My Opinion

nothing but my opinion

What does the Koran teach about violence?

Islamic TerroristsThe Koran contains more than 100 verses, which call the Muslims against the unbelievers for war or violence. Some are fairly pictorially represented. It contained commands such as beheading, hacking off the fingers and disbelievers wherever one finds them. Muslims who do not want to participate in the fight against the unbelievers are getting called "hypocrites" and warned that Allah will send them to hell.

In contrast to almost all Old Testament verses of violence, the verses of violence in the Koran are largely open. This means that they can not be restricted by the historical context contained in the surrounding text. They are part of the eternal, unchangeable word of Allah and as relevant or interpretive as everything else in the Koran.

Like everything in the Koran, the violent passages are ambiguous, which one should not expect from a perfect book of a loving God. Apparently the omniscient and omnipotent God described in the Koran is incapable of expressing himself clearly. Therefore, the sacred book of the Muslims should be a human work rather than a message of God. The more you read and analyzed it, the more you get the impression that the Koran is the diary of a rapist, robber, terrorist, misogynist, cult leader, madman, rapist, assassin, torturer, looter, unscrupulous warlord and mass murderer.

Most contemporary Muslims themselves choose according to their own moral preferences as they have the reputation of their "holy book" on violence. The defenders of Islam try to explain the violent passages with nice but untenable arguments. These shine in their representation and usually do not stand up to an examination. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the problem is not caused by bad people but by a bad ideology and lack of education.

Unfortunately, there are very few verses of tolerance and peace to counter the many who call for non-believers to be condemned and subjugated until they are either converted to Islam or killed. Muhammad's own martial legacy, along with the remarkable impression of violence from the Koran, left a trace of blood and tears in the world.

  • Koran 2:178-179

    O you who believe! Al-Qisas (the Law of Equality in punishment) is prescribed for you in case of murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. But if the killer is forgiven by the brother (or the relatives, etc.) of the killed against blood money, then adhering to it with fairness and payment of the blood money, to the heir should be made in fairness. This is an alleviation and a mercy from your Lord. So after this whoever transgresses the limits (i.e. kills the killer after taking the blood money), he shall have a painful torment. (2:178)

    And there is (a saving of) life for you in Al-Qisas (the Law of Equality in punishment), O men of understanding, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious - see 2:2). (2:179)

     

  • Koran 2:190-193

    And fight in the Way of Allah those who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Truly, Allah likes not the transgressors. [This Verse is the first one that was revealed in connection with Jihad, but it was supplemented by another (9:36)]. (2:190)

    And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah is worse than killing. And fight not with them at Al-Masjid-al-Haram (the sanctuary at Makkah), unless they (first) fight you there. But if they attack you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers. (2:191)

    But if they cease, then Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (2:192)

    And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and worshipping of others along with Allah) and (all and every kind of) worship is for Allah (Alone). But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against Az-Zalimun (the polytheists, and wrong-doers, etc.) (2:193)

    The sacred month is for the sacred month, and for the prohibited things, there is the Law of Equality (Qisas). Then whoever transgresses the prohibition against you, you transgress likewise against him. And fear Allah, and know that Allah is with Al-Muttaqun (the pious - see 2:2). (2:194)

    Verse 190 refers to "And fight in the Way of Allah those who fight you ..." Proponents of Islam claim that the entire passage refers to a war of defense in which the Muslims defend their homes and families. The historical context of this passage, however, is not a defense since Muhammad and his Muslims have just moved to Medina and were not attacked by anybody. In fact, the verses point to an offensive warfare in which the Muslims should drive the Meccans out of their own city, which they later did. Verse 190 thus means to combat those who oppose the rule of Allah (i.e., Muslim conquest). The use of the word "persecution" by some Muslim translators is flawed - the actual Arabic words for persecution (idtihad) and oppression (a variant of "zlm") do not appear in the verse can mean disbelief or disorder resulting from disbelief or temptation. This is certainly meant in this context, since the violence is explicitly commissioned, "and (all and every kind of) worship is for Allah (Alone)" - i.e. Unbelievers consist in their unbelief.

  • Koran 2:216-218

    Jihad (holy fighting in Allah's Cause) is ordained for you (Muslims) though you dislike it, and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know. (2:216)

    They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months (i.e. 1st, 7th, 11th and 12th months of the Islamic calendar). Say, "Fighting therein is a great (transgression) but a greater (transgression) with Allah is to prevent mankind from following the Way of Allah, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah), and to drive out its inhabitants, and Al-Fitnah is worse than killing. And they will never cease fighting you until they turn you back from your religion (Islamic Monotheism) if they can. And whosoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever, then his deeds will be lost in this life and in the Hereafter, and they will be the dwellers of the Fire. They will abide therein forever." (2:217)

    Verily, those who have believed, and those who have emigrated (for Allah's Religion) and have striven hard in the Way of Allah, all these hope for Allah's Mercy. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful. (2:218)

    Not only this verse states that violence can be virtuous. It also contradicts the myth that battles are only intended for self-defense, since the people were apparently not attacked at this time. From the Hadith, we know that this verse was told at a time when Muhammad actually tried to motivate his people to attack caravans.

  • Koran 2:244

    And fight in the Way of Allah and know that Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.

     

  • Koran 3:56

    "As to those who disbelieve, I will punish them with a severe torment in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers."

     

  • Koran 3:121-126

    And (remember) when you (Muhammad) left your household in the morning to post the believers at their stations for the battle (of Uhud). And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. (3:121)

    When two parties from among you were about to lose heart, but Allah was their Wali (Supporter and Protector). And in Allah should the believers put their trust. (3:122)

    And Allah has already made you victorious at Badr, when you were a weak little force. So fear Allah much [abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden and love Allah much, perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained] that you may be grateful. (3:123)

    (Remember) when you (Muhammad) said to the believers, "Is it not enough for you that your Lord (Allah) should help you with three thousand angels; sent down?" (3:124)

    "Yes, if you hold on to patience and piety, and the enemy comes rushing at you; your Lord will help you with five thousand angels having marks (of distinction)." (3:125)

    Allah made it not but as a message of good news for you and as an assurance to your hearts. And there is no victory except from Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. (3:126)

     

  • Koran 3:140-143

    If a wound (and killing) has touched you, be sure a similar wound (and killing) has touched the others. And so are the days (good and not so good), We give to men by turns, that Allah may test those who believe, and that He may take martyrs from among you. And Allah likes not the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers). (3:140)

    And that Allah may test (or purify) the believers (from sins) and destroy the disbelievers. (3:141)

    Do you think that you will enter Paradise before Allah tests those of you who fought (in His Cause) and (also) tests those who are As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.)? (3:142)

    You did indeed wish for death (Ash-Shahadah - martyrdom) before you met it. Now you have seen it openly with your own eyes. (3:143)

     

  • Koran 3:146

    And many a Prophet (i.e. many from amongst the Prophets) fought (in Allah's Cause) and along with him (fought) large bands of religious learned men. But they never lost heart for that which did befall them in Allah's Way, nor did they weaken nor degrade themselves. And Allah loves As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.).

     

  • Koran 3:151

    We shall cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve, because they joined others in worship with Allah, for which He had sent no authority; their abode will be the Fire and how evil is the abode of the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers).

    This is directly addressed to polytheists, but it also includes Christians, believing in the triune (which Muhammad mistakenly considered as "joining companions to Allah").

