What the Quran says about Christians

[SeekingChrist]

Quranic Verses that Advocate the Mistreatment of Jews and Christians
Excerpt from "Islam and Islamic Fundamentalism" (available at www.TheJISSCorporation.com)

Of the 3 major religions of the world, Islam is the only one that advocates overt mistreatment of one or more members of this religious triumvirate.

Example

“O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends: They are
but friend to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them is of them. Verily, Allah guideth not a people unjust.â€Â
Holy Quran 5:51, www.tafsir.com

Here is Ibn Kathir’s commentary on this Quranic verse of contention:

"Allah forbids His believing servants from having Jews and Christians as friends, because they are the enemies of Islam and its people, may Allah curse them. Allah then states that they are friends of each other and He gives a warning threat to those who do this."
Ibn Kathir, www.tafsir.com

As you can see, in regards to Islamic jurisprudence and the moral position of Muslims, Ibn Kathir, who is considered a pious Sunni Muslim scholar, clearly represents views that have facilitated and exacerbated the spread of radical and terror based initiatives by Islamic Fundamentalist groups.




Strategic Thought Note:
Modern Islamic scholars have tried to rewrite history concerning the translation of the Quranic verse that implores Muslims to refrain from taking Jews and Christians for friends by suggesting that this verse is commonly mistranslated. However, in addition to the fact that these scholars do not comply with the Salaf as do over 80% of the Islamic population that has a total numerical strength of 3 billion Muslims, these scholars can’t seem to “offset or explain†why the most prominent author of Quranic commentary (Ibn Kathir) was inclined to write such an unapologetic and morally deficient commentary on this verse that suggests that there are no errors in its translation.

The modern scholars, who represent a very small contingent of the Muslim population given its numerical strength and global representation often quote the following verse to suggest that Muslims can be friends with Jews, Christians and other non Muslims:

"God forbids you not respecting those who have not fought against you for religion's sake, and who have not driven you forth from your homes, that ye should act righteously and justly towards them; verily, God loves the just! He only forbids you to make patrons of those who have fought against you for religion's sake, and driven you forth from your homes, or have aided in your expulsion;and whoever makes patrons of them, they are the unjust!"
Holy Quran 60: 8-9, www.tafsir.com

This modern scholar “fantasy†is quickly dispelled by Ibn Kathir’s commentary on these Quranic verses.

"Allah does not forbid you with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes,) means, those who did not have a role in your expulsion. Therefore, Allah does not forbid you from being kind to the disbelievers who do not fight you because of the religion, such as women and weak disbelievers."
Ibn Kathir, www.tafsir.com

As you can see, Ibn Kathir’s commentary of these Quranic verses labels followers of non Muslim religions as disbelievers. Additionally, Kathir’s commentary states that the only non Muslims/disbelievers that can be treated justly are “non combatant†women and “weak†disbelievers. So it is clear that the Salaf compliant view of these Quranic verses is that all non Muslims are disbelievers that do not warrant justice unless they are non combatants or inclined towards capitulation or concession based signs of weakness.

*The full publication can be obtained through The JISS Corporation on their company website (www.TheJISSCorporation.com). The author can be contacted through this site as well for speaking engagements. This publication is a must have for Christians.

 

[Sinai Disciple]

Are you sure?

This Qur'anic statement does not command Muslims to mistreat Christians or Jews. To understand the language of the Qur'an, one must have a comprehensive understanding of Arabic. Being a student of comparative religion let me clarify where you've made exaggerated claims about the Qur'an and the well-known scholar Ibn Kathir.

I'm surprised you do not offer a fair view of the Qur'an's so-called 'treatment' of other peoples, including Christians and Jews alike. How are Christians put into perspective in the Qur'an? Did you happen to overlook this beautiful verse that was only revealed a few verses ahead of what you quoted?:

Surah Al-Maidah [Chapter 5, Verse 82]

"...and nearest among them in love to the believers will you find who say 'We are Christians,' because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant."

Christians and Jews alike are both referred by Allah as People of the Book, people who have received the revelation and are obligated to follow the messengers -these people are closest in belief to Muslims who were the ones who received the final revelation. Looking at the verse you quoted, you only selected a small portion of the verse. You realize that context is a criteria of judging right from wrong in any given situation, especially situations that are as touchy as these. I would also like you to keep in mind that when translating Arabic, either form the Qur'an or from the scholarly works like Ibn Kathir it is difficult to find an English substitute for some words.

