Page 120 - World Religions I - Islam

cowardly); remission of sins is promised to fighters; captured woman may become concubines
in addition to one's wives. Since this is the final teaching of the Qur'an regarding jihad, it is still in
force today.
o After conquering Mecca in AD 630 and cleansing the Ka'aba of idols, a new order was given to fit the new
situation: aggressive jihad against all unbelievers is commanded.
 Non-Meccan pagans become the new target of Islamic expansion.45
• "But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye
find them, an 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." - At-Tawba
(Repentance) 9:5
 Jihad is greater than any other service, and is of the highest of rank in the sight of God.
• "Do ye make the giving of drink to pilgrims, or the maintenance of the Sacred Mosque,
equal to (the pious service of) those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and strive
with might and main in the cause of Allah? They are not comparable in the sight of Allah:
and Allah guides not those who do wrong. Those who believe, and suffer exile and
strive with might and main, in Allah's cause, with their goods and their persons, have the
highest rank in the sight of Allah: they are the people who will achieve (salvation)." - At-
Tawba (Repentance) 9:19-20
 Muslims are commanded to fight against Jews and Christians until they are subdued, because
God's curse is on them.
• "Fight those who believe not in God nor the last day, nor hold that forbidden which
hath been forbidden by God and His Apostle, nor acknowledge the religion of truth,
(even if they are) of the people of the Book, until they pay the jizya with willing
submission, and feel themselves subdued. The Jews call Uzair [Ezra] a son of God, and
the Christians call Christ the Son of God ... God's curse be on them; how they are deluded
away from the truth! They take their priests and their anchorites to be their lords in
derogation of God, and (they take as their Lord) Christ the son of Mary. Yet they are
commanded to worship but One God ..." - At- Tawba (Repentance) 9:29-31
 Don't befriend Jews or Christians because they are unjust and unreliable.
• ""O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and
protectors. They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that
turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily God guideth not a people unjust." - Al-
Ma'idah (The Table Spread) 5:54
 Kill or torture those who oppose the Apostle.
• "The punishment of those who wage war against God and His Apostle, and strive with
might and main for mischief through the land is execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting
off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land." - Al-Ma'idah (The Table)
5:36
 Other verses concerning aggressive jihad and rapid expansion of Islam via the sword: 9:1-4, 6,
11-12, 14-16, 5:37-38. 21-22, 25-26, 28, 38-39, 41, 52, 73, 81-96, 111, 122-123; Promises or
commands in these verses include: Allah will punish those unwilling to fight in his service;
Muslims can expect either martyrdom (and thus Paradise) or victory in battle; cowards will not
be forgiven.

• The Hadith also record many of Muhammad's teachings and practices concerning jihad.
o No possible deed equals jihad in reward.46
o Allah guarantees acceptance of the Mujahid (holy fighter) in his cause into Paradise if he is killed.

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