  • Koran 3:152-158

    And Allah did indeed fulfil His Promise to you when you were killing them (your enemy) with His Permission; until (the moment) you lost your courage and fell to disputing about the order, and disobeyed after He showed you (of the booty) which you love. Among you are some that desire this world and some that desire the Hereafter. Then He made you flee from them (your enemy), that He might test you. But surely, He forgave you, and Allah is Most Gracious to the believers. (3:152)

    (And remember) when you ran away (dreadfully) without even casting a side glance at anyone, and the Messenger (Muhammad) was in your rear calling you back. There did Allah give you one distress after another by way of requital to teach you not to grieve for that which had escaped you, nor for that which had befallen you. And Allah is Well-Aware of all that you do. (3:153)

    Then after the distress, He sent down security for you. Slumber overtook a party of you, while another party was thinking about themselves (as how to save their ownselves, ignoring the others and the Prophet) and thought wrongly of Allah - the thought of ignorance. They said, "Have we any part in the affair?" Say you (O Muhammad): "Indeed the affair belongs wholly to Allah." They hide within themselves what they dare not reveal to you, saying: "If we had anything to do with the affair, none of us would have been killed here." Say: "Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death," but that Allah might test what is in your breasts; and to Mahis that which was in your hearts (sins), and Allah is All-Knower of what is in (your) breasts. (3:154)

    Those of you who turned back on the day the two hosts met (i.e. the battle of Uhud), it was Shaitan (Satan) who caused them to backslide (run away from the battlefield) because of some (sins) they had earned. But Allah, indeed, has forgiven them. Surely, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing. (3:155)

    O you who believe! Be not like those who disbelieve (hypocrites) and who say to their brethren when they travel through the earth or go out to fight: "If they had stayed with us, they would not have died or been killed," so that Allah may make it a cause of regret in their hearts. It is Allah that gives life and causes death. And Allah is All-Seer of what you do. (3:156)

    And if you are killed or die in the Way of Allah, forgiveness and mercy from Allah are far better than all that they amass (of worldly wealths, etc.). (3:157)

    And whether you die, or are killed, verily, unto Allah you shall be gathered. (3:158)

     

  • Koran 3:165-167

    (What is the matter with you?) When a single disaster smites you, although you smote (your enemies) with one twice as great, you say: "From where does this come to us?" Say (to them), "It is from yourselves (because of your evil deeds)." And Allah has power over all things. (3:165)

    And what you suffered (of the disaster) on the day (of the battle of Uhud when) the two armies met, was by the leave of Allah, in order that He might test the believers. (3:166)

    And that He might test the hypocrites, it was said to them: "Come, fight in the Way of Allah or (at least) defend yourselves." They said: "Had we known that fighting will take place, we would certainly have followed you." They were that day, nearer to disbelief than to Faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. And Allah has full knowledge of what they conceal. (3:167)

     

  • Koran 3:169

    Think not of those who are killed in the Way of Allah as dead. Nay, they are alive, with their Lord, and they have provision.

     

  • Koran 3:172-173

    Those who answered (the Call of) Allah and the Messenger (Muhammad) after being wounded; for those of them who did good deeds and feared Allah, there is a great reward. (3:172)

    Those (i.e. believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, "Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them." But it (only) increased them in Faith, and they said: "Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)." (3:173)

     

  • Koran 3:195

    So their Lord accepted of them (their supplication and answered them), "Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female. You are (members) one of another, so those who emigrated and were driven out from their homes, and suffered harm in My Cause, and who fought, and were killed (in My Cause), verily, I will remit from them their evil deeds and admit them into Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise); a reward from Allah, and with Allah is the best of rewards."

     

  • Koran 4:71-72

    O you who believe! Take your precautions, and either go forth (on an expedition) in parties, or go forth all together. (4:71)

    There is certainly among you he who would linger behind (from fighting in Allah's Cause). If a misfortune befalls you, he says, "Indeed Allah has favoured me in that I was not present among them." (4:72)

     

  • Koran 4:74

    Let those (believers) who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter fight in the Cause of Allah, and whoso fights in the Cause of Allah, and is killed or gets victory, We shall bestow on him a great reward.

    The martyrs of Islam are in contrast to the early Christians, those who were gently led to death. These Muslims are killed in battle while they try to inflict death and destruction on the cause of Allah. This is the theological basis for today's suicide bombers.

  • Koran 4:75-77

    And what is wrong with you that you fight not in the Cause of Allah, and for those weak, ill-treated and oppressed among men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from You one who will protect, and raise for us from You one who will help." (4:75)

    Those who believe, fight in the Cause of Allah, and those who disbelieve, fight in the cause of Taghut (Satan, etc.). So fight you against the friends of Shaitan (Satan); Ever feeble indeed is the plot of Shaitan (Satan). (4:76)

    Have you not seen those who were told to hold back their hands (from fighting) and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat, but when the fighting was ordained for them, behold! a section of them fear men as they fear Allah or even more. They say: "Our Lord! Why have you ordained for us fighting? Would that you had granted us respite for a short period?" Say: "Short is the enjoyment of this world. The Hereafter is (far) better for him who fears Allah, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly even equal to the Fatila (a scalish thread in the long slit of a date-stone). (4:77)

     

  • Koran 4:84

    Then fight (O Muhammad) in the Cause of Allah, you are not tasked (held responsible) except for yourself, and incite the believers (to fight along with you), it may be that Allah will restrain the evil might of the disbelievers. And Allah is Stronger in Might and Stronger in punishing.

     

  • Koran 4:89-91

    They wish that you reject Faith, as they have rejected (Faith), and thus that you all become equal (like one another). So take not Auliya' (protectors or friends) from them, till they emigrate in the Way of Allah (to Muhammad). But if they turn back (from Islam), take (hold) of them and kill them wherever you find them, and take neither Auliya' (protectors or friends) nor helpers from them. (4:89)

    Except those who join a group, between you and whom there is a treaty (of peace), or those who approach you with their breasts restraining from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. Had Allah willed, indeed He would have given them power over you, and they would have fought you. So if they withdraw from you, and fight not against you, and offer you peace, then Allah has opened no way for you against them. (4:90)

    You will find others that wish to have security from you and security from their people. Every time they are sent back to temptation, they yield thereto. If they withdraw not from you, nor offer you peace, nor restrain their hands, take (hold) of them and kill them wherever you find them. In their case, We have provided you with a clear warrant against them. (4:91)

     

  • Koran 4:94-95

    O you who believe! When you go (to fight) in the Cause of Allah, verify (the truth), and say not to anyone who greets you (by embracing Islam): "You are not a believer"; seeking the perishable goods of the worldly life. There are much more profits and booties with Allah. Even as he is now, so were you yourselves before till Allah conferred on you His Favours (i.e. guided you to Islam), therefore, be cautious in discrimination. Allah is Ever Well-Aware of what you do. (4:94)

    Not equal are those of the believers who sit (at home), except those who are disabled (by injury or are blind or lame, etc.), and those who strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Allah has preferred in grades those who strive hard and fight with their wealth and their lives above those who sit (at home). Unto each, Allah has promised good (Paradise), but Allah has preferred those who strive hard and fight, above those who sit (at home) by a huge reward; (4:95)

    This passage criticizes "peaceful" Muslims who do not participate in violence and tell them that they are less worthy in Allah's eyes. It also destroys the modern myth that "jihad" means spiritual struggle and not holy war in the Koran. Not only this Arabic word (mujahiduna), which is used in this passage, is clearly not related to something spiritual, since the physically handicapped receive liberation. (The hadith reveals the context of the passage in response to a blind man's protest that he is not able to participate in jihad.) This would not make sense if jihad were an internal struggle.

  • Koran 4:100-104

    He who emigrates (from his home) in the Cause of Allah, will find on earth many dwelling places and plenty to live by. And whosoever leaves his home as an emigrant unto Allah and His Messenger, and death overtakes him, his reward is then surely incumbent upon Allah. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (4:100)

    And when you (Muslims) travel in the land, there is no sin on you if you shorten your Salat (prayer) if you fear that the disbelievers may attack you, verily, the disbelievers are ever unto you open enemies. (4:101)

    When you (O Messenger Muhammad) are among them, and lead them in As-Salat (the prayer), let one party of them stand up [in Salat (prayer)] with you taking their arms with them; when they finish their prostrations, let them take their positions in the rear and let the other party come up which has not yet prayed, and let them pray with you taking all the precautions and bearing arms. Those who disbelieve wish, if you were negligent of your arms and your baggage, to attack you in a single rush, but there is no sin on you if you put away your arms because of the inconvenience of rain or because you are ill, but take every precaution for yourselves. Verily, Allah has prepared a humiliating torment for the disbelievers. (4:102)

    When you have finished As-Salat (the prayer - congregational), remember Allah standing, sitting down, and lying down on your sides, but when you are free from danger, perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as- Salat). Verily, the prayer is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours. (4:103)

    And don't be weak in the pursuit of the enemy; if you are suffering (hardships) then surely, they (too) are suffering (hardships) as you are suffering, but you have a hope from Allah (for the reward, i.e. Paradise) that for which they hope not, and Allah is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise. (4:104)

    Is the fact of letting others suffer just for the reason that you have suffered yourself, really self-defense or just primitive revenge?