Surah Al-Maidah [Chapter 5, Verse 51]

Transliterated from Arabic:

YÄ 'AyyuhÄ Al-LadhÄ«na 'Ä€manÅ« LÄ TattakhidhÅ« Al-YahÅ«da Wa An-NaÅŸÄÂrá 'AwliyÄÂ'a Ba`Ä‘uhum 'AwliyÄÂ'u Ba`Ä‘in Wa Man Yatawallahum Minkum Fa'innahu Minhum 'Inna AllÄÂha LÄ YahdÄ« Al-Qawma Až-ŽÄÂlimÄ«na

Translation from Arabic:

"O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are [in fact] allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you – then indeed, he is [one] of them. Indeed, AllÄÂh guides not the wrongdoing people."

The word that you allege that is used in the Qur'an as 'friends' is the Arabic word 'AwliyÄÂ'. It is derived from its Arabic root word, 'Wali'. The word 'Wali' is defined as 'trusted one', 'guardian', or 'protector'. It generally denotes the more common phrase 'friend of Allah'. Lets apply this word within another context. Within Islamic law of marriage a wali is a woman's closest adult male relative, who has authority and responsibility with respect to her marrying; in this context, wali can be translated "marriage guardian". It is absolutely essential that you learn Arabic before quoting verses from the Qur'an. It can be highly offensive if you continue to misconstrue meanings that Muslims are well acquainted with.

Further more you have look at the context which this verse of the Qur'an was revealed. Interestingly enough if you look at when this verse was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad we see that it was revealed during a very crucial time. The small community of Muslims had only just migrated to the city of Medina from the city of Makkah (a popular trade center). During this highly volatile period war, and whereas the Jews and Christians were stronger militarily the Muslims were in danger of being completely overrun. It was therefore that alliances had to be made to keep the small Muslim community from making the wrong decisions. Here is a document that you can view online for further research:

“Do Not Take Christians and Jews as Friends?â€Â
http://www.karamah.org/docs/dakake_misa ... ations.doc

Please note that Ibn Kathir was making note of the Christians and Jews that were a consistent threat to the small Muslim minority of Makkah. What you've stated is quite far from the truth.

-Sinai Disciple

 

[turnorburn]

It began with Abraham.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90ozM2Dm ... re=related

 

[Sanitarium]

Re: Are you sure?

To understand the language of the Qur'an, one must have a comprehensive understanding of Arabic.

Fortunately available to we who do not 'understand' the Quran, are available many online sources that include transliterations & literal translations of the Quran. Also the wealth of ex-Muslims and native non-Muslim Arabs who can help us with these matters is also a great help.

I'm surprised you do not offer a fair view of the Qur'an's so-called 'treatment' of other peoples, including Christians and Jews alike. How are Christians put into perspective in the Qur'an? Did you happen to overlook this beautiful verse that was only revealed a few verses ahead of what you quoted?:

Surah Al-Maidah [Chapter 5, Verse 82]

"...and nearest among them in love to the believers will you find who say 'We are Christians,' because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant."

And I am not surprised that you have misquoted the above verse to suit your agenda:

Literal: You will find (E) the strongest people (with) animosity to those who believed (are) the Jews, and those who shared/made partners (with God), and you will find (E) their nearest/closest love/friendship , to those who believed, (are) those who said: "That we are Christian ." That (is) with that from them (are) priests/clergymen and monks, and that they are not being arrogant.

Now, let's go through this:

1. "You will find the strongest people (with) animosity to those who believed (are) the Jews, and those who shared/made partners (with God)": You will find that all the translators here (16) have erroneously translated the verse as referring to the Jews and the pagans, but that's not what the literal says! It says 'those who made partners with god'. The Quran states that Christians do in fact, 'make partners with god' (shirk). Quran 5:116 says:

Literal: And when God said: "You Jesus Mary's son, did you say to the people 'Take me and my mother (as) two gods from other than God?' He (Jesus) said: 'Your praise/glory, (it) is not to be for me that I say what is not for me with (a) right/truth, if I was (had) said it, so You had known it, You know what (is) in my self, and I do not know what (is) in Your self, that You, You (are) all knower (of) the unseens/hidden (unknown).'"
Source

And 5:73:

Those who said: "That God (is) third (of) three." had disbelieved, and (there is) no God except from one God, and if they do not end/stop from what they say, a painful torture will touch (E) those who disbelieved from them.
Source

Therefore we can see that Christians are also ones who associate 'partners' with Allah (according to Islam) so the first part of the verse you quoted is actually also referring to Christians. We can also see that Muhammad thought that the Christian trinity consisted of: God, Maryam (Mary) and then Jesus. Yusuf Ali's translation of 5:73 is wrong because the Arabic word “Thalatha†means “Three†and “Thalith†means “Thirdâ€Â. Therefore it is clearly a chastistement against Christians who take Jesus as God (because he is the 'third' of three).

