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Introduction
The phrase “Kill the Infidels wherever you find them” is often cited as the whole truth without reading preceding and following verses. out of context, leading to widespread misconceptions about Islam. This article aims to delve into the historical and textual background of this verse, providing clarity and promoting a more accurate understanding.
The Emphasis on Justice in the Quran
According to Professor of Mathematics, Dr. Jeffrey Lang, the Quran places a significant emphasis on justice. Indeed, the Quran emphasizes justice as a central theme, highlighting concepts such as adl (justice) and qist (generally defined as fairness, equity, and giving each their due share}. Various sources discuss the Quranic principles of fairness and human rights. For instance, one source compiles 85 justice-related verses, representing approximately 1.4% of the Quran’s total of 6,236 verses.
However, many of these verses about justice are often distorted by individuals who have their agendas against the Quran.
Misinterpretation of Verse 9:5 of Sura Taubah.
A popular example cited by Robert Spencer is Surah 9, verse 5, which states, “When the sacred months are over, slay the idolaters wherever you find them. Arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them.” Spencer deliberately hides the context provided by the preceding and subsequent verses, which are crucial for a complete understanding. I also acknowledge Dr. Nauman Anwar of Dallas who has argued about this with Sean Hannity on Fox News Radio.
Understanding ‘Shirk’ and Accountability phrase in the verse.
The phrase “divinity to aught beside God” pertains to the concept of accountability. Individuals who do not feel accountable to anyone or to their own conscience (God) cannot be trusted, as they lack a moral compass and may harm others without remorse. This has been a global issue, including here in the United States in the 19th century wild west. The prophet understood this reality but still chose to make peace agreements with such individuals, because he was chosen to create peace on earth.
In the context of the Quran, this phrase highlights the danger of attributing divine qualities, worship, or ultimate authority to anyone or anything other than the causer of the universe. This concept is intricately tied to the Islamic principle of Tawhid, which underscores the profound oneness of the Creator and the singular source of the universe’s existence. It powerfully affirms that Allah, the Arabic term for God, is the God for all humanity. He alone truly deserves our profound gratitude for all we have and hold dear. Embracing this principle not only reinforces our faith but also deepens our appreciation for the gifts of life.
The Principle of Self-Defense in Islam
If criminals pull their truck in front of your home in the United States and come charging toward you with guns drawn, ask them to stop. If they don’t listen and continue to approach, asked them to back off. If they run away and hide in the bushes, you may chase and wherever you find them, you may shoot them in self-defense. However, if they show remorse and apologize, stop chasing them and accept their apology. God wants us to forgive them, for he wants us to creator cohesive societies where every human can live in security, harmony and peace.
Now, I will present you with three verses before and three after this one to help you understand the concept of justice in verse 9:5.
Historical Context of Surah At-Tawbah
Verse 9:5 of the Quran, from Surah At-Tawbah, the full verse states (in a common translation):
“But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans (infidels) wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and pay zakat, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
You will find similar verses of justice in Mahabharata, Bible and the Torah. Where Killing is justified to restore peace in the societies. Please note that this author has modified the translations for grammar and easy understanding.
Context and Meaning:
- Historical Context: This verse was revealed in the 9th year of Hijrah (circa 630 CE) during a period of conflict between the early Muslim community in Medina and certain polytheistic tribes who had repeatedly violated treaties and waged war against the Muslims. The “forbidden months” refer to the sacred months (Dhu al-Qi’dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab) during which fighting was traditionally prohibited in pre-Islamic Arabia.
- Scope of the Verse: The verse specifically addresses the Mushrikoon (polytheists or pagans) who were hostile, broke peace agreements, and posed a threat to the nascent Muslim community. It does not apply to all non-Muslims indiscriminately.
For example:- It does not apply to those polytheists or others who honored their treaties (see 9:4).
