Understanding Islam — Page 28
IS ISLAM A VIOLENT RELIGION? 28 clearly, it does not mean that it is an abiding teaching that Muslims should fight all non- Muslims, indiscriminately, for all of time. Nowhere does the Holy Quran even remotely suggest this by any stretch of the imagination. Indeed, the Holy Quran clearly commands the Muslims that they must not fight against, or persecute, those non-Muslims who do not persecute them for their faith. Instead, they should be treated with kindness and equity: Allah forbids you not, respecting those who have not fought against you on account of your religion, and who have not driven you forth from your homes, that you be kind to them and act equitably towards them; surely Allah loves those who are equitable. 27 This is why it is so important to read all the verses of the Holy Quran together, rather than misrepresenting the teachings of the Holy Quran by isolating various verses, tearing them out of context, and do cherry-picking to falsely present the isolated verses as representing the whole picture.