was expanded and contained all "unbelievers" - Jews and Christians as well as the Gentiles. From this point onwards there are not only more defensive battles. The aggressive jihad against all unbelievers is commanded. Since this is the last doctrine of the Qur'an that is about jihad, it is still in force.

Koran 9:1-6

Freedom from (all) obligations (is declared) from Allah and His Messenger to those of the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah), with whom you made a treaty. (9:1)

So travel freely (O Mushrikun - see V.2:105) for four months (as you will) throughout the land, but know that you cannot escape (from the Punishment of) Allah, and Allah will disgrace the disbelievers. (9:2)

And a declaration from Allah and His Messenger to mankind on the greatest day (the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah - the 12th month of Islamic calendar) that Allah is free from (all) obligations to the Mushrikun (see V.2:105) and so is His Messenger. So if you (Mushrikun) repent, it is better for you, but if you turn away, then know that you cannot escape (from the Punishment of) Allah. And give tidings (O Muhammad) of a painful torment to those who disbelieve. (9:3)

Except those of the Mushrikun with whom you have a treaty, and who have not subsequently failed you in aught, nor have supported anyone against you. So fulfill their treaty to them to the end of their term. Surely Allah loves Al- Mattaqun (the pious - see V.2:2). (9:4)

Then when the Sacred Months (the Ist, 7th, 11th, and 12th months of the Islamic calendar) have passed, then kill the Mushrikun (see V.2:105) wherever you find them, and capture them and besiege them, and prepare for them each and every ambush. But if they repent and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat, then leave their way free. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:5)

And if anyone of the Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) seeks your protection then grant him protection, so that he may hear the Word of Allah (the Qur'an), and then escort him to where he can be secure, that is because they are men who know not. (9:6)

The heathen and enemies of Islam often made contracts of mutual alliance with the Muslims. The Muslims watched their role closely, but whenever they did, the heathen injured the treaty. After several years of experience, it became necessary to condemn such contracts as a whole. This was done in a proper form, with a four-month notice period and an opportunity for those who carefully observed their pledges to continue their alliance.

When the war becomes inevitable, it must be persecuted with harshness ... The fighting can take the form of killing, capturing, siege or ambush, as well as other forms of war. But even then there is room for repentance and change on the part of the guilty party. When that happens, there is a duty to forgive and to establish peace.

Koran 9:11-12

But if they repent, perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and give Zakat, then they are your brethren in religion. (In this way) We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail for a people who know. (9:11)

But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and attack your religion with disapproval and criticism then fight (you) the leaders of disbelief (chiefs of Quraish - pagans of Makkah) - for surely their oaths are nothing to them - so that they may stop (evil actions). (9:12)

Koran 9:14-15

Fight against them so that Allah will punish them by your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them and heal the breasts of a believing people,´(9:14)

And remove the anger of their (believers') hearts. Allah accepts the repentance of whom He wills. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (9:15)

Koran 9:16

Do you think that you shall be left alone while Allah has not yet tested those among you who have striven hard and fought and have not taken Walijah [(Batanah - helpers, advisors and consultants from disbelievers, pagans, etc.) giving openly to them their secrets] besides Allah and His Messenger, and the believers. Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.

It is important to note now that the Muslims are now commanded to forgo friendships with non-Muslims. The reason for this is that they are in a state of war with them. For this reason, the Muslim world is sometimes referred to as "the house of Islam", while the rest of the world is called "the house of war".

Koran 9:19-22

Do you consider the providing of drinking water to the pilgrims and the maintenance of Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah) as equal to the worth of those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah? They are not equal before Allah. And Allah guides not those people who are the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers). (9:19)

Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) and emigrated and strove hard and fought in Allah's Cause with their wealth and their lives are far higher in degree with Allah. They are the successful. (9:20)

Their Lord gives them glad tidings of a Mercy from Him, and that He is pleased (with them), and of Gardens (Paradise) for them wherein are everlasting delights. (9:21)

They will dwell therein forever. Verily, with Allah is a great reward. (9:22)

Here is a good description of jihad. It may require fighting in God's cause as a form of self-sacrifice. But his essence consists in a true and sincere faith that fixes his gaze on God in such a way that all selfish or secular motives appear miserable and faded. A serious and incessant activity which, if necessary, involves one's own life or property as a sacrifice in the service of God. Only brutal battles are against the spirit of jihad. A sincere scholar, a preacher's voice, or the contributions of a wealthy man can be the most valuable forms of jihad.