- It does not apply to the “People of the Book” (Jews and Christians) or other non-Muslims who were not in active hostility. People of the book https://worldmuslimcongress.org/understanding-the-people-of-the-book-a-universal-perspective-on-shared-morality/
- The command to fight is tied to their persistent hostility and rejection of Allah’s oneness (accountability to one’s conscience) though the verse emphasizes that if they repent, they are to be spared and forgiven.
- It does not apply to those polytheists or others who honored their treaties (see 9:4).
- Conditions for Cessation: The verse offers a path to peace: if the adversaries repent, embrace Islam (https://interfaithmarriages.org/who-is-a-muslim-and-what-is-islam/ ) and fulfill its obligations, hostilities must cease. This reflects the Quran’s broader emphasis on mercy and forgiveness, even in conflict.
The Seven-Step Approach to Justice
The formula for justice verses in the Quran follows a systematic structure based on specific steps.
- If suspicious individuals stop their trucks before your house, you should tell them to leave.
- If the bad guys keep approaching you, ask them to back off.
- If intruders try to force you out of your home, stand your ground and chase them away.
- If the bad guys run and hide behind the bushes, you find them wherever they are.
- Now, you can shoot the bad guys in self-defense to end the misery. The above is a normal process for anyone in most of the United States. Kill the infidels where ever you find them.
- When you are about to strike them on their necks, and if they beg for mercy, forgive them, God loves individuals who forgive and forgive often.
- The Quran advises you to control your aggressive reactions and forgive those who wrong you. The best among you are those who forgive. Forgiveness prevents revenge and allows you to live in peace. One such verse is 9:5.
Surrounding Verses: A Holistic View
Let’s check two verses before the given verse.
9:3 (Asad): A proclamation from God and His Apostle is made to all humanity on this day of the Greatest Pilgrimage: “God disavows all who ascribe divinity to anything besides Him (meaning not accountable to any), and so does His Apostle. Therefore, if you repent, it will be for your own good, and if you turn away, know that you can never escape God!” And to those who are determined to deny the truth, give them the news of severe punishment. (The truth is being accountable for one’s action – those days female infanticide was common without remorse; it is prevalent even now in India and China, even human sacrifice was prevalent in many societies until 200 years ago)
9:4: However, those who have made treaties with the believers—among those who ascribe divinity to anything besides God—are to be excepted. For those with whom you have made a covenant and who have not failed to fulfill their obligations towards you, nor aided anyone against you, observe your covenant with them until the end of the term agreed upon. Verily, God loves those who are conscious of Him.
And now the given verse
9:5: And so, when the sacred months are over [6], slay those who ascribe divinity to aught beside God wherever you may come upon them and take them captive, and besiege them, and lie in wait for them at every conceivable place [8]! Yet if they repent, and seek to prayer, and render the purifying dues, let them go their way: for, behold, God is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace. [9]”
Two verses after the given verse:
9:6:
If those who attribute divinity to anything other than God seek your protection, wishing to be your neighbor—signifying a request for safety—grant them protection so they can hear the word of God from you (it is about accountability of one’s Karma). Afterwards, escort them to a safe place, allowing them to return home. This highlights that they are free to accept or reject the message of the Qur’an, supporting the principle that there should be no coercion in matters of faith.
9:7:
How can those who ascribe divinity to anything other than God have a covenant from Him and His Apostle unless they are among those with whom you—O believers—have made a contract near the Inviolable House of Worship? The “covenant” refers to the truce agreed upon at Hudaybiyyah between the Prophet and the Quraysh, serving as a model of tolerance for believers toward non-hostile unbelievers. As long as they are true to you, be true to them; God loves those who are mindful of Him.
War and Peace in the Quran: A Broader Framework
Surah 2 Verses 192-193 clarify that:
- “If they desist, behold, God is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace.” (2:192)
- “If they desist, then all hostility shall cease.” (2:193)
These reinforce that war is only permissible in self-defense, and hostilities must end immediately when aggression stops. Additionally, embracing Islam isn’t the only route to peace; showing a clear intention of ceasing hostilities also qualifies.
