What Islam's sources say about violence and jihad1 / 2
Quoted by jihadists.
Al-Qaeda's 1998 World Islamic Front statement quoted the sword verse; the Islamic State quoted Surah 9 throughout its propaganda.
How modern groups use these texts
What Islam's sources say about violence and jihad1 / 2
Al-Qaeda's 1998 World Islamic Front statement quoted the sword verse; the Islamic State quoted Surah 9 throughout its propaganda.
How modern groups use these texts
What Islam's sources say about violence and jihad2 / 2
In 2014 more than 120 Muslim scholars signed an open letter to the Islamic State's leader rejecting its readings.
How modern groups use these texts
What Islam's sources say about violence and jihad1 / 4
52Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword.
Matthew 26:52 (WEB) · context
What Jesus taught about violence
What Islam's sources say about violence and jihad2 / 4
36Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn’t be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here.”
John 18:36 (WEB) · context
What Jesus taught about violence
What Islam's sources say about violence and jihad3 / 4
43“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 45that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.
Matthew 5:43-45 (WEB) · context
What Jesus taught about violence
What Islam's sources say about violence and jihad4 / 4
38“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 5:38-39 (WEB) · context
What Jesus taught about violence
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba1 / 4
10Yahweh’s angel said to her, “I will greatly multiply your offspring, that they will not be counted for multitude.” 11Yahweh’s angel said to her, “Behold, you are with child, and will bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because Yahweh has heard your affliction. 12He will be like a wild donkey among men. His hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him. He will live opposed to all of his brothers.”
Genesis 16:10-12 (WEB) · context
Genesis on Ishmael, word for word
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba2 / 4
20As for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.
Genesis 17:20 (WEB) · context
Genesis on Ishmael, word for word
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba3 / 4
17God heard the voice of the boy. The angel of God called to Hagar out of the sky, and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Don’t be afraid. For God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18Get up, lift up the boy, and hold him with your hand. For I will make him a great nation.”
Genesis 21:17-18 (WEB) · context
Genesis on Ishmael, word for word
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba4 / 4
16These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes, according to their nations.
Genesis 25:16 (WEB) · context
Genesis on Ishmael, word for word
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba1 / 3
21But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this set time next year.”
Genesis 17:21 (WEB) · context
The covenant is with Isaac
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba2 / 3
12God said to Abraham, “Don’t let it be grievous in your sight because of the boy, and because of your servant. In all that Sarah says to you, listen to her voice. For your offspring will be named through Isaac.
Genesis 21:12 (WEB) · context
The covenant is with Isaac
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba3 / 3
3Live in this land, and I will be with you, and will bless you. For I will give to you, and to your offspring, all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. 4I will multiply your offspring as the stars of the sky, and will give all these lands to your offspring. In your offspring all the nations of the earth will be blessed,
Genesis 26:3-4 (WEB) · context
The covenant is with Isaac
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba1 / 3
2He said, “Now take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go into the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I will tell you of.”
Genesis 22:2 (WEB) · context
Which son did Abraham offer in sacrifice?
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba2 / 3
102And when (his son) was old enough to walk with him, (Abraham) said: O my dear son, I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice thee. So look, what thinkest thou? He said: O my father! Do that which thou art commanded. Allah willing, thou shalt find me of the steadfast.
Quran 37:102 (Pickthall) · context
Which son did Abraham offer in sacrifice?
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba3 / 3
112And we gave him tidings of the birth of Isaac, a prophet of the righteous.
Quran 37:112 (Pickthall) · context
Which son did Abraham offer in sacrifice?
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba1 / 4
127And when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House, (Abraham prayed): Our Lord! Accept from us (this duty). Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Hearer, the Knower.