Koran 9:25-26

Truly Allah has given you victory on many battle fields, and on the Day of Hunain (battle) when you rejoiced at your great number but it availed you naught and the earth, vast as it is, was straitened for you, then you turned back in flight. (9:25)

Then Allah did send down His Sakinah (calmness, tranquillity and reassurance, etc.) on the Messenger (Muhammad), and on the believers, and sent down forces (angels) which you saw not, and punished the disbelievers. Such is the recompense of disbelievers. (9:26)

Hunain was on his way to Taif, about 22km east of Mecca ... Immediately after the conquest of Mecca, the pagan idolaters who were surprised and angry at the reception of Muhammad in Mecca, near Taif, for making with plans for the recapture of Mecca with force.

There was a wave of self-confident enthusiasm among Muslims in Mecca, to which new Muslims joined. The forces of the heathen counted only about 4,000 men, but the Muslim reached a total of ten or twelve thousands. The local forces had the advantage of knowing the surroundings and the terrain well. They set a backdrop in which the vanguard of the Muslims was captured. The country is hilly and you could hide well. As soon as the Moslem vanguard entered the Hunain Valley, the anti-Muslim alliance fell upon them with anger. In such an environment, the number of Muslims themselves was a disadvantage. Many of them were killed, and many returned to confusion.

But Muhammad, as always, was quiet in his wisdom and faith. He again gathered his strength and prepared a crushing defeat for his enemies.

Koran 9:28

O you who believe (in Allah's Oneness and in His Messenger (Muhammad)! Verily, the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, and in the Message of Muhammad) are Najasun (impure) . So let them not come near Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah) after this year, and if you fear poverty, Allah will enrich you if He will, out of His Bounty. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Unclean: literally and metaphorically. Because Muslims are obliged to be as strict in ablutions and physical cleanliness as in the purity of mind and heart so that their word is reliable.

Now they have complete control over Mecca and feel entrusted to watch over the "purity of worship". In their own opinion they exclude all impurities.

When the heathen had been in control, a small group of Muslims were not allowed to enter the Ka'aba. Brigadier S. K. Malik wrote:

The enemy repression reached its zenith when the Koraish denied the Muslims access to the Sacred Mosque to fulfill their religious obligations." Now that the tables are reversed, the denial of the pagans' right to fulfill their religious obligations is not called "repression" but is excused on the grounds that they must "shut out all impurity" because the pagans "are unclean."

Koran 9:29-31

Fight against those who (1) believe not in Allah, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger (4) and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islam) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued. (9:29)

And the Jews say: 'Uzair (Ezra) is the son of Allah, and the Christians say: Messiah is the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouths. They imitate the saying of the disbelievers of old. Allah's Curse be on them, how they are deluded away from the truth! (9:30)

They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allah (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allah), and (they also took as their Lord) Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary), while they (Jews and Christians) were commanded [in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)) to worship none but One Ilah (God - Allah) La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) . Praise and glory be to Him, (far above is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him)." (9:31)

The tribute was a tax that was accepted by those who did not accept Islam but who wanted to live under the protection of Islam, and were therefore tacitly prepared to carry out their ideals in the Muslim state. They could claim their personal conscience for themselves. It was a recognition that those whose religion was tolerated would not be associated with the preaching and progress of Islam. There were exceptions for the poor, for women and children, for slaves and for monks and hermits. Since it was a tax on able men of the military age, it was in a way a commutation for the military service.

Koran 9:38-39

O you who believe! What is the matter with you, that when you are asked to march forth in the Cause of Allah (i.e. Jihad) you cling heavily to the earth? Are you pleased with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But little is the enjoyment of the life of this world as compared with the Hereafter. (9:38)

If you march not forth, He will punish you with a painful torment and will replace you by another people, and you cannot harm Him at all, and Allah is Able to do all things. (9:39)

Koran 9:41

March forth, whether you are light (being healthy, young and wealthy) or heavy (being ill, old and poor), strive hard with your wealth and your lives in the Cause of Allah. This is better for you, if you but knew.

