LEADER TIMES WEEKEND RELIGION COLUMN FOR
October 11, 2014 by William H. Scarle, Jr. 813-835-0129
Western culture, which has been deeply influenced by the Christian world view, has real difficulty grasping the mind set of what we refer to as “radical Islam.” When confronted with the barbarity of a force like ISUS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) we are prone to think of it as a gang of psychotic thugs hiding behind the pretense of religious zeal. It is hard for Westerners to see such behavior as religiously motivated. After all, religion is a good thing, is it not?
Before quoting verses from the Quran that deal with jihad let me assure my readers that those who quote verses from that book speaking well of Christians and Jews and encouraging peace are not lying. They are there and come from the early life of Mohammed in Mecca. They are in contradiction to sixty percent of the Quran that talks about jihad. There are many contradictions in the Quran, and they are dealt with by an exegetical principal called “naskh” (in Arabic “override”). Simply stated it means that a later statement by Mohammed which seems to contradict an earlier one takes precedence and cancels out the previous teaching.
There are 114 verses in the Quran that teach peace, love and forgiveness. They are found primarily in Surah 2:62 and 109). But when at a later date Surah 9:5 was uttered it canceled out the previous teaching. That surah states:
“Fight and slay the Pagans wherever you find them. And seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.”
We have room here for only a few quotes from the Quran, but it will be enough to show the mind set of Islam (the system of belief), even though every professing Moslem is not totally dedicated to it.
“Let not the Unbelievers think that they can get the better (of the godly): they will never frustrate them. Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of you power, including deeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts) of the enemies, of Allah and your enemies, and others besides, whom you may not know, but whom Allah knows.” (Surah 8:59-60, Ali Translation)
“Take not the Jews and the Christians as “Auliya” (friends, protectors, helpers), they are not but “Auliya” of each other. And if any amongst you takes them (as “Auliya”), then surely he is one of them.” (Surah 5:51)
“Those who reject Islam must be killed. If they turn back (from Islam), take (hold of) them and kill them wherever you find them.” (Surah 4:89).
“So, when you meet (in fight-Jihad in Allah’s cause) those who disbelieve, smite (their) necks till you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on the survivors, i.e. take them as captives.)” (Surah 47:4)
Western civilization is engaged in a religious war, like it or not. It will not easily be won. The words of God to Joshua come to mind. “Be strong and very courageous…for the Lord your God will be with you.” But, only if we turn to God, and are open to his gracious provision.
(Bill Scarle can be contacted at ravscarle@verizon.net). END-whs