Quran 2:127 (Pickthall) · context
Abraham and the Kaaba
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba2 / 4
96Lo! the first Sanctuary appointed for mankind was that at Becca, a blessed place, a guidance to the peoples;
Quran 3:96 (Pickthall) · context
Abraham and the Kaaba
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba3 / 4
21He lived in the wilderness of Paran. His mother got a wife for him out of the land of Egypt.
Genesis 21:21 (WEB) · context
Abraham and the Kaaba
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba4 / 4
18They lived from Havilah to Shur that is before Egypt, as you go toward Assyria. He lived opposite all his relatives.
Genesis 25:18 (WEB) · context
Abraham and the Kaaba
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba1 / 4
17God heard the voice of the boy. The angel of God called to Hagar out of the sky, and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Don’t be afraid. For God has heard the voice of the boy where he is.
Genesis 21:17 (WEB) · context
Ishmael's real blessing
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba2 / 4
20As for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.
Genesis 17:20 (WEB) · context
Ishmael's real blessing
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba3 / 4
3I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who treats you with contempt. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 12:3 (WEB) · context
Ishmael's real blessing
Ishmael, Isaac and the Kaaba4 / 4
7Know therefore that those who are of faith are children of Abraham. 8The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Good News beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you all the nations will be blessed.” 9So then, those who are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham.
Galatians 3:7-9 (WEB) · context
Ishmael's real blessing
Reason 11 / 6
46And We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, confirming that which was (revealed) before him in the Torah, and We bestowed on him the Gospel wherein is guidance and a light, confirming that which was (revealed) before it in the Torah - a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off (evil).
Quran 5:46 (Pickthall) · context
Reason 1: The Quran vouches for the Bible it contradicts
Reason 12 / 6
47Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are evil-livers.
Quran 5:47 (Pickthall) · context
Reason 1: The Quran vouches for the Bible it contradicts
Reason 13 / 6
94And if thou (Muhammad) art in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto thee, then question those who read the Scripture (that was) before thee. Verily the Truth from thy Lord hath come unto thee. So be not thou of the waverers.
Quran 10:94 (Pickthall) · context
Reason 1: The Quran vouches for the Bible it contradicts
Reason 14 / 6
115Perfected is the Word of thy Lord in truth and justice. There is naught that can change His words. He is the Hearer, the Knower.
Quran 6:115 (Pickthall) · context
Reason 1: The Quran vouches for the Bible it contradicts
Reason 15 / 6
3For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (WEB) · context
Reason 1: The Quran vouches for the Bible it contradicts
Reason 16 / 6
Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus, complete Bibles from the 300s, and Gospel papyri from the 100s and 200s were copied centuries before Muhammad was born (c. 570). They carry the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Reason 1: The Quran vouches for the Bible it contradicts
Reason 21 / 6
157And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, Allah's messenger - they slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them; and lo! those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain.
Quran 4:157 (Pickthall) · context
Reason 2: Jesus was crucified. The Quran denies it 600 years later.
Reason 22 / 6
3For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
1 Corinthians 15:3-5 (WEB) · context
Reason 2: Jesus was crucified. The Quran denies it 600 years later.
Reason 23 / 6
Annals 15.44: Christus, from whom the Christians took their name, was executed in the reign of Tiberius by the procurator Pontius Pilate.
Reason 2: Jesus was crucified. The Quran denies it 600 years later.
Reason 24 / 6
Antiquities 18.63-64: Pilate condemned Jesus to the cross. Scholars agree Christian copyists added phrases to this passage, and most hold that the core report of the execution is his.
Reason 2: Jesus was crucified. The Quran denies it 600 years later.
Reason 25 / 6
31He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
Mark 8:31 (WEB) · context
Reason 2: Jesus was crucified. The Quran denies it 600 years later.
Reason 26 / 6
33Peace on me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!
Quran 19:33 (Pickthall) · context
Reason 2: Jesus was crucified. The Quran denies it 600 years later.
Reason 31 / 6
6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.