Therefore those who have the 'strongest animosity' towards to 'believers' (Muslims) are: (a)Jews & (b) Christians who accept Jesus as God.

2. and you will find (E) their nearest/closest love/friendship , to those who believed, (are) those who said: "That we are Christian ." That (is) with that from them (are) priests/clergymen and monks, and that they are not being arrogant.: the ones who are 'closest' to the Muslims are those who say 'we are Christian" who are 'not being arrogant'. But how can that be? The previous part of the verse made clear that all true Christian's are not friends to Muslims! Are there any Christian's who do not accept the divinity of Jesus?

In any case, please do not misquote verses - and if you talk about the Arabic, please make sure to actually address it rather than giving a (poor) translation of it.

Looking at the verse you quoted, you only selected a small portion of the verse.

Hypocrisy?

You realize that context is a criteria of judging right from wrong in any given situation, especially situations that are as touchy as these.

Back at you!

I would also like you to keep in mind that when translating Arabic, either form the Qur'an or from the scholarly works like Ibn Kathir it is difficult to find an English substitute for some words.

So? In my experience, the only words that have been mistranslated are the ones that make Islam look BAD (ie. Makr). Looking at the literal translations and many English translations is usually enough to get the gist. Also we can ask native speakers if we are unsure.

Surah Al-Maidah [Chapter 5, Verse 51]
Translation from Arabic:

"O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are [in fact] allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you – then indeed, he is [one] of them. Indeed, AllÄÂh guides not the wrongdoing people."
[/quote]
Literal here:

Literal; You, you those who believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians (as) guardians/patrons , some of them (are) guardians/patrons (of) some, and who follows them from you, so that he truly is from them, that God does not guide the nation, the unjust/oppressive.

Source

So, whoever associates with jews and Christians is 'just like them' and they are not 'on god's side' - ie. this verse claims that Jews and christians are oppressors to the Muslims, and whoever associates with Jews and Christians is an 'oppressor' too. Nice!

The word that you allege that is used in the Qur'an as 'friends' is the Arabic word 'AwliyÄÂ'. It is derived from its Arabic root word, 'Wali'. The word 'Wali' is defined as 'trusted one', 'guardian', or 'protector'.

Agreed!

It generally denotes the more common phrase 'friend of Allah'. Lets apply this word within another context. Within Islamic law of marriage a wali is a woman's closest adult male relative, who has authority and responsibility with respect to her marrying;

No, he is her owner.

in this context, wali can be translated "marriage guardian". It is absolutely essential that you learn Arabic before quoting verses from the Qur'an.

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!! This is the BIGGEST FOB OFF that Muslims use against Non-Muslims - insisting that "must" learn Arabic before you DARE to question anything in the Quran. It is COMPLETELY FALSE. Please Christians, do NOT fall for this. In fact, the MAJORITY of Muslims do NOT speak Arabic. Even some Hafiz (those who have memorized the Quran) do not speak Arabic - they have memorized the whole Quran from the transliteration but they do not know what they are reciting.

Again it is NOT 'essential' that you MUST learn Arabic before you can criticize the Quran.

It can be highly offensive if you continue to misconstrue meanings that Muslims are well acquainted with.

Everything is offensive to Muslims - and the vast majority of Muslims that I have met wouldn't know an ayah if it smacked them in the face (because they have not actually read the Quran).

Further more you have look at the context which this verse of the Qur'an was revealed.

No, the Quran is (allegedly) a 'book for all time' so, usually, the context only shows the revelational circumstances and does not abrogate the command itself. If it did, then the whole Quran is meaningless ever since Muhammad died (ie. it is no longer valid).

Interestingly enough if you look at when this verse was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad we see that it was revealed during a very crucial time. The small community of Muslims had only just migrated to the city of Medina from the city of Makkah (a popular trade center).

They were kicked out of Mecca by the Quariyash because Muhammad was a class A trouble maker.

During this highly volatile period war, and whereas the Jews and Christians were stronger militarily the Muslims were in danger of being completely overrun.

The Jews and Christians were not military people - they were business people. They just happened not to accept Muhammad's claim of prophethood, nor that his Allah was god. sheesh you paint it as though the jews/Christians were the ones raiding caravans and terrorizing people and NOT the Muslims!

It was therefore that alliances had to be made to keep the small Muslim community from making the wrong decisions.

No, it was to prevent the Jews/Christians pointing out to the Mulsims exactly WHY Muhammad's claim to be the 'final prophet' (of their religions) was FALSE - ie. fitnah.