  • Koran 5:33

    The recompense of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and do mischief in the land is only that they shall be killed or crucified or their hands and their feet be cut off on the opposite sides, or be exiled from the land. That is their disgrace in this world, and a great torment is theirs in the Hereafter.

     

  • Koran 5:35

    O you who believe! Do your duty to Allah and fear Him. Seek the means of approach to Him, and strive hard in His Cause as much as you can. So that you may be successful.

     

  • Koran 5:82

    Verily, you will find the strongest among men in enmity to the believers (Muslims) the Jews and those who are Al-Mushrikun (see V.2:105), and you will find the nearest in love to the believers (Muslims) those who say: "We are Christians." That is because amongst them are priests and monks, and they are not proud.

     

  • Koran 8:1

    They ask you (O Muhammad) about the spoils of war. Say: "The spoils are for Allah and the Messenger." So fear Allah and adjust all matters of difference among you, and obey Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), if you are believers.

     

  • Koran 8:5

    As your Lord caused you (O Muhammad) to go out from your home with the truth, and verily, a party among the believers disliked it;

     

  • Koran 8:7

    And (remember) when Allah promised you (Muslims) one of the two parties (of the enemy i.e. either the army or the caravan) that it should be yours, you wished that the one not armed (the caravan) should be yours, but Allah willed to justify the truth by His Words and to cut off the roots of the disbelievers (i.e. in the battle of Badr).

     

  • Koran 8:9-10

    (Remember) when you sought help of your Lord and He answered you (saying): "I will help you with a thousand of the angels each behind the other (following one another) in succession." (8:9)

    Allah made it only as glad tidings, and that your hearts be at rest therewith. And there is no victory except from Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. (8:10)

     

  • Koran 8:12

    (Remember) when your Lord inspired the angels, "Verily, I am with you, so keep firm those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who have disbelieved, so strike them over the necks, and smite over all their fingers and toes."

    The aims of violence are "the unbelievers". Further in the next verse 8:13 defined as defiant and disobedient to Allah. Nothing is said about self-defense. In fact, the verses in Sura 8 were narrated shortly after a battle provoked by Muhammad, trying to attack a lightly armed caravan to steal goods.

  • Koran 8:15-17

    O you who believe! When you meet those who disbelieve, in a battle-field, never turn your backs to them. (8:15)

    And whoever turns his back to them on such a day - unless it be a stratagem of war, or to retreat to a troop (of his own), - he indeed has drawn upon himself wrath from Allah. And his abode is Hell, and worst indeed is that destination! (8:16)

    You killed them not, but Allah killed them. And you (Muhammad) threw not when you did throw but Allah threw, that He might test the believers by a fair trial from Him. Verily, Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. (8:17)

     

  • Koran 8:39-48

    And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and polytheism: i.e. worshipping others besides Allah) and the religion (worship) will all be for Allah Alone [in the whole of the world ]. But if they cease (worshipping others besides Allah), then certainly, Allah is All-Seer of what they do. (8:39)

    And if they turn away, then know that Allah is your Maula (Patron, Lord, Protector and Supporter, etc.), (what) an Excellent Maula, and (what) an Excellent Helper! (8:40)

    And know that whatever of war-booty that you may gain, verily one-fifth (1/5th) of it is assigned to Allah, and to the Messenger, and to the near relatives [of the Messenger (Muhammad)], (and also) the orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor) and the wayfarer, if you have believed in Allah and in that which We sent down to Our slave (Muhammad) on the Day of criterion (between right and wrong), the Day when the two forces met (the battle of Badr) - And Allah is Able to do all things. (8:41)

    (And remember) when you (the Muslim army) were on the near side of the valley, and they on the farther side, and the caravan on the ground lower than you. Even if you had made a mutual appointment to meet, you would certainly have failed in the appointment, but (you met) that Allah might accomplish a matter already ordained (in His Knowledge); so that those who were to be destroyed (for their rejecting the Faith) might be destroyed after a clear evidence, and those who were to live (i.e. believers) might live after a clear evidence. And surely, Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. (8:42)

    (And remember) when Allah showed them to you as few in your (i.e. Muhammad's) dream, if He had shown them to you as many, you would surely have been discouraged, and you would surely have disputed in making a decision. But Allah saved (you). Certainly, He is the All-Knower of what is in the breasts. (8:43)

    And (remember) when you met (the army of the disbelievers on the Day of the battle of Badr), He showed them to you as few in your eyes and He made you appear as few in their eyes, so that Allah might accomplish a matter already ordained (in His Knowledge), and to Allah return all matters (for decision). (8:44)

    O you who believe! When you meet (an enemy) force, take a firm stand against them and remember the Name of Allah much (both with tongue and mind), so that you may be successful. (8:45)

    And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength depart, and be patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.). (8:46)

    And be not like those who come out of their homes boastfully and to be seen of men, and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah. and Allah is Muhitun (encircling and thoroughly comprehending) all that they do. (8:47)

    And (remember) when Shaitan (Satan) made their (evil) deeds seem fair to them and said, "No one of mankind can overcome you this Day (of the battle of Badr) and verily, I am your neighbour (for each and every help)." But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he ran away and said "Verily, I have nothing to do with you. Verily! I see what you see not. Verily! I fear Allah for Allah is Severe in punishment." (8:48)

    Some translations interpret "fitna" as "persecution," but the traditional understanding of this word is not supported by the historical context. The Meccans simply refused access to their city during the Haj for Muhammad. Other Muslims were allowed to travel there - but not as an armed group, because Muhammad had declared war against Mecca before his expulsion. The Meccans also acted to defend their religion, because it was Muhammad's intention to destroy their idols and to establish Islam by force. What he did later. Therefore, the critical part of this verse is to be struggled until "and the religion (worship) will all be for Allah Alone [in the whole of the world]" which means that the true justification of violence. According to the Sira (Ibn Ishaq/Hisham 324), Muhammad continues: "Allah must not have any competition."

  • Koran 8:57-60

    So if you gain the mastery over them in war, punish them severely in order to disperse those who are behind them, so that they may learn a lesson. (8:57)

    If you (O Muhammad) fear treachery from any people throw back (their covenant) to them (so as to be) on equal terms (that there will be no more covenant between you and them). Certainly Allah likes not the treacherous. (8:58)

    And let not those who disbelieve think that they can outstrip (escape from the punishment). Verily, they will never be able to save themselves (from Allah's Punishment). (8:59)

    And make ready against them all you can of power, including steeds of war (tanks, planes, missiles, artillery, etc.) to threaten the enemy of Allah and your enemy, and others besides whom, you may not know but whom Allah does know. And whatever you shall spend in the Cause of Allah shall be repaid unto you, and you shall not be treated unjustly. (8:60)

     

  • Koran 8:65-75

    O Prophet (Muhammad)! Urge the believers to fight. If there are twenty steadfast persons amongst you, they will overcome two hundred, and if there be a hundred steadfast persons they will overcome a thousand of those who disbelieve, because they (the disbelievers) are people who do not understand. (8:65)

    Now Allah has lightened your (task), for He knows that there is weakness in you. So if there are of you a hundred steadfast persons, they shall overcome two hundred, and if there are a thousand of you, they shall overcome two thousand with the Leave of Allah. And Allah is with As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.). (8:66)

    It is not for a Prophet that he should have prisoners of war (and free them with ransom) until he had made a great slaughter (among his enemies) in the land. You desire the good of this world (i.e. the money of ransom for freeing the captives), but Allah desires (for you) the Hereafter. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. (8:67)

    Were it not a previous ordainment from Allah, a severe torment would have touched you for what you took. (8:68)

    So enjoy what you have gotten of booty in war, lawful and good, and be afraid of Allah. Certainly, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (8:69)

    O Prophet! Say to the captives that are in your hands: "If Allah knows any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (8:70)

    But if they intend to betray you (O Muhammad), they have already betrayed Allah before. So He gave (you) power over them. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise. (8:71)

    Verily, those who believed, and emigrated and strove hard and fought with their property and their lives in the Cause of Allah as well as those who gave (them) asylum and help, - these are (all) allies to one another. And as to those who believed but did not emigrate (to you O Muhammad), you owe no duty of protection to them until they emigrate , but if they seek your help in religion, it is your duty to help them except against a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, and Allah is the All-Seer of what you do. (8:72)

    And those who disbelieve are allies to one another, (and) if you (Muslims of the whole world collectively) do not do so (i.e. become allies, as one united block with one Khalifah - chief Muslim ruler for the whole Muslim world to make victorious Allah's Religion of Islamic Monotheism), there will be Fitnah (wars, battles, polytheism, etc.) and oppression on earth, and a great mischief and corruption (appearance of polytheism). (8:73)

    And those who believed, and emigrated and strove hard in the Cause of Allah (Al-Jihad), as well as those who gave (them) asylum and aid; - these are the believers in truth, for them is forgiveness and Rizqun Karim (a generous provision i.e. Paradise). (8:74)

    And those who believed afterwards, and emigrated and strove hard along with you, (in the Cause of Allah) they are of you. But kindred by blood are nearer to one another regarding inheritance in the decree ordained by Allah. Verily, Allah is the All-Knower of everything. (8:75)

     

  • Koran 9:5

    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.

