Does The Quran Order the Killing of People Who Do Not Accept Islam?

There are two specific verses that Christian apologists quote in defense of their argument that the Quran orders the killing of non-believers. The Quran does include verses that discuss conflict and warfare, but it does not issue a blanket order to kill or fight non-believers or those who do not accept Islam. Here are some key points to consider:

1.    Surah Al-Baqara verse 191

“Kill them wherever you come upon them1 and drive them out of the places from which they have driven you out. For persecution2 is far worse than killing. And do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque unless they attack you there. If they do so, then fight them—that is the reward of the disbelievers.”

Contextual Interpretation:

• Many verses related to conflict were revealed in specific historical contexts, particularly during the early years of Islam when Muslims faced persecution. These verses should be understood within their historical and situational contexts.
• One of the verses Christians most often quote out of context to prove that Islam orders the killing of those who do not accept Islam is Quran 2:191.
• The verse was revealed in response to the ongoing persecution, torture, and killing of Muslims by idolaters. As more individuals in Mecca and Medina embraced Islam, the authority of the idol-worshipping rulers was challenged, as followers began to see the Prophet Muhammad as their true leader. In an effort to suppress this movement, the authorities ordered the torture of Muslims to force them to renounce their faith, drove them from their homes, and confiscated their possessions. When these measures failed, they resolved to kill all Muslims, including the Prophet Muhammad. In this context, Allah revealed verses that permit Muslims to defend themselves and fight for the protection of their faith, providing a framework for justice against their persecutors.
• Reading the verse in isolation can seem harsh, but when you read the verses before and after the context becomes clear:

Quran 2:190: “Fight in the cause of Allah ˹only˺ against those who wage war against you, but do not exceed the limits. ¹Allah does not like transgressors.

Quran 2:191: “Kill them wherever you come upon them and drive them out of the places from which they have driven you out. For persecution is far worse than killing. And do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque unless they attack you there. If they do so, then fight them—that is the reward of the disbelievers.

Quran 2:192: But if they cease, then surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Quran 2:193: Fight against them ˹if they persecute you˺ until there is no more persecution, and ˹your˺ devotion will be to Allah ˹alone˺. If they stop ˹persecuting you˺, let there be no hostility except against the aggressors.

Quran 2:194: ˹There will be retaliation in˺ a sacred month for ˹an offence in˺ a sacred month, and all violations will bring about retaliation. So, if anyone attacks you, retaliate in the same manner. ˹But˺ be mindful of Allah, and know that Allah is with those mindful ˹of Him˺.

• “Do not exceed the limits” refers to Islamic warfare guidelines set by the Prophet. In an authentic saying collected by Abu Dawûd, he (ﷺ) is reported to have instructed the Muslim army, “Depart in the Name of Allah and with His help—following the way of the Messenger of Allah. Do not kill an old man, a child, or a woman. Do not mutilate the dead bodies of the enemy. Be gracious and courteous, for Allah loves those who act with grace.” The Prophet (ﷺ) also says, “Do not wish to meet your enemy in battle but always pray for well-being.” If fighting is a must, then be steadfast.”

2.    Surah Tawbah vers 29

 Fight those who do not believe in Allah and the Last Day, nor comply with what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden, nor embrace the religion of truth from among those who were given the Scripture, until they pay the tax,2 willingly submitting, fully humbled.

Contextual Interpretation:

• To fully understand this verse we need to bear in mind that Quranic verses are of two types. General verses talk about belief in Allah, good manners, and acts of worship. Specific verses, such as this verse, were revealed in regard to particular situations.
• After several wars between the Muslims and the Idolaters of which the Muslims had won, the Idolaters approached the Prophet Muhammad for a treaty. The treaty entailed neither party attacking the other for a period of 10 years and the rulers of Mecca would allow the Muslims to perform the pilgrimage once per year in peace. When a group of Muslims went to Mecca to perform their pilgrimage as agreed, they were attacked and killed by the idolaters. This angered Allah and the Surah Tawbah was revealed in relation to the breaking of the treaty.
• Surah Tawbah is a specific surah relating to those who broke the treaty and is not directed to anyone else.
• Tawbah means repentance of sins and Allah’s mercy with regard to forging sins.
• If you read the first verse and the preceding verses of Surah Tawbah you will immediately understand the context: Verse 1 -12 $ 29: 1˹This is˺ a discharge from all obligations by Allah and His Messenger, to the polytheists you ˹believers˺ have entered into treaties with:

2 “You ˹polytheists˺ may travel freely through the land for four months, but know that you will have no escape from Allah, and that Allah will disgrace the disbelievers.”

3 A declaration from Allah and His Messenger ˹is made˺ to all people on the day of the greater pilgrimage that Allah and His Messenger are free of the polytheists. So if you ˹pagans˺ repent, it will be better for you. But if you turn away, then know that you will have no escape from Allah. And give good news ˹O Prophet˺ to the disbelievers of a painful punishment.

4 As for the polytheists who have honoured every term of their treaty with you and have not supported an enemy against you, honour your treaty with them until the end of its term. Surely Allah loves those who are mindful ˹of Him˺.

5 But once the Sacred Months have passed, kill the polytheists ˹who violated their treaties˺ wherever you find them,1 capture them, besiege them, and lie in wait for them on every way. But if they repent, perform prayers, and pay alms-tax, then set them free. Indeed, Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

6 And if anyone from the polytheists asks for your protection ˹O Prophet˺, grant it to them so they may hear the Word of Allah, then escort them to a place of safety, for they are a people who have no knowledge.

7 How can such polytheists have a treaty with Allah and His Messenger, except those you have made a treaty with at the Sacred Mosque?1 So, as long as they are true to you, be true to them. Indeed Allah loves those who are mindful ˹of Him˺.

8 How ˹can they have a treaty˺? If they were to have the upper hand over you, they would have no respect for kinship or treaty. They only flatter you with their tongues, but their hearts are in denial, and most of them are rebellious.

9 They chose a fleeting gain over Allah’s revelations, hindering ˹others˺ from His Way. Evil indeed is what they have done

10 They do not honour the bonds of kinship or treaties with the believers. It is they who are the transgressors.

11 But if they repent, perform prayer, and pay alms-tax, then they are your brothers in faith. This is how We make the revelations clear for people of knowledge.

12 But if they break their oaths after making a pledge and attack your faith, then fight the champions of disbelief—who never honour their oaths—so perhaps they will desist.

29  Fight those who do not believe in Allah and the Last Day, nor comply with what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden, nor embrace the religion of truth from among those who were given the Scripture, until they pay the tax,2 willingly submitting, fully humbled.

3.   Verses on Freedom of Belief:

• The Quran emphasizes the importance of free will in matters of faith. For instance, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256) states, “There is no compulsion in religion.” This verse underscores the principle that belief should be a personal choice.

4.    Combat Only in Self-Defense:

• Several verses indicate that fighting is permissible only in self-defense or against oppression. Surah Al-Hajj (22:39-40) permits fighting for those who have been wronged.

5.    Protection of Non-Combatants:

• The Quran instructs that non-combatants, including women and children, should not be harmed during conflicts. This reflects a broader principle of compassion and justice.

6.       Diverse Interpretations:

• Islamic scholars have diverse views on these topics. Mainstream interpretations focus on peaceful coexistence, emphasizing dialogue and understanding rather than violence.

Conclusion

The Quran does not order the killing of non-believers indiscriminately. Verses related to conflict should be understood in context, focusing on principles of justice, self-defense, and respect for individual choice in matters of faith. The overarching message of the Quran promotes peace and compassion.