Please note that Ibn Kathir was making note of the Christians and Jews that were a consistent threat to the small Muslim minority of Makkah. What you've stated is quite far from the truth.

-Sinai Disciple

Thank you for your post, but I do not agree with the majority of what you say. I make it my business to study Islam's texts for myself, and what you have presented is ad hom attacks against all non-Arabic speakers - as well as the classic dawaganda apologetics.

Thanks!

 

[Sanitarium]

Let me just add that it is a common tactic for Muslim apologists to attack those who question Islam, by insisting that you MUST learn Arabic in order to say anything about islam. this is a classic 'fob off' and it is designed to embarass the questioner and make them shut up.

The fact is, that Islam is truly indefensible, and the "you must speak Arabic" is really only the (seemingly) strong rebuttal they have.

But this is no longer valid, because there are a WEALTH of websites out there to help the people who do not know Arabic, and, as I said, many native speakers (many ex-Muslims) who will give you assistance regarding Arabic.

Therefore this charge is irrelevant in the Internet age.

 

[Shamwow]

Historically speaking, Christians and Jews have enjoyed much greater toleration by Muslims than Jews and Muslims have enjoyed in Christian countries. Its only in (relatively) recent history that this has changed, and that change had nothing to do with an evolution of Christianity itself, but rather a secular change in Western society.

 

[Gabe]

Interesting. What has this to do with the Quran and its view of Christians?

 

[Sanitarium]

Interesting. What has this to do with the Quran and its view of Christians?

This ^

Also, you will find that Muslims have (and had) a vested interest in keeping most of their Jews/Christians (a)alive and (b) staying in their country. Why? Because the Muslims collect protection money off them - the Jizya tax. In return for not forcing them to convert or die (ie. they can keep their own religion) they have to pay whatever the authorities ask(ed) for in money/property.

It was and stil is, quite the lucrative deal.

 

[coelacanth]

Of the 3 major religions of the world, Islam is the only one that advocates overt mistreatment of one or more members of this religious triumvirate.

It definitely has not always been that way, and there are still today smaller groups of fundamentalists in all three Abrahamic religions who advocate such treatment of opposing faiths. To illustrate hatemongering by Christian leaders, I don't think there's any better example than Martin Luther. Have you ever read Martin Luther's treatise "On the Jews and Their Lies"? It's horrifying Hitler-like propaganda. Antisemitism was rampant in German culture long before Adolf Hitler, even among religious leaders. I know modern Lutheranism doesn't advocate it, obviously, but the man who began it thought that Jews should be.... well, just read it. Some things I can't even quote since this is a Christian website. It's disgusting.

 

[Free]

Of the 3 major religions of the world, Islam is the only one that advocates overt mistreatment of one or more members of this religious triumvirate.

It definitely has not always been that way, and there are still today smaller groups of fundamentalists in all three Abrahamic religions who advocate such treatment of opposing faiths. To illustrate hatemongering by Christian leaders, I don't think there's any better example than Martin Luther. Have you ever read Martin Luther's treatise "On the Jews and Their Lies"? It's horrifying Hitler-like propaganda. Antisemitism was rampant in German culture long before Adolf Hitler, even among religious leaders. I know modern Lutheranism doesn't advocate it, obviously, but the man who began it thought that Jews should be.... well, just read it. Some things I can't even quote since this is a Christian website. It's disgusting.

There have certainly been times when Christianity has utterly failed and been abused by it leaders, that is without question. The difference being that such mistreatment of people and abuse of theology goes against the very grain of Christianity and the message of the gospel but that is not the case with Islam.

 

[coelacanth]

Of the 3 major religions of the world, Islam is the only one that advocates overt mistreatment of one or more members of this religious triumvirate.

It definitely has not always been that way, and there are still today smaller groups of fundamentalists in all three Abrahamic religions who advocate such treatment of opposing faiths. To illustrate hatemongering by Christian leaders, I don't think there's any better example than Martin Luther. Have you ever read Martin Luther's treatise "On the Jews and Their Lies"? It's horrifying Hitler-like propaganda. Antisemitism was rampant in German culture long before Adolf Hitler, even among religious leaders. I know modern Lutheranism doesn't advocate it, obviously, but the man who began it thought that Jews should be.... well, just read it. Some things I can't even quote since this is a Christian website. It's disgusting.

There have certainly been times when Christianity has utterly failed and been abused by it leaders, that is without question. The difference being that such mistreatment of people and abuse of theology goes against the very grain of Christianity and the message of the gospel but that is not the case with Islam.

I agree that it goes against mainstream Christianity, but the morality of the Bible is pretty selectively chosen by such Christians, especially by ignoring the OT as a source of morality IMO.