    According to this verse, the best way to protect themselves from Muslim violence in the time of Muhammad was to convert to Islam: prayer (salat) and the poor tax (zakat) are among the five pillars of religion. The popular assertion that the Koran only allows violence in the context of self-defense is also seriously questioned by this passage, as the Muslims themselves, as it is written, were obviously not attacked. If it had been, there would not have been a waiting period (earlier verses make it a must for Muslims to fight even in the holy months). The historical context is Mecca, after the idolaters of Muhammad were subjugated and were not a threat. Once the Muslims had power, they expelled the unbelievers, who could not get converted.

    The verse says that infidels are to be combated, "wherever you find them". Even if the context comes from a time of battle (which is not true), he seems to sanction the attacks against those "unbelievers" who are not on the battlefield. In the year 2016, the Islamic state referred to this verse by urging the faithful to commit terrorist attacks: "Allah did not only command the 'fighting' of disbelievers, as if to say He only wants us to conduct frontline operations against them. Rather, He has also ordered that they be slain wherever they may be – on or off the battlefield." (Source)

  • Koran 9:12-14

    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)

    Will you not fight a people who have violated their oaths (pagans of Makkah) and intended to expel the Messenger, while they did attack you first? Do you fear them? Allah has more right that you should fear Him, if you are believers. (9:13)

    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)

    The humiliation and injury of non-believers not only has the blessing of Allah, it is also ordered to carry out his punishment and it even heals the hearts of the Muslims. That shows the low level of the Islam by healing the hearts of the Muslims with revenge.

  • 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.

     

  • Koran 9:19-20

    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)

    The Arabic word interpreted as "striving" in this verse has the same root as "jihad". The context is obviously holy war.

  • Koran 9:24-26

    Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight ... are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger, and striving hard and fighting in His Cause , then wait until Allah brings about His Decision (torment). And Allah guides not the people who are Al-Fasiqun (the rebellious, disobedient to Allah). (9:24)

    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)

     

  • Koran 9:29

    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.

    The statement "people of the Scripture" refers to Christians and Jews. According to this verse, they are to be subjected to violence, the only justification being their religious status. Verse 9:33 tells Muslims that Allah has chosen them to make Islam "to make it superior over all religions". This chapter was one of the final "revelations" of Allah and set in motion the tough military expansion in which Muhammad's companions had managed to conquer two-thirds of the Christian world over the next 100 years. Islam should govern all other people and believers.

  • Koran 9:30

    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!

     

  • Koran 9:36

    Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred, (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islamic calendar). That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein, and fight against the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) collectively , as they fight against you collectively. But know that Allah is with those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious - see 2:2).

     

  • 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)

    This is a warning for those who refuse to fight. They will be punished in hell.

  • Koran 9:41-42

    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. (9:41)

    Had it been a near gain (booty in front of them) and an easy journey, they would have followed you, but the distance (Tabuk expedition) was long for them, and they would swear by Allah, "If we only could, we would certainly have come forth with you." They destroy their ownselves, and Allah knows that they are liars. (9:42)

    This contradicts the myth that Muslims are only to fight in self-defense because the wording implies that the battle is led from far from home (according to historians in another country and on Christian ground).

  • Koran 9:44

    Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day would not ask your leave to be exempted from fighting with their properties and their lives, and Allah is the All-Knower of Al-Muttaqun (the pious - see 2:2).

     

  • 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.

    People who reject Islam are reminded by Muslims that unbelievers are only firewood for hell. This makes it easier for the Islamists to justify mass murders. It also explains why today's believing Muslims take little consideration for those outside their faith.

  • Koran 9:81

    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!

     

  • Koran 9:83

    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."

     

  • Koran 9:86

    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)."

     

  • Koran 9:88

    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.

     

  • Koran 9:92

    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).

     

  • 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.

    How does the Koran define a true believer?

  • Koran 9:120

    It was not becoming of the people of Al-Madinah and the bedouins of the neighbourhood to remain behind Allah's Messenger (Muhammad when fighting in Allah's Cause) and (it was not becoming of them) to prefer their own lives to his life. That is because they suffer neither thirst nor fatigue, nor hunger in the Cause of Allah, nor they take any step to raise the anger of disbelievers nor inflict any injury upon an enemy but is written to their credit as a deed of righteousness. Surely, Allah wastes not the reward of the Muhsinun

     

  • Koran 9:122-123

    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). (9:122)

    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 2:2). (9:123)

     

  • Koran 16:110

    Then, verily! Your Lord for those who emigrated after they had been put to trials and thereafter strove hard and fought (for the Cause of Allah) and were patient, verily, your Lord afterward is, Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

     

  • Koran 17:16

    And when We decide to destroy a town (population), We (first) send a definite order (to obey Allah and be righteous) to those among them [or We (first) increase in number those of its population] who are given the good things of this life. Then, they transgress therein, and thus the word (of torment) is justified against it (them). Then We destroy it with complete destruction.

    Note: The crime is a moral offense and the punishment for it is "total destruction." (Before the 9/11 attacks, Osama bin Laden sent the Americans for the first time an invitation to Islam).

  • Koran 18:65-81

    Then they found one of Our slaves, unto whom We had bestowed mercy from Us, and whom We had taught knowledge from Us. (18:65)

    Musa (Moses) said to him (Khidr) "May I follow you so that you teach me something of that knowledge (guidance and true path) which you have been taught (by Allah)?" (18:66)

    He (Khidr) said: "Verily! You will not be able to have patience with me! (18:67)

    "And how can you have patience about a thing which you know not?" (18:68)

    Musa (Moses) said: "If Allah will, you will find me patient, and I will not disobey you in aught." (18:69)

    He (Khidr) said: "Then, if you follow me, ask me not about anything till I myself mention it to you." (18:70)

    So they both proceeded, till, when they embarked the ship, he (Khidr) scuttled it. Musa (Moses) said: "Have you scuttled it in order to drown its people? Verily, you have committed a thing "Imra" (a Munkar - evil, bad, dreadful thing)." (18:71)

    He (Khidr) said: "Did I not tell you, that you would not be able to have patience with me?" (18:72)

    [Musa (Moses)] said: "Call me not to account for what I forgot, and be not hard upon me for my affair (with you)." (18:73)

    Then they both proceeded, till they met a boy, he (Khidr) killed him. Musa (Moses) said: "Have you killed an innocent person who had killed none? Verily, you have committed a thing "Nukra" (a great Munkar - prohibited, evil, dreadful thing)!" (18:74)

    (Khidr) said: "Did I not tell you that you can have no patience with me?" (18:75)

    [Musa (Moses)] said: "If I ask you anything after this, keep me not in your company, you have received an excuse from me." (18:76)

    Then they both proceeded, till, when they came to the people of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused to entertain them. Then they found therein a wall about to collapse and he (Khidr) set it up straight. [Musa (Moses)] said: If you had wished, surely, you could have taken wages for it!" (18:77)

    (Khidr) said: "This is the parting between me and you, I will tell you the interpretation of (those) things over which you were unable to hold patience. (18:78)

    "As for the ship, it belonged to Masakin (poor people) working in the sea. So I wished to make a defective damage in it, as there was a king after them who seized every ship by force. (18:79)

    "And as for the boy, his parents were believers, and we feared lest he should oppress them by rebellion and disbelief. (18:80)

    "So we intended that their Lord should change him for them for one better in righteousness and near to mercy. (18:81)

    Note: This parable along with verse 58:22 is a major reason why Sharia's honor is tolerated. Reliance of the traveler (Umdat al-Saliq) says that a punishment for murder is not applicable when a parent or grandparent kills their offspring.