Rebuttal to Misconceptions: “Convert or Die”
Verses 5 and 11 of Surah 9 are wrongly used by critics to claim Islam promotes forced conversion. However:
- Verse 9:4 protects treaty-abiding polytheists.
- Verse 9:6 ensures safety and dignity to non-Muslims seeking protection.
- Quranic jurisprudence and ethics emphasize “no compulsion in religion” (2:256).
This system is evident in other Quranic references like 60:8-9, advocating fairness and kindness to non-combatant non-Muslims.
The Role of Proper Exegesis (Tafsir) and Translation
To truly understand the Quranic message:
- Always examine three verses before and after any quoted verse.
- Use multiple translations (at least four) for cross-verification.
- Be aware of biased or poor translations that incite misunderstanding.
Approximately 40 verses have been mistranslated and manipulated historically to serve political purposes by homophobic and misogynistic men. But the Arabic original remains intact and protected, and scholars like Muhammad Asad, Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar, Dr. Safi Kaskas and Javed Ahmed Ghamadi offer insightful, balanced commentary.
The Role of Islamophobes and the Real Meaning of “Infidels”
Many Islamophobes manipulate verses, creating fear and division. This has caused confusion even among Muslims about their scripture.
Infidels, in the Quranic framework, aren’t merely non-Muslims. They are:
- Individuals without moral accountability.
- People who reject any sense of right and wrong, not bound by any conscience or divine law.
- In modern society, such people are rare, as most follow some form of ethical code—religious or secular.
About Dr. Mike Mohamed Ghouse
Dr. Ghouse is a:
- Muslim, pluralist, and interfaith activist.
- President of the Center for Pluralism and Director of the World Muslim Congress.
- Wedding officiant for InterfaithMarriages.org, promoting inclusive matrimonial practices.
- Speaker, author, and social scientist advocating for peace and justice.
His mission is to create a world where every human is respected for their beliefs.
Mr. Pluralist of America – by Indian Panorama
https://www.theindianpanorama.news/profile/dr-mike-mohamed-ghouse-mr-pluralist-of-america/
Pluralist and Muslim Background of Mike Ghouse
https://interfaithmarriages.org/muslim-background-of-dr-mike-mohamed-ghouse/
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Mohamed_Ghouse .
PICTORIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS – not updated since 2016
Mike Ghouse Profile-60-Pages-06.05.18
Conclusion: Justice, Mercy, and Peace in Islam
The Quranic phrase “Kill the infidels wherever you find them” cannot be understood without contextual awareness, historical background, and linguistic insight.
The complete message:
- Condemns injustice.
- Permits war only in defense.
- Stresses compassion and forgiveness.
- Respects freedom of belief.
🔍 FAQs
Q1: Does Islam preach violence through Surah 9:5?
No. The verse addresses a specific historical context involving treaty violations and aggression. It does not apply universally to all non-Muslims.
Q2: Who are ‘infidels’ according to the Quran?
Infidels are those lacking any accountability or moral compass—not just non-Muslims. The label does not apply indiscriminately today.
Q3: Is conversion to Islam required for peace according to Surah 9:5?
No. Peace is achieved when hostilities cease, regardless of conversion. Repentance and cessation of aggression are sufficient.
Q4: How should Quranic verses be interpreted?
By reading verses in context (before and after), consulting scholarly tafsir, and comparing reliable translations to avoid distortion.
Q5: Are there peaceful teachings in the Quran for non-Muslims?
Yes. Verses like 9:6 and 60:8-9 demonstrate the Quran’s call for peace, tolerance, and protection of those who seek it.
Q6: How can we counter Quranic misinterpretation?
Through education, interfaith dialogue, accurate translations, and promoting scholarly interpretations that reflect Islam’s core values.
Who are the people of the book? https://worldmuslimcongress.org/understanding-the-people-of-the-book-a-universal-perspective-on-shared-morality/