MISINFORMATION

quoting certain verses related to war, suggesting that these verses would be offensive to non-Muslims. Consequently, he argues for the necessity of banning the Quran. Under the guise of freedom of speech and rational discourse, Mr. Shourie’s argument can be seen as an unjust accusation or a rational distortion. He presents verses from the Quran without proper context and provides his interpretation that is not inherent in the verses. Let us highlight two key references from his citations. Arun Shourie quotes two verses from the second chapter of the Quran about this matter: “Slay them wherever you find them [those who fight against you]; drive them out of the places from which they drove you, for [religious] persecution is worse than killing. Do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque unless they fight you there. If they do fight you, slay them—such is the reward for those who deny the truth.” (2:191) “Fight them until there is no more fitna [religious persecution] and religion belongs to God alone. If they desist, then let there be no hostility except towards aggressors.” (2:193) After quoting several verses about war, Arun Shourie proceeded to translate a verse from Chapter 33 of the Quran: “It is not fitting for a believing man or woman to exercise any choice in their affairs once God and