  • Koran 21:44

    Nay, We gave the luxuries of this life to these men and their fathers until the period grew long for them. See they not that We gradually reduce the land (in their control) from its outlying borders? Is it then they who will overcome.

     

  • Koran 22:39

    Permission to fight is given to those (i.e. believers against disbelievers), who are fighting them, (and) because they (believers) have been wronged, and surely, Allah is Able to give them (believers) victory

     

  • Koran 22:58

    Those who emigrated in the Cause of Allah and after that were killed or died, surely, Allah will provide a good provision for them. And verily, it is Allah Who indeed is the Best of those who make provision.

     

  • Koran 22:78

    And strive hard in Allah's Cause as you ought to strive (with sincerity and with all your efforts that His Name should be superior). He has chosen you (to convey His Message of Islamic Monotheism to mankind by inviting them to His religion, Islam), and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship, it is the religion of your father Ibrahim (Abraham) (Islamic Monotheism). It is He (Allah) Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (the Qur'an), that the Messenger (Muhammad) may be a witness over you and you be witnesses over mankind! So perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), give Zakat and hold fast to Allah [i.e. have confidence in Allah, and depend upon Him in all your affairs] He is your Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.), what an Excellent Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.) and what an Excellent Helper!

     

  • Koran 24:53

    They swear by Allah their strongest oaths, that if only you would order them, they would leave (their homes for fighting in Allah's Cause). Say: "Swear you not; (this) obedience (of yours) is known (to be false). Verily, Allah knows well what you do."

     

  • Koran 24:55

    Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah).

     

  • Koran 25:52

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

     

  • Koran 29:6

    And whosoever strives, he strives only for himself. Verily, Allah is free of all wants from the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns, and all that exists).

     

  • 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)."

     

  • Koran 33:15

    And indeed they had already made a covenant with Allah not to turn their backs, and a covenant with Allah must be answered for.

     

  • Koran 33:18

    Allah already knows those among you who keep back (men) from fighting in Allah's Cause, and those who say to their brethren "Come here towards us," while they (themselves) come not to the battle except a little.

     

  • Koran 33:20

    They think that Al-Ahzab (the Confederates) have not yet withdrawn, and if Al-Ahzab (the Confederates) should come (again), they would wish they were in the deserts (wandering) among the bedouins, seeking news about you (from a far place); and if they (happen) to be among you, they would not fight but little.

     

  • Koran 33:23

    Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah [i.e. they have gone out for Jihad (holy fighting), and showed not their backs to the disbelievers], of them some have fulfilled their obligations (i.e. have been martyred), and some of them are still waiting, but they have never changed [i.e.they never proved treacherous to their covenant which they concluded with Allah] in the least.

     

  • Koran 33:25-27

    And Allah drove back those who disbelieved in their rage, they gained no advantage (booty, etc.). Allah sufficed for the believers in the fighting (by sending against the disbelievers a severe wind and troops of angels). And Allah is Ever All-Strong, All-Mighty. (33:25)

    And those of the people of the Scripture who backed them (the disbelievers) Allah brought them down from their forts and cast terror into their hearts, (so that) a group (of them) you killed, and a group (of them) you made captives. (33:26)

    And He caused you to inherit their lands, and their houses, and their riches, and a land which you had not trodden (before). And Allah is Able to do all things. (33:27)

     

  • Koran 33:50

    O Prophet (Muhammad)! Verily, We have made lawful to you your wives, to whom you have paid their Mahr (bridal money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage), and those (captives or slaves) whom your right hand possesses - whom Allah has given to you, and the daughters of your 'Amm (paternal uncles) and the daughters of your 'Ammah (paternal aunts) and the daughters of your Khal (maternal uncles) and the daughters of your Khalah (maternal aunts) who migrated (from Makkah) with you, and a believing woman if she offers herself to the Prophet, and the Prophet wishes to marry her; a privilege for you only, not for the (rest of) the believers. Indeed We know what We have enjoined upon them about their wives and those (captives or slaves) whom their right hands possess, - in order that there should be no difficulty on you. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

     

  • Koran 33:60-62

    If the hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease (evil desire for adultery, etc.), and those who spread false news among the people in Al-Madinah, cease not, We shall certainly let you overpower them, then they will not be able to stay in it as your neighbours but a little while. (33:60)

    Accursed, wherever found, they shall be seized and killed with a (terrible) slaughter. (33:61)

    That was the Way of Allah in the case of those who passed away of old, and you will not find any change in the Way of Allah. (33:62)

    This passage sanctions the assassination ( "merciless" and "terrible murder" in other translations) against three groups: hypocrites (Muslims who refuse to fight "in the way of Allah" (3:167) and therefore do not act as Muslims) (5:51-52) and "panicmakers" or "agitators" who include those who, according to Muhammad's biographer, speak only against Islam. It is worth mentioning that victims of Muslims should be sought, what today's terrorists do. If this passage is to apply only to the city of Medina, it is unclear why it is included in Allah's eternal word for Muslim generations.

  • Koran 42:39

    And those who, when an oppressive wrong is done to them, they take revenge.

     

  • Koran 47:3-4

    That is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood, while those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. Thus does Allah set forth their parables for mankind. (47:3)

    So, when you meet (in fight Jihad in Allah's Cause), those who disbelieve smite at their necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives). Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity (i.e. free them without ransom), or ransom (according to what benefits Islam), until the war lays down its burden. Thus [you are ordered by Allah to continue in carrying out Jihad against the disbelievers till they embrace Islam (i.e. are saved from the punishment in the Hell-fire) or at least come under your protection], but if it had been Allah's Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test you, some with others. But those who are killed in the Way of Allah, He will never let their deeds be lost, (47:4)

     

  • Koran 47:20

    Those who believe say: "Why is not a Surah (chapter of the Qur'an) sent down (for us)? But when a decisive Surah (explaining and ordering things) is sent down, and fighting (Jihad - holy fighting in Allah's Cause) is mentioned (i.e. ordained) therein, you will see those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy) looking at you with a look of one fainting to death. But it was better for them (hypocrites, to listen to Allah and to obey Him).

     

  • Koran 47:35

    So be not weak and ask not for peace (from the enemies of Islam), while you are having the upper hand. Allah is with you, and will never decrease the reward of your good deeds.

     

  • Koran 48:15-24

    Those who lagged behind will say, when you set forth to take the spoils, "Allow us to follow you," They want to change Allah's Words. Say: "You shall not follow us; thus Allah has said beforehand." Then they will say: "Nay, you envy us." Nay, but they understand not except a little. (48:15)

    Say (O Muhammad) to the bedouins who lagged behind: "You shall be called to fight against a people given to great warfare, then you shall fight them, or they shall surrender. Then if you obey, Allah will give you a fair reward, but if you turn away as you did turn away before, He will punish you with a painful torment." (48:16)

    No blame or sin is there upon the blind, nor is there blame or sin upon the lame, nor is there blame or sin upon the sick (that they go not forth to war). And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), He will admit him to Gardens beneath which rivers flow (Paradise); and whosoever turns back, He will punish him with a painful torment. (48:17)

    Indeed, Allah was pleased with the believers when they gave their Bai'a (pledge) to you (O Muhammad) under the tree, He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down As-Sakinah (calmness and tranquillity) upon them, and He rewarded them with a near victory, (48:18)

    And abundant spoils that they will capture. And Allah is Ever All-Mighty, All-Wise. (48:19)

    Allah has promised you abundant spoils that you will capture, and He has hastened for you this, and He has restrained the hands of men from you, that it may be a sign for the believers, and that He may guide you to a Straight Path. (48:20)

    And other (victories and much booty there are, He promises you) which are not yet within your power, indeed Allah compasses them, And Allah is Ever Able to do all things. (48:21)

    And if those who disbelieve fight against you, they certainly would have turned their backs, then they would have found neither a Wali (protector) nor a helper. (48:22)

    That has been the Way of Allah already with those who passed away before. And you will not find any change in the Way of Allah. (48:23)

    And He it is Who has withheld their hands from you and your hands from them in the midst of Makkah, after He had made you victors over them. And Allah is Ever the All-Seer of what you do. (48:24)

    Contemporary advocates of Islam sometimes claim that jihad means "spiritual struggle". Is this so, why are the blind, the lame and the sick liberated? This verse also says that those who do not fight will suffer torment in hell.

