<< (with all its violent out-of-date barbaric teachings and verses ranging from wife beating to killing of non-Muslims) >>
It seems to me like you don't understand what those verses truly mean when taken in context. It is easy to take verses out of context and claim they mean something which they really do not.
For example, I cite a verse often taken out of context to disparage Islam.
xlvii.4: "When you meet the unbelievers, strike off their heads; then when you have made wide slaughter among them, carefully tie up the remaining captives."
This sentence is taken entirely out of the context of the passage and surah.
This surah deals prominently with various aspects of fighting in God's cause. It begins by talking of those "who are bent on denying the truth and on barring others from the path of God." This lays down the fundamental condition which alone justifies physical warfare: namely, a defense of the Faith and of freedom. Islam prohibits aggression but allows defense against it.
The above sentence refers to a war actually in progress. It is not some radical statement to kill and slaughter any infidel you see. It refers to actions to be taken during the course of a war. The complete verses 4-6 show what the true meaning of the passage is when read in its proper context.
"Now when you meet in war those who are bent on denying the truth, smite their necks until you overcome them fully, and then tighten their bonds; but thereafter set them free, either by an act of grace or against ransom (either monetary or a trade of POWs), so that the burden of war may be lifted: thus shall it be.
And know that had God so willed, He could indeed punish them Himself; but He wills you to struggle so as to test you all by means of one another.
And as for those who are slain in God's cause, never will He let their deeds go to waste: He will guide them in the hereafter as well, and will set their hearts at rest, and will admit them to the paradise which He has promised them."
That passage doesn't have quite the same meaning when it read in context, does it? |
