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.

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