  • Koran 48:29

    Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), seeking Bounty from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e. of their Faith) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of (their) prostration (during prayers). This is their description in the Taurat (Torah). But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, it then becomes thick, and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allah has promised those among them who believe (i.e. all those who follow Islamic Monotheism, the religion of Prophet Muhammad till the Day of Resurrection) and do righteous good deeds, forgiveness and a mighty reward (i.e. Paradise).

    Islam does not treat everyone equally. This verse says that there are two very different standards which are applied based on the religious status. Also, the word "hard" or "ruthless" in this verse shares the same root as the word translates "painful" or "hard" to the hell in more than 25 other verses including 65:10, 40:46 and 50:26 to describe.

  • Koran 49:15

    Only those are the believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger, and afterward doubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allah. Those! They are the truthful.

     

  • Koran 59:2

    He it is Who drove out the disbelievers among the people of the Scripture (i.e. the Jews of the tribe of Bani An-Nadir) from their homes at the first gathering. You did not think that they would get out. And they thought that their fortresses would defend them from Allah! But Allah's (Torment) reached them from a place whereof they expected it not, and He cast terror into their hearts, so that they destroyed their own dwellings with their own hands and the hands of the believers. Then take admonition, O you with eyes (to see).

     

  • Koran 59:5-7

    What you (O Muslims) cut down of the palm-trees (of the enemy), or you left them standing on their stems, it was by Leave of Allah, and in order that He might disgrace the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). (59:5)

    And what Allah gave as booty (Fai') to His Messenger (Muhammad) from them, for which you made no expedition with either cavalry or camelry. But Allah gives power to His Messengers over whomsoever He wills. And Allah is Able to do all things. (59:6)

    What Allah gave as booty (Fai') to His Messenger (Muhammad) from the people of the townships, - it is for Allah, His Messenger (Muhammad), the kindred (of Messenger Muhammad), the orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor), and the wayfarer, in order that it may not become a fortune used by the rich among you. And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it) , and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Severe in punishment. (59:7)

     

  • Koran 59:14

    They fight not against you even together, except in fortified townships, or from behind walls. Their enmity among themselves is very great. You would think they were united, but their hearts are divided, that is because they are a people who understand not.

     

  • Koran 60:9

    It is only as regards those who fought against you on account of religion, and have driven you out of your homes, and helped to drive you out, that Allah forbids you to befriend them. And whosoever will befriend them, then such are the Zalimun (wrong-doers those who disobey Allah).

     

  • Koran 61:4

    Verily, Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in rows (ranks) as if they were a solid structure.

    The verse explicitly refers to "ranks" or "combat arrays," which means that it speaks of military and non-spiritual conflicts.

  • Koran 61:9

    He it is Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islamic Monotheism) to make it victorious over all (other) religions even though the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah and in His Messenger Muhammed) hate (it).

     

  • Koran 61:10-12

    O You who believe! Shall I guide you to a commerce that will save you from a painful torment. (61:10)

    That you believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), and that you strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives, that will be better for you, if you but know! (61:11)

    (If you do so) He will forgive you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow, and pleasant dwelling in Gardens of 'Adn - Eternity ['Adn (Edn) Paradise], that is indeed the great success. (61:12)

    This verse refers to a physical battle to make Islam victorious over other religions (see verse 9). The Arabic root is used for the word jihad.

  • Koran 61:13

    And also (He will give you) another (blessing) which you love, help from Allah (against your enemies) and a near victory. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad) to the believers.

     

  • Koran 63:4

    And when you look at them, their bodies please you; and when they speak, you listen to their words. They are as blocks of wood propped up. They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemies, so beware of them. May Allah curse them! How are they denying (or deviating from) the Right Path.

     

  • Koran 64:14

    O you who believe! Verily, among your wives and your children there are enemies for you (i.e. may stop you from the obedience of Allah), therefore beware of them! But if you pardon (them) and overlook, and forgive (their faults), then verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

     

  • Koran 66:9

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

     

  • Koran 73:20

    Verily, your Lord knows that you do stand (to pray at night) a little less than two-thirds of the night, or half the night, or a third of the night, and so do a party of those with you, And Allah measures the night and the day. He knows that you are unable to pray the whole night, so He has turned to you (in mercy). So, recite you of the Qur'an as much as may be easy for you. He knows that there will be some among you sick, others travelling through the land, seeking of Allah's Bounty; yet others fighting in Allah's Cause. So recite as much of the Qur'an as may be easy (for you), and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and give Zakat, and lend to Allah a goodly loan, and whatever good you send before you for yourselves, (i.e. Nawafil non-obligatory acts of worship: prayers, charity, fasting, Hajj and 'Umrah, etc.), you will certainly find it with Allah, better and greater in reward. And seek Forgiveness of Allah. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.

     

  • Koran 76:8

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

     

See also: Islam, Koran and terror are inextricably linked

 

The tribe of Banu Qaynuqa

Banu QaynuqaThe early part of the Koran came into being when Muhammad lived in Mecca, a city with very few Jews and Jewish tribes. At that time, he presented himself to the Meccans as a Jewish prophet based on the stories he had learned from the Jews he had learned during his travels - and from his cousin Waraqa to a converted Jew (The Koran actually refers to this charge , But "Allah" denies it).

When Muhammad moved to Medina there were already three Jewish tribes, whose good graces he first needed, because he and his small bonds of Muslim immigrants were too weak. He tried to convince these Jews that he was the last in the succession of their own prophets and even changed the Qibla (prayer direction) to Jerusalem, the center of the Jewish world.

The Jews in Medina were not impressed by the esoteric assertions of Muhammad, especially since there were obvious discrepancies between their Torah and his version of the same stories. (In the Koran, the Bible is immature in the Bible and sounds more like a series of fairy tales with the same superfluous morality - believing Muhammad's claims about himself or experiencing earthly destruction and eternal torment).

When he was asked why he had no proof of his prophethood by performing miracles like the prophets of the past, Muhammad came up with a prudent apology that there was no point in the past since the Jews were prophets anyway (Koran 3:183-184). Thus Muhammad had nothing to offer but his own testimony.

The Prophet of Islam did not treat the Jewish rejection well, especially since his people had relied heavily on his many claims to be a prophet in the same way like Moses, Abraham and Jesus. Muhammad "solved" his dilemma by claiming that the Jews of Medina were heretics, and that his version of the Torah is a fake, since it "did not contain the verses" that supported his claims to be a prophet. (Interestingly, in spite of the many Jews, who were either converted to Islam from either compulsion or free will, the "unadulterated" Torah never came to light, which supposedly existed).

After Muhammad's victory against the Meccans in Badr, his wealth and power was so far that he could take care of his "Jewish problem". The words of the Koran are markedly harder to the "people of the book" in the Medina part of the text, and it goes into confrontation.

Much got done by the "constitution" of Medina, but the treaty that Muhammad created for all local tribes upon his arrival got temporarily forgotten. The Muslims have often forgotten to cancel or annul a contract. However, this contract got canceled after less than two years:

While we were in the Mosque, the Prophet came out and said, "Let us go to the Jews" We went out till we reached Bait-ul-Midras. He said to them, "If you embrace Islam, you will be safe. You should know that the earth belongs to Allah and His Apostle, and I want to expel you from this land. So, if anyone amongst you owns some property, he is permitted to sell it, otherwise you should know that the Earth belongs to Allah and His Apostle." (Bukhari 53:392)

 

After announcing his intentions, Muhammad sought an apology to take land from those Jews who refused to convert to Islam. His first goal was a tribe that had recently been in a conflict with the other two. Muhammad has correctly advised that the two other Jewish tribes would not come to support the Banu Qaynuqa tribe during a siege.

Muhammad's excuse has been an incident in which a Muslim was killed by the angry Jewish mob. The fact that the mob was furious because the Muslim in question had just murdered a Jewish merchant for the honor of a woman is sometimes denied by contemporary advocates of Islam who nevertheless admit that Muhammad decided to siege the Qaynuqa fort instead of his peaceful determination To agitation.