All were invited and they had to bring their own weapons and means. Easily or heavily armed and experienced rough men, foot or mounted, were needed for dangers and duties. All would and should help. Even those who were too old or too weak could bring as much money or resources as they had.

Koran 9:52

Say: "Do you wait for us (anything) except one of the two best things (martyrdom or victory); while we await for you either that Allah will afflict you with a punishment from Himself or at our hands. So wait, we too are waiting with you."

Koran 9:73

O Prophet (Muhammad)! Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be harsh against them, their abode is Hell, - and worst indeed is that destination.

Koran 9:81-96

Those who stayed away (from Tabuk expedition) rejoiced in their staying behind the Messenger of Allah; they hated to strive and fight with their properties and their lives in the Cause of Allah, and they said: "March not forth in the heat." Say: "The Fire of Hell is more intense in heat", if only they could understand! (9:81)

So let them laugh a little and (they will) cry much as a recompense of what they used to earn (by committing sins). (9:82)

If Allah brings you back to a party of them (the hypocrites), and they ask your permission to go out (to fight), say: "Never shall you go out with me, nor fight an enemy with me; you agreed to sit inactive on the first occasion, then you sit (now) with those who lag behind." (9:83)

And never (O Muhammad) pray (funeral prayer) for any of them (hypocrites) who dies, nor stand at his grave. Certainly they disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger, and died while they were Fasiqun (rebellious, - disobedient to Allah and His Messenger). (9:84)

And let not their wealth or their children amaze you. Allah's Plan is to punish them with these things in this world, and that their souls shall depart (die) while they are disbelievers. (9:85)

And when a Surah (chapter from the Qur'an) is revealed, enjoining them to believe in Allah and to strive hard and fight along with His Messenger, the wealthy among them ask your leave to exempt them (from Jihad) and say, "Leave us (behind), we would be with those who sit (at home)." (9:86)

They are content to be with those (the women) who sit behind (at home). Their hearts are sealed up (from all kinds of goodness and right guidance), so they understand not. (9:87)

But the Messenger (Muhammad) and those who believed with him (in Islamic Monotheism) strove hard and fought with their wealth and their lives (in Allah's Cause). Such are they for whom are the good things, and it is they who will be successful. (9:88)

For them Allah has got ready Gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success. (9:89)

And those who made excuses from the bedouins came (to you, O Prophet) asking your permission to exempt them (from the battle), and those who had lied to Allah and His Messenger sat at home (without asking the permission for it); a painful torment will seize those of them who disbelieve. (9:90)

There is no blame on those who are weak or ill or who find no resources to spend [in holy fighting (Jihad)], if they are sincere and true (in duty) to Allah and His Messenger. No ground (of complaint) can there be against the Muhsinun (good-doers - see the footnote of V.9:120). And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (9:91)

Nor (is there blame) on those who came to you to be provided with mounts, and when you said: "I can find no mounts for you," they turned back, while their eyes overflowing with tears of grief that they could not find anything to spend (for Jihad). (9:92)

The ground (of complaint) is only against those who are rich, and yet ask exemption . They are content to be with (the women) who sit behind (at home) and Allah has sealed up their hearts (from all kinds of goodness and right guidance) so that they know not (what they are losing). (9:93)

They (the hypocrites) will present their excuses to you (Muslims), when you return to them. Say (O Muhammad) "Present no excuses, we shall not believe you. Allah has already informed us of the news concerning you. Allah and His Messenger will observe your deeds. In the end you will be brought back to the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, then He (Allah) will inform you of what you used to do." [Tafsir At-Tabari] (9:94)

They will swear by Allah to you (Muslims) when you return to them, that you may turn away from them. So turn away from them. Surely, they are Rijsun [i.e. Najasun (impure) because of their evil deeds], and Hell is their dwelling place, - a recompense for that which they used to earn. (9:95)

They (the hypocrites) swear to you (Muslims) that you may be pleased with them, but if you are pleased with them, certainly Allah is not pleased with the people who are Al-Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). (9:96)

The tabuk expedition had to be undertaken in the heat of the summer, because of a threat or fear of a Byzantine invasion. This war took place late in the year 630 A.D. and is the first war against Christians.

