Understanding Islam — Page 24
IS ISLAM A VIOLENT RELIGION? 24 T HE H ISTORICAL C ONTEXT In response to such verses as we have quoted above, anti-Islam writers like Dr. Qureshi often go on to cite other verses that, taken in isolation, seem to be encouraging Muslims to attack non-Muslims. Is it true then that whether one is a peaceful Muslim or an extremist is just dependent on which verses you prefer and how you interpret them? The answer is a resounding: No! This is because the Holy Quran itself tells you how it should be interpreted. It states that some verses form the basis of its teachings (i. e. mo ḥ kam ā t ), while others are context-specific ( mutash ā bih ā t ). It goes on to condemn those who apply the context-dependent verses outside of their appropriate context, as defined by those verses that form the basis of the book. Furthermore, it states that those who correctly interpret the Holy Quran are those who look at the book as a whole and interpret it without creating contradiction: He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book; in it there are verses that are decisive in meaning — they