This point is important. According to Muslim historians, the first blood shed was when a Jew was murdered by a Muslim for playing a prank on a Muslim woman (by lifting her dress). The Muslim was killed in retaliation by those who had just witnessed the murder.

On what basis is physical violence - much less murder - justified by such a prank? Moreover, if Muhammad believed in the Old Testament law of the "eye for eye," why did he not recognize the legitimacy of the second killing against the inequality of the first?

In any case, the self-proclaimed prophet of God answered with a self-serving power against a people who had taken him into their community less than two years earlier. Unprepared for the battle, the Qaynuqa surrendered to their former guest without fighting.

Muhammad wanted to kill the entire tribe, but this was ruined by an Arab friend who was horrified by his intentions:

Abdullah b. Ubayy b. Salul went to him when God had put them in his power and said, "O Muhammad, deal kindly with my clients" (now they were allies of Khazraj), but the apostle put him off. He repeated the words, and the apostle turned away from him, whereupon he thrust his hand into the collar of the apostle's robe; the apostle was so angry that his face became almost black.
He said, "Confound you, let me go."
He answered, "No, by God, I will not let you go until you deal kindly with my clients. Four hundred men without mail and three hundred mailed protected me from all mine enemies; would you cut them down in one morning? By God, I am a man who fears that circumstances may change"
The apostle said, “You can have them.” (Ibn Ishaq/Hisham 546)

Muhammad allowed the Jews of Qaynuqa to escape with what they could carry. He confiscated their wealth and their land, took a fifth for himself and gave the remaining to the rest of the Muslims. (According to the Koran, this was their punishment for those who do not believe in Muhammad. 3:10-12)

The man who saved the lives of the Jews was later called from Muhammad to be a hypocrite, and it is obvious that he deeply regretted his decision not to kill the Qaynuqa. One of the nine Koranic verses, which forbids Muslims taking Jews and Christians as friends, was "revealed" at this time.

Thus, Muhammad was able to fulfill his own promise that "Those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), they will be among the lowest (most humiliated)." (Koran 58:20), further strengthening his credibility among the Muslims and inspiring fourteen centuries of unrelenting jihad in his name to his followers.

 

Why the Quran is Not from Allah: 10 Reasons

QuranThe Quran makes a great deal of cases about itself. It says that it is the ideal and upright disclosure of God to man, and that it is important to the point that it has existed endlessly on tablets in paradise.

Faultfinders assert that it is a seriously masterminded gathering of citations from one man, go off as the expression of God to a guileless crowd in a primitive society. At the point when blamed for being a lunatic, for instance, Muhammad would go into his tent and afterward develop with a pearl 'from Allah' like, "You (Muhammad) are not a madman" (68:2). The general population would then take this as evidence that he was most certainly not.

A few Muslims say that the Quran would not be accepted by such a large number of today in the event that it were not valid. In any case, conviction does not make truth – especially when it must be indecently implemented with segregation, mutilating and demise.

Truth be told, most Muslims have never perused the Quran, a book they (in any case) will murder and pass on over. Their conviction depends on what they get notification from different Muslims, especially as they are growing up.

A target peruser would probably reason that the Quran is less a result of awesome root than Muhammad's creative energy and the conditions in which he got himself.

Here are ten quick cases:

  1. As specified, regardless of being a little book, the Quran should be the immortal, unchangeable expression of God. Why might God utilize valuable and significant space on the individual existence of one man - a similar one who happens to portray the "disclosure"?

    Consider verse 33:53:

    O you who believe! Enter not the Prophet's houses, except when leave is given to you for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation. But when you are invited, enter, and when you have taken your meal, disperse, without sitting for a talk. Verily, such (behaviour) annoys the Prophet, and he is shy of (asking) you (to go), but Allah is not shy of (telling you) the truth.

    That must be deified on a tablet in paradise?

    Significant bits of the Quran (especially suras 33 and 66) are similarly self-serving and address the sex, cash or regard from his spouses to which Muhammad is entitled. Additionally, a few such sections are redundant.

    Couldn't Allah have thought about a more critical message for humanity than letting us know (a few times over) that Muhammad may lay down with a boundless number of ladies?

  2. The Quran says that composed duplicates of the Bible (Torah and Gospel) existed at the season of Muhammad (29:46, 3:3, 3:78) and a considerable number verses "affirm" that those duplicates are valid (regardless of the possibility that the Jews and Christians were later blamed for misconstruing them "with their tongues"). Parts of the Quran clearly depend on the Bible for culmination and numerous verses demand that the Word of God can't be changed or debased.

    Here's the issue:

    There are several New Testament original copies that pre-date the season of Muhammad, all found at various times and better places by various individuals. There are hundreds a greater amount of the Torah. All concur splendidly with the current adaptation of the Bible, which repudiates the Quran.

    In the meantime, not a solitary duplicate or part of either the Torah or Gospel from any period has ever been discovered which veers off in a way that concurs with the Quran.

    How is that the "genuine" Bible - the one that as far as anyone knows affirms the Quran - never made due in any shape, while such a large number of "defiled" duplicates did?

    Is it safe to say that it isn't more probable that Muhammad basically made it up as he came and later blamed Christians and Jews as a main story for his own particular missteps?

  3. Not at all like the Old Testament prophets, Muhammad described negligible safeguards of his claim as a prophet (and even his own particular rational soundness) that are strikingly excess.

    For instance, no less than 8 entries (83:13, 27:68, 46:17, 16:24, 6:25, 26:137, 25:5 and 23:83) say that "Allah's messenger" is blamed for rehashing "tales of the ancients," yet that any individual who doesn't trust him will smolder in Hell. Is there any good reason why allah wouldn't simply say it once and afterward utilize the rest of the space for something all the more illuminating?

    Isn't this a greater amount of what one would anticipate from an excessively cautious poseur than from an interminable disclosure of God to man?

  4. The Quran says that it is "clear", yet then says somewhere else (3:7) that lone Allah comprehends the importance of a few verses (which makes one wonder of why they are there). It says that it clarifies "all things" (16:89), however then advises Muslims to take after the case of Muhammad (33:21) - without saying what that is.

    In down to earth terms, it is difficult to comprehend the Quran without references to outer sources, for example, the Hadith and Sira (generally laid out in voluminous commentaries). However these sources are regularly conflicting and never concurred on.

    Indeed, even in the Quran, passionate Muslim researchers induce drastically extraordinary implications from similar verses. For instance, most elucidations of 38:33 say that Solomon sliced at his own steeds, disjoining their legs and necks. Notwithstanding, some contemporary interpreters, including a standout amongst the most regarded (Yusuf Ali) say that Solomon truly just ignored his hand their bodies affectionately.

    Additional disturbing (and shockingly more run of the mill) are verses like 5:33, which orders killing the individuals who "wage war on Allah"... without truly clarifying what this implies.

  5. The Quran tells Muslim men that they may engage in sexual relations with ladies caught as slaves. Far more terrible: the entry is rehashed in four better places. By differentiation, there is not a solitary verse that advises Muslims that they are to supplicate five times each day.

  6. The Quran confounds Mary the mother of Jesus with Mary the sister of Aaron (and Moses) in Sura 19.

    In spite of tormented rational theology, the least difficult and most evident clarification is that Muhammad was mixed up. This would likewise clarify why the Quran that he described wrongly expresses that Christians revere the Virgin Mary as a divine being (5:75, 5:116) when they never have.

  7. Regardless of being a moderately little book, the Quran contains pointless repetitions. Moses is specified 136 times. A few sections of misquoted Bible stories are almost word-for-word indistinguishable (e.g. Suras 20 and 26).

    Why might God squander space saying basically a similar thing in regards to something dark when he could have offered clear good standards about peace, resistance (or sex with youngsters)?

  8. Such an extensive amount the Quran is committed to repetitive cases and dangers about Muhammad's status as a prophet, yet there is not a solitary unique good esteem. No place does it advise men not to assault ladies or forgo sex with kids. Actually, it gives men consent to assault their slaves and suggests that sex with kids is passable (verse 65:4).

    Wouldn't a flawless book show consummate ethical quality?

  9. Verse 5:3 says that the Islamic religion was "perfected" and "finished" on "this day", yet 249 more verses tail it, including two extra Suras (9 and 110).

    Additionally, how could the Quran be interminable if sometime in the past it was not finished?