In verse 9:86-87 one finds the stinging mockery in the suggestion "Let us be with those who sit (at home)!" The fact that such men were cowards.

Koran 9:111

Verily, Allah has purchased of the believers their lives and their properties; for the price that theirs shall be the Paradise. They fight in Allah's Cause, so they kill (others) and are killed. It is a promise in truth which is binding on Him in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) and the Qur'an. And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain which you have concluded. That is the supreme success .

The Muslims are to offer their whole selves and their possessions to God, and God gives them the salvation, that is, the eternal freedom from the slavery of this world. This is the true doctrine of salvation of the Muslims, which is merely to fill the pockets of their leaders. Every other view of salvation is rejected by Islam, especially the one of corrupted Christianity, who believes the sworn-ness that another man suffered for the sins of the world and was saved by his blood. It is the self-abandonment of the Muslims and not the merits of others. The complete self-surrender of Muslims can be expressed through spiritual and physical struggle.

Koran 9:122

And it is not (proper) for the believers to go out to fight (Jihad) all together. Of every troop of them, a party only should go forth, that they (who are left behind) may get instructions in (Islamic) religion, and that they may warn their people when they return to them, so that they may beware (of evil).

Even among those who are able to go further, a party should remain behind for the purpose of studying in every community or circle, so that homecoming fighters can reconcile their thoughts to the more normal interests of the religious life of duly instructed teachers. The disciples and teachers are soldiers of jihad in obedience and discipline.

Koran 9:123

O you who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are close to you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allah is with those who are the Al-Muttaqun (the pious - see V.2:2).

When conflicts become unavoidable, the first thing is to free the environment from all evil, because it is only the evil that the Muslims can rightly fight.

Koran 5:36-38

Verily, those who disbelieve, if they had all that is in the earth, and as much again therewith to ransom themselves thereby from the torment on the Day of Resurrection, it would never be accepted of them, and theirs would be a painful torment. (5:36)

They will long to get out of the Fire, but never will they get out therefrom, and theirs will be a lasting torment. (5:37)

Cut off (from the wrist joint) the (right) hand of the thief, male or female, as a recompense for that which they committed, a punishment by way of example from Allah. And Allah is All-Powerful, All-Wise. (5:38)

For the double crime of treason against the state in connection with the betrayal of God, as shown by manifest crimes, four alternative punishments are mentioned, one of which is to be used according to the circumstances of execution, crucifixion, rape, or exile Is. These were the characteristics of the criminal code and centuries after, except that torture such as "slopes, stretches and quarters" in English law also involves pushing the eyeballs and leaving the unfortunate victim exposed to the tropical sun as practiced in Arabia Was abolished. In any case, sincere repentance, before it was too late, was acknowledged as a cause of mercy.

Koran 5:54

O you who believe! Whoever from among you turns back from his religion (Islam), Allah will bring a people whom He will love and they will love Him; humble towards the believers, stern towards the disbelievers, fighting in the Way of Allah, and never afraid of the blame of the blamers. That is the Grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower.

In the first days in Mecca, the enemies were the pagan Quraish, while Jews and Christians were tolerated. In Medina, after the Jews rejected Mohammad's claim of prophets, the list of the enemies of Islam was extended to the Jews and Christians.

While Muhammad and his followers still lived in Mecca, they did not retaliate and did not fight, because being small in number the followers of Muhammad would have been wiped out if they had tried to retaliate. Also they were being protected by Mohammad's uncle until his death.

This doctrine, formed at this time, is symbolized by the following verses:

Koran 73:10-11

And be patient (O Muhammad) with what they say, and keep away from them in a good way. (73:10)

And leave Me Alone to deal with the beliers (those who deny My Verses, etc.), and those who are in possession of good things of life. And give them respite for a little while. (73:11)

People who enjoy the beautiful things of life have a special reason for gratitude towards God. When they are in the ranks of the enemies of God, not one, but God can deal adequately with them.

