Does Islam promote violence?
It is a very tough question but an honest question too. Let us give an honest answer to this question. We would like to apologize to the Muslims who may not agree with our answer. We are afraid many of our fellow Muslims may not entirely agree with us. But what can we do? We cannot compromise honesty. Truth and honesty is beyond belief because many people falsely believe many unreal things which in reality do not exist.
We should really be honest instead of being pretending to be honest! Yes, some verses of the Quran apparently endorse violence. But those verses could have other explanations: we may not understand those verses properly or due to evolution of ancient Arabic language we have lost the true meaning of the verses. Anyway, it is really very difficult to understand the following verses for example from a rational, peaceful and “no compulsion on religion” perspective.
[The Quran 9:29] You shall fight against those who do not believe in GOD, nor in the Last Day, nor do they prohibit what GOD and His messenger have prohibited, nor do they abide by the religion of truth – among those who received the scripture – until they pay the due tax, willingly or unwillingly.
[9:111] GOD has bought from the believers their lives and their money in exchange for Paradise. Thus, they fight in the cause of GOD, willing to kill and get killed….
[5:33] The just retribution for those who fight GOD and His messenger, and make mischief in the land, is to be killed, or crucified, or to have their hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, or to be banished from the land. This is to humiliate them in this life, then they suffer a far worse retribution in the Hereafter.
[5.38] And (as for) the man who steals and the woman who steals, cut off their hands as a punishment for what they have earned, an exemplary punishment from God; and God is Mighty, Wise.
[4:15] Those who commit adultery among your women, you must have four witnesses against them, from among you. If they do bear witness, then you shall keep such women in their homes until they die, or until GOD creates an exit for them.
However, the holy Quran talks many good things too. The paper Quran in many verses is fully advocating religious freedom, tolerance, interracial harmony, justice, charity, and compassion.
[2:256] There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way…
[10:99] Had your Lord willed, all the people on earth would have believed. Do you want to force the people to become believers?
[6:107] Had GOD willed, they would not have worshiped idols. We did not appoint you as their guardian, nor are you their advocate.
[39:41] We have revealed the scripture through you for the people, truthfully. Then, whoever is guided is guided for his own good, and whoever goes astray goes astray to his own detriment. You are not their advocate.
[5:5] Today, all good food is made lawful for you. The food of the people of the scripture is lawful for you. Also, you may marry the chaste women among the believers, as well as the chaste women among the followers of previous scripture, provided you pay them their due dowries…
Can you find anybody on the earth more tolerant than the good son of Adam? It is an unprecedented good example.
[5:27] Recite for them the true history of Adam’s two sons. They made an offering, and it was accepted from one of them, but not from the other. He said, “I will surely kill you.” He said, “GOD accepts only from the righteous.
[5:28] “If you extend your hand to kill me, I am not extending my hand to kill you. For I reverence GOD, Lord of the universe.
God teaches us, we should not condemn other religions but to say the followers of other religions:
[109:6] “To you is your religion, and to me is my religion.”
So what is the answer of “does Islam promote violence?” In conclusion the answer is probably both yes and no at the same time. But to us, being moderate Muslims the answer is absolutely NO. We firmly believe [The Quran 2:256] There shall be no compulsion in religion…” so according to any moderate Muslim around the globe, Islam is absolutely the religion of peace, forgiveness and tolerance. Thank you and may God bless you.