  10. Verse 27:91 peruses "For me, I have been commanded to serve the Lord of this city." If these are the expressions of Allah, then it would imply that somebody is "commanding" him to serve another god. The verse just bodes well if Muhammad is talking from his own particular point of view.

    (This would likewise clarify why "Allah" guarantees to Allah in no less than seven different verses).

Timeless... unchangeable... perfect?
Mmm... maybe not.

 

Another view about the Bible and the true human history

Human HistoryBible and evolution theory: these are two spheres which seem like opposites. But as the history of mankind in the "book of books" leads to different opinions.

Is the story of Adam and Eve to be understood as a metaphor for the existence of early human hunter-gatherers in paradise? Cain kills Abel - an image of conflicts between nomadic herders and sedentary farmers? At first glance, it seems unlikely that events so far in the "darkness of our primate past" were, should have found their way into one of the most important books of mankind. When the Bible was the big change in the lives of early humans was mixed farming finally been largely completed.

Ancient myths as a basis

However, evolutionary biologist and historian, argue the Bible was not over night or out of nothing. Rather, it is the result of many different stories, myths and oral traditions, which already had been ancient in part at times of the formation of the old testament.

May be a reflection of traditions from the early days of Homo sapiens ranged into at the time of the creation of the Bible, is her thesis. It is believed this condition as a likely you can discover actually much perplexing in the Bible. The expulsion of Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden is a metaphor for "the strongest a event in the history of mankind: the transition from egalitarian of hunter and collector groups to the sedentary way of life with agriculture and animal breeding".

This change to living conditions, for which people have been biologically not prepared and actually were until today ill-suited is the basis for many of the most memorable stories of the Bible. "The Bible is probably the most ambitious attempt to get those human problems that plague the Homo sapiens since the settle down."

Change of circumstances

In anthropology, called an inadequate adaptation to the environment "Mismatch". By the radical change in the quality of life of Homo sapiens and to agriculture and animal breeding a number of problems was surfaced abruptly could not get explained by themselves in another way.

The hitherto nomadic groups were now far more dependent on the vagaries of weather than before, because they had an impact on the harvest. The Biblical Flood might well have had a real "model" in the form of flooding or a tsunami.

Epidemics as God's punishment

Also the early farmers had been afflicted much more frequent and more intense of infectious diseases and epidemics. Domestic animals living in close proximity to were carriers of pathogens, which eventually went over to the people. They had searched for explanations for the new, terrible plagues.

Even the "emergence" a powerful, single God from an animistic world view inhabited by ghosts, the early humans had probably explained as a necessary "adjustment performance". It had to be a more powerful, more irritable God in the game, and people had to have somehow attracted his anger. From this got born a "catalog of sins" in addition to a number of commandments which should govern the life pleasing to God. The observance of the commandments in biblical societies was flanked by draconian penalties.

One sins and all need to suffer

Behind it is the belief that the sin of an individual, can entail penalties for society as a whole. Viewed in this light cruel punishments for crimes considered today as a minor can understand: the sinner or the sinner endanger finally with their behavior the whole community.

The other reason for the strict laws in the area of marriage and sexuality is simply the rapid spread of sexually transmitted diseases through the close coexistence of many people: monogamy and the constraint of sexuality of particularly women should remedy. Also the cleanliness rules fall into the category of disease prevention.

Jesus softens again

The New Testament with its message of charity in the reasoning in a way to the beginnings of the people returns: the doctrine of Jesus does not take back the commandments of God, she mitigate them but with the recommendation to mercy.

Based on the story of the woman taken in adultery makes it clear: Jesus won't defend the sin, but with his testimony he claimed something "who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone at her", which was probably natural in "Old hunter and collector culture": solidarity in the Group and a certain sense of proportion in terms of punishment.

Back to the roots

With Jesus back in the prehistoric times? That would shorten the theory too much. But what the Bible, particularly the Jesus story, "demanded by the people in terms of charity, is so simple to behave like hunters and gatherers in the own community always so conciliatory".

 

Only the Greek translation from the Bible made Mary to a "Virgin"

Holy ScripturesThis article shows only that each translation is an interpretation and mirrors the opinion from the translator. Such translation failures can get found in each translation. As older the original text is and as more translation generations got done during the time as more of this interpretation failures are getting found in the last version. Don't forget that during the old time only the mighty ones have been able to read and write. These mighty ones have influenced the content of the interpretation into their own favor too. For this reason only stupid ones are believing into some written text without using their own brain.

There is a legend, a richly decorated narrative. And it goes like this: During the first half of the 3rd century BC asked the Egyptian king Ptolemy II Philadelphus the high priest Eleazar from Jerusalem to make a Greek translation of the Hebrew Code (Torah) for the famous Alexandrian library; 72 Jewish savants, six out of the twelve tribes of Israel, a "divine number", are on their way and transferred at the island of Pharao during a time period of 72 days the five books of Moses (Pentateuch) into Greek; It gradually formed the largest translation work of antiquity, the "Septuagint" (literally: the one of the Seventy).

A fantastic story, recorded in the so-called Aristeas letter, but nothing else than just a legend - at least for the used time frame of 72 days.

Legends, as we know, have a long life. The mythic narrative is picked up by the Jewish historian of Josephus Flavius, who died around the year 100 AD. And it expands the philosopher Philo of Alexandria (died in 50 AD): all 72 scholars were strictly apart from their peers and come to an identical conclusion independently of each other.

In reality, showing the biblical research, the giant project is (abbreviated as Roman numerals LXX) naturally grown slowly, it could even not get completed in the second century BC. However, since belong to it already the other books of the Hebrew Bible (Prophets, wisdom literature, etc.), but on individual scriptures the work continued until the time of the New Testament – for example the Psalms.

Don't forget that the Old Testament contains the basics from where got the New Testament and the Quran developed. Already this source contains a lot of interpretation failures and you can be sure a lot of fake stories added by the mighty ones. So don't tell me that you are believing the only available truth. It shows only that you are not open minded, you are repeating only the content you have learned and you are unable to use your own brain.

Mythical origin also the biblical claims that Jesus was begotten of the Holy Spirit - and Maria has been a Virgin at his birth. In the Ancient Orient and in Greece it was tradition that heroes and rulers had gods as fathers in a way. The Evangelist Matthew sees through the virgin birth also fulfilled a prophecy of the Prophet Isaiah that he already understands in a certain way: In the Hebrew original, the speech is only of a "young woman" (the Hebrew word "Almah" describes only the age and not if the woman is single or already married, a virgin got called in Hebrew "betulah"), only the Greek translation of the Hebrew text made it a "Virgin". And so Matthew understood the text.

As Luke writes Matthew that Jesus got born in Bethlehem - unlike the Evangelists Mark and John, who did do not report the birth. He also tells of people and events that for no nativity play are hardly imaginable: the wise men from the East, the Massacre of the Innocents and the escape of Jesus family to Egypt. But probably has nothing to do with it historical reality.

No historical source attests that Herodes the great, who then ruled as King of Rome grace over Israel, ever told a child murder Herod. "The point is to show the danger to the newborn Jesus similar to Moses in the Old Testament, it’s modeled after Matthew draws", explains Jens Schröter, a theologian of the Humboldt-University of Berlin. Also the escape to Egypt should be an invention of the evangelists. Probably Matthew wanted to meet a further prophecy from the Old Testament.

The fact that the birth of a great man - Jesus - raises a star is another mythical motif of the Orient. The wise, who allegedly followed his light toward Bethlehem, it probably also not given, but they fulfilled according Schröter in Matthew an important function: "You should show that Jesus' birth was important for all people, not only for the Jews ".

Jesus is the Messiah prophesied by the ancient Jewish scriptures - Luke and especially Matthew wanted to represent that already in the Christian way at the beginning of their Gospels. And so they had to make the historical circumstances in a particular light. Herein they did not differ from their contemporaries, which is why it would be wrong to measure the evangelists on the scale of modern historiography. Apart from it was in antiquity, accessing mythical elements. "In the stories about Jesus birth had the legendary motifs that task, to make it clear that a very special person had come to the world", said Schröter.

Believe that what is in your comfort and into what you can trust. Don't accept anything word by word only for the reason that it is written somewhere. You will not really find the truth - you'll find only different opinions. Take the chance and build up your own opinion by using your own brain instead of stupidly following the crowd.