Koran 52:45-48

So leave them alone till they meet their Day, in which they will sink into a fainting (with horror). (52:45)

The Day when their plotting shall not avail them at all nor will they be helped (i.e. they will receive their torment in Hell). (52:46)

And verily, for those who do wrong, there is another punishment (i.e. the torment in this world and in their graves) before this, but most of them know not. [Tafsir At-Tabari, Vol. 27, Page 36]. (52:47)

So wait patiently (O Muhammad) for the Decision of your Lord, for verily, you are under Our Eyes , and glorify the Praises of your Lord when you get up from sleep. (52:48)

A man who calls himself to be the messenger of God must preach peace and tolerance so that he can gain more followers and spread the message of God among the people.

Koran 109:1-6

Say (O Muhammad to these Mushrikun and Kafirun): "O Al-Kafirun (disbelievers in Allah, in His Oneness, in His Angels, in His Books, in His Messengers, in the Day of Resurrection, and in Al-Qadar, etc.)! (109:1)

"I worship not that which you worship, (109:2)

"Nor will you worship that which I worship. (109:3)

"And I shall not worship that which you are worshipping. (109:4)

"Nor will you worship that which I worship. (109:5)

"To you be your religion, and to me my religion (Islamic Monotheism)." (109:6)

Koran 76:8-9

And they give food, inspite of their love for it (or for the love of Him), to Miskin (poor), the orphan, and the captive, (76:8)

(Saying): "We feed you seeking Allah's Countenance only. We wish for no reward, nor thanks from you. (76:9)

The above verses are referring to the time. Even prisoners of war had to earn their own food or their own ransom; Even ordinary prisoners or offenders often starved to death if they were not given food by friends or had not had enough of their own income.

Koran 20:129-130

(siehe auch 38:15-17)

And had it not been for a Word that went forth before from your Lord, and a term determined, (their punishment) must necessarily have come (in this world). (20:129)

So bear patiently (O Muhammad) what they say, and glorify the praises of your Lord before the rising of the sun, and before its setting, and during some of the hours of the night, and at the sides of the day (an indication for the five compulsory congregational prayers), that you may become pleased with the reward which Allah shall give you. (20:130)

All good people have to deal patiently with what appears to them evil.

Koran 20:134-135

And if We had destroyed them with a torment before this (i.e. Messenger Muhammad and the Qur'an), they would surely have said: "Our Lord! If only You had sent us a Messenger, we should certainly have followed Your Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), before we were humiliated and disgraced." (20:134)

Say (O Muhammad): "Each one (believer and disbeliever, etc.) is waiting, so wait you too, and you shall know who are they that are on the Straight and Even Path (i.e. Allah's Religion of Islamic Monotheism), and who are they that have let themselves be guided (on the Right Path). (20:135)

A man of God can only say, "We waited. My faith tells me that the truth of God has to pass through."

Koran 16:93

And had Allah willed, He could have made you (all) one nation, but He sends astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. But you shall certainly be called to account for what you used to do.

It seems to be part of God's will and plan to let people decide freely. He does not forces people to do something. He just tries to give them some guidance. It is incumbent upon man to let him get leaded himself or not. Sinners who have repent, have the chance of forgiveness. The day will come when everyone has to explain his actions ...

Koran 19:83-84

See you not that We have sent the Shayatin (devils) against the disbelievers to push them to do evil. (19:83)

So make no haste against them; We only count out to them a (limited) number (of the days of the life of this world and delay their term so that they may increase in evil and sins). (19:84)

According to God's laws, when evil has reached a certain stage of rebellion and defiance, gain momentum and fury with anger at its own destruction. The pious should therefore not concern themselves with the apparent worldly success of evil, but should continue their own duties in the spirit of trust in God.

Koran 43:88-89

(Allah has knowledge) of (Prophet Muhammad's) saying: "O my Lord! Verily, these are a people who believe not!" (43:88)

So turn away from them (O Muhammad), and say: Salam (peace)! But they will come to know. (43:89)

Koran 67:26

Say (O Muhammad): "The knowledge (of its exact time) is with Allah only, and I am only a plain warner."

