Thursday, June 5, 2008

Another irony

How is it that, whenever one quotes "peaceful" ayahs from the Quran such as this one*:
And do not take life--Which Allah has made holy--Except for just (and true) cause. And if anyone is killed wrongfully, We have given his heir the right (to demand justice within due limits or to forgive): But let him not exceed the limits in the matter of taking life; Verily, he (too) is helped (by Islamic law).
it is never "out of context," and yet when one quotes something like this**:
But when the forbidden (four) months are over then fight and kill the (distrusted) pagans wherever you find them, and catch them, attack them, and stay waiting for them in every stage (of war); But if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then make it easy for them: Verily, Allah is Often Forgiving, Most Merciful."
it is always "out of context"? Especially when it is paired with this one***:
Let there be no force (or compulsion) in religion: Surely--Truth stands out clear from error: Whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah has held the most trustworthy hand-hold that never breaks. And Allah is All Hearing, All Knowing.
If Islam is truth, does it stand out clear from error? If so, how?



*17.33, trans. Syed Vickar Ahamed
**9.5. "Pagans" is often rendered simply "unbelievers," i.e. non-Muslims.
***2.256.