 

[Free]

I agree that it goes against mainstream Christianity, but the morality of the Bible is pretty selectively chosen by such Christians, especially by ignoring the OT as a source of morality IMO.

The problem here is that just because there are historical accounts (at least accept that for the sake of argument) of warfare, violence and sin does not mean that those certain types of things are justifiable. The morality in the OT is consistent with the morality in the NT.

Christianity began as a peaceful religion and was then used abusively for various gains in wealth and power. Islam on the other began as a series of wars and conquests. It actually isn't even really considered a religion as much as a total sociopolitical system (not sure if sociopolitical is the right term--it is all encompassing).

Anyway, I don't want to get too far of topic.

 

[Fembot]

Here is Ibn Kathir’s commentary on this Quranic verse of contention:

"Allah forbids His believing servants from having Jews and Christians as friends, because they are the enemies of Islam and its people, may Allah curse them. Allah then states that they are friends of each other and He gives a warning threat to those who do this."
Ibn Kathir, http://www.tafsir.com

Is this really from the Quran? Wow, promoting hate, calling Christians and Jews enemies without truly getting to know people as individuals?

It explains a lot. But we as Christians can change this type of thinking by showing Christ's love to Muslims and anyone who thinks this way. Or else we can be held accountable for spreading hate. I honestly don't pay enough attention to what Muslims believe in because there is too much arrogance and ignorance in that religion. Talk about being mislead!

 

[coelacanth]

The morality in the OT is consistent with the morality in the NT.

I would disagree

Anyway, I don't want to get too far of topic.

But that I would agree with, huge derail...

 

[Gabe]

I find it interesting, how people (even with my subtle warning above) cannot help but disparage other faiths in a thread about Islam in the hope of lowering them to its level, while ignoring the vast differences between those faiths.

 

[coelacanth]

I find it interesting, how people (even with my subtle warning above) cannot help but disparage other faiths in a thread about Islam in the hope of lowering them to its level, while ignoring the vast differences between those faiths.

Are you referring to me? If so, please clarify. Thanks.

 

[Carol Lowery]

It began with Abraham.

I was thinking the same thing Lee.....then I read on down and saw yours!

 

[Sanitarium]

Is this really from the Quran? Wow, promoting hate, calling Christians and Jews enemies without truly getting to know people as individuals?

It's from a Tafsir. Muslims have these texts:
1. Quran - believed to be the literal, unchanged and unchangeable EXACT word of god (Allah).
2. Tafsirs - These are commentaries written by scholars, explaining the verses of the Quran. They use the ahadith to explain the Quran.
3. Ahadith - These are sayings and actions of Muhammad and his companions. They are needed to explain the Quran, because the Quran is without context - each of the verses in the Quran was 'revealed' (made up) over 23 years of Muhammad's life in response to certain situations that Muhammad was experiencing. This is why the scholars use the ahadith to explain the Quran in their tafseers because there are many many ahadith that state "<such and such happened> and then <this verse> was revealed regarding that."
4. Sira - Another ahadith collection (full name sirat rasul Allah - life of the messenger of Allah) - that is arranged in chronological order - to form a narrative of Muhammad's life.
5. Books of Fiqh - books of Islamic jurisprudence written by [usually] contemporary experts on Islam.

So the above tafsir ('Ibn Kathir) is not from the quran but explains a verse in the Quran (talking about not taking jews/christians as friends). tafsir 'Ibn Kathir is one of the most highly respected tafsirs.

It explains a lot. But we as Christians can change this type of thinking by showing Christ's love to Muslims and anyone who thinks this way. Or else we can be held accountable for spreading hate.

What do you mean? 'or else we can be held accountable for spreading hate'?

I honestly don't pay enough attention to what Muslims believe in because there is too much arrogance and ignorance in that religion.

This is quite possibly the most ridiculous excuse for a person's own ignorance that I've ever heard. How do you expect to reach *any* Muslim if you don't know what they actually believe?

Talk about being mislead!

*cough*

 

[Charlie+]

You should look up Robert Spencer on islamic issues - here is one video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SddesLgxzHM = he wrote the famous book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Truth-about-Muh ... 958&sr=8-1. I came across a warning from a former muslim which is in my signature. In my personal experience what he says is very true. I think everyone needs to read it and see what is actually happening in our world.

 

[cook92]

Have you read "The Crisis of Islam: Holy War and Unholy Terror" by Bernard Lewis? I didn't know much about Muslims or Muslim extremist before I read this six years ago. I thought it was a good introduction into their viewpoint.

http://www.amazon.com/Crisis-Islam-Unho ... t_ep_dpi_1