Page 71 - Bigotry: The Dark Danger

Adnan Oktar
(Harun Yahya)

polytheists" but those perpetrating savage attacks on Muslims
and who then come to agreements in order not to fight during the
sacred months. The polytheists here are the ones who have cunning-
ly tried to hunt Muslims down and have continued to attack them
during the sacred months and have taken Muslims' lives, although
they have made a fair agreement with Muslims and they very well

knew that Muslims would not get into a war during the sacred
months.

Under these conditions, Muslims are given the right in this verse
to defend themselves against savage attacks. As shown in the verse,
although the polytheists carried out their savage attacks in the
sacred months, Muslims did not respond during those months, as
commanded by God. They exhibited patience during those months

and only began defending themselves once the sacred months were
over. We also see that the verse describes the method that needs to
be adopted in defense: seizure, siege and lying in wait on all roads.
The primary conditions in wars based on international law are siege

and seizure. The passages required for the siege are taken and held
and the other side is thus prevented from moving. This verse there-
fore described the method adopted and now regarded as legitimate
under international law. The only difference is that it is not Muslims
doing the attacking; they are simply trying to put an end to the
attacks against them.

There is also no question in this verse of engaging in any fight

against those who stop their attacks and repent. They must be
released; that is explicit.

When we look at the very next verse, we find a very important
statement that describes the loving and protective spirit of the
Qur'an. This verse eliminates all the claims made about Muslims by
the opponents of Islam. The verse reads:

69