It is not the task of prophets to punish the wicked, or to get them punished quickly. Its task is merely to warn against the inevitable end.

Koran 22:49

Say (O Muhammad): "O mankind! I am (sent) to you only as a plain warner."

Koran 23:54

So leave them in their error for a time.

Koran 23:96

Repel evil with that which is better. We are Best-Acquainted with the things they utter.

It is also not the task of the faithful to punish. The best reaction is even not doing evil, even not in revenge. Do only that which defends evil the best. One evils does not justify another one.

Koran 25:52

So obey not the disbelievers, but strive against them (by preaching) with the utmost endeavour, with it (the Qur'an).

The man of God gives no attention to naggers and critics who reject faith. His most powerful weapon in jihad is the words and revelations of God.

Koran 17:54

Your Lord knows you best, if He will, He will have mercy on you, or if He will, He will punish you. And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) as a guardian over them.

Even men of God are not sent to arrange or dispel the affairs of men, but only to teach the message of God.

Koran 16:125-126

Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Inspiration and the Qur'an) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided. (16:125)

And if you punish (your enemy, O you believers in the Oneness of Allah), then punish them with the like of that with which you were afflicted. But if you endure patiently, verily, it is better for As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.) . (16:126)

This section refers to controversies and discussions. The statement is far enough to cover all behavioral problems, disputes and battles. Even in the worst case, one is not entitled to make a worse blow than the one he has received. But those who have reached a higher spiritual level do not make it. The Muslims are reserved and patient. One should not think that such a patience only benefits the opponent. The one who has the advantage, who is able to control himself, does not lose his temperament and does not forget one's own principles of behavior.

Koran 29:46

And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islamic Monotheism with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong, and say (to them): "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you; our Ilah (God) and your Ilah (God) is One (i.e. Allah), and to Him we have submitted (as Muslims)."

In order to become the true standard bearer of God, we must find the common beliefs, as the last part of this verse says.

Koran 29:69

As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allah's Religion - Islamic Monotheism). And verily, Allah is with the Muhsinun (good doers)."

All that mankind can do is to serve God as well as possible. As soon as he struggles with all his might, perseverance, and determination, he is given the grace of God. The way of God is a straight path. There are many ways to God, but some have gone off the right path. Even in this case, the ways to God are still open. He only need to hold your his against God and work with all his mind, soul, resources and work hard on his mistakes (jihad). Thus one escapes the spider-net of our frail world, and attains eternal happiness in the fulfillment of the true destiny.

Koran 10:25-26

Allah calls to the home of peace (i.e. Paradise, by accepting Allah's religion of Islamic Monotheism and by doing righteous good deeds and abstaining from polytheism and evil deeds) and guides whom He wills to a Straight Path. (10:25)

For those who have done good is the best (reward, i.e. Paradise) and even more (i.e. having the honour of glancing at the Countenance of Allah) Neither darkness nor dust nor any humiliating disgrace shall cover their faces. They are the dwellers of Paradise, they will abide therein forever. (10:26)

The Pakistani Brigadier S.K. Malik writes in his book "The Koranic Concept of War":

... the tiny Muslim community in Mecca was the object of the Koraish tyranny and oppression since the proclamation of Islam. They were continuously subjected to the most inhuman torture, repression and persecution. They were ridiculed, browbeaten and assaulted

...The enemy repression reached its zenith when the Koraish denied the Muslims access to the Sacred Mosque (the Ka’aba) to fulfill their religious obligations. This sacrilegious act amounted to an open declaration of war upon Islam. It eventually compelled the Muslims to migrate to Medina twelve years later, in 622 AD...

S. Malik, himself a Muslim, ignores the fact that only Muhammad and some others were denied access to the Ka'aba, and that Muhammad was guilty of tyranny and oppression of the Muslims themselves. He himself had declared war against the Meccans and thus posed a threat to the people of Mecca.

Jihad in the Koran Phase 2: (Medina) - self-defense is allowed