Person from Muslim background here. Let me try to explain. As with all sacred texts, Quran includes many contradicting parts, where other are open to interpretation. Also, Quran was “revealed” as small passages over Muhammad’s life. He claimed to receive messages in the context of the current events. To complicate things even more, standard Quran is not compiled in chronological order.
Passages from early Islam where Muslims were a persecuted minority, the texts are more about peace and harmony. As Muslims increased in numbers and influence, the passages have also turned more aggressive.
For example 2:62 says
Indeed, the believers, Jews, Christians, and Sabians—whoever ˹truly˺ believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good will have their reward with their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.
The final ones are indeed about any war, and dominating the space they exist in. Give them ultimatum and then fight until they ask for mercy.
The main message to take here is, by choosing which part to quote, you can make it say anything you want. Sounds familiar?
As someone not from a Muslim background, thank you very much for the clarification and context!
It irks me to no end regardless of the work, how many people will flaunt their supposed literacy and reasoning ability, but even the weakest “reelijun bad” meme will get circulated with little resistance.
It poisons the well against constructive conversation. Thanks for educating. :)
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Person from Muslim background here. Let me try to explain. As with all sacred texts, Quran includes many contradicting parts, where other are open to interpretation. Also, Quran was “revealed” as small passages over Muhammad’s life. He claimed to receive messages in the context of the current events. To complicate things even more, standard Quran is not compiled in chronological order.
Passages from early Islam where Muslims were a persecuted minority, the texts are more about peace and harmony. As Muslims increased in numbers and influence, the passages have also turned more aggressive.
For example 2:62 says
The final ones are indeed about any war, and dominating the space they exist in. Give them ultimatum and then fight until they ask for mercy.
The main message to take here is, by choosing which part to quote, you can make it say anything you want. Sounds familiar?
As someone not from a Muslim background, thank you very much for the clarification and context!
It irks me to no end regardless of the work, how many people will flaunt their supposed literacy and reasoning ability, but even the weakest “reelijun bad” meme will get circulated with little resistance.
It poisons the well against constructive conversation. Thanks for educating. :)
—Romans 1:22