MISINFORMATION

MISINFORMATION His Messenger have decided for them. Anyone who disobeys God and His Messenger is in manifest error.” (33:36) By selectively presenting quotes from war-related verses, he creates the perception that the Quran instructs the killing of non-Muslims. According to the Quran, when a command from God is given, believers must obey it without hesitation, leaving them with no alternative. This interpretation by Arun Shourie is unrelated to the Quran, is inaccurate, and arises from taking verses out of context. The verses’ actual context becomes evident when examined in their proper context. Let us examine the second chapter and provide the translation of the entire passage from which the words mentioned above are taken: “And fight in God’s cause against those who wage war against you, but do not commit aggression, for indeed, God does not love aggressors. Slay them wherever you find them [those who fight against you]; drive them out of the places 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 fight you, slay them—such is the reward for those who deny the truth. But if they desist, God is most forgiving and merciful. 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.” (Quran, 2:190-193)