John 14:6 (WEB) · context
Reason 3: Jesus claimed what no prophet ever claimed
Reason 32 / 6
58Jesus said to them, “Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM.”
John 8:58 (WEB) · context
Reason 3: Jesus claimed what no prophet ever claimed
Reason 33 / 6
61But he stayed quiet, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62Jesus said, “I am. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of the sky.”
Mark 14:61-62 (WEB) · context
Reason 3: Jesus claimed what no prophet ever claimed
Reason 34 / 6
5Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” 6But there were some of the scribes sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7“Why does this man speak blasphemies like that? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Mark 2:5-7 (WEB) · context
Reason 3: Jesus claimed what no prophet ever claimed
Reason 35 / 6
28Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
John 20:28-29 (WEB) · context
Reason 3: Jesus claimed what no prophet ever claimed
Reason 36 / 6
72They surely disbelieve who say: Lo! Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary. The Messiah (himself) said: O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Lo! whoso ascribeth partners unto Allah, for him Allah hath forbidden paradise. His abode is the Fire. For evil-doers there will be no helpers.
Quran 5:72 (Pickthall) · context
Reason 3: Jesus claimed what no prophet ever claimed
Reason 41 / 5
19So know (O Muhammad) that there is no Allah save Allah, and ask forgiveness for thy sin and for believing men and believing women. Allah knoweth (both) your place of turmoil and your place of rest.
Quran 47:19 (Pickthall) · context
Reason 4: Muhammad, as Islam's own sources record him
Reason 42 / 5
Sahih al-Bukhari 5133 reports that Aisha was married to the Prophet at six and the marriage was consummated when she was nine. Read it yourself at sunnah.com.
Reason 4: Muhammad, as Islam's own sources record him
Reason 43 / 5
50O Prophet! Lo! We have made lawful unto thee thy wives unto whom thou hast paid their dowries, and those whom thy right hand possesseth of those whom Allah hath given thee as spoils of war, and the daughters of thine uncle on the father's side and the daughters of thine aunts on the father's side, and the daughters of thine uncle on the mother's side and the daughters of thine aunts on the mother's side who emigrated with thee, and a believing woman if she give herself unto the Prophet and the Prophet desire to ask her in marriage - a privilege for thee only, not for the (rest of) believers - We are Aware of that which We enjoined upon them concerning their wives and those whom their right hands possess - that thou mayst be free from blame, for Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.
Quran 33:50 (Pickthall) · context
Reason 4: Muhammad, as Islam's own sources record him
Reason 44 / 5
Sahih al-Bukhari 6922 reports the command that whoever changes his religion is to be killed. It is the basis of the classical apostasy law.
Reason 4: Muhammad, as Islam's own sources record him
Reason 45 / 5
22who didn’t sin, “neither was deceit found in his mouth.” 23When he was cursed, he didn’t curse back. When he suffered, he didn’t threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously.
1 Peter 2:22-23 (WEB) · context
Reason 4: Muhammad, as Islam's own sources record him
Reason 51 / 5
50And they say: Why are not portents sent down upon him from his Lord? Say: Portents are with Allah only, and I am but a plain warner.
Quran 29:50 (Pickthall) · context
Reason 5: One witness, no signs, and a text that changed
Reason 52 / 5
106Nothing of our revelation (even a single verse) do we abrogate or cause be forgotten, but we bring (in place) one better or the like thereof. Knowest thou not that Allah is Able to do all things?
Quran 2:106 (Pickthall) · context
Reason 5: One witness, no signs, and a text that changed
Reason 53 / 5
Sahih al-Bukhari 4987: the caliph Uthman had one standard copy made and ordered every other Quran manuscript or page to be burnt.
Reason 5: One witness, no signs, and a text that changed
Reason 54 / 5
Sahih al-Bukhari 6829: Umar fears people will say they cannot find the verse of stoning in the Book of Allah, though, he says, it was revealed.
Reason 5: One witness, no signs, and a text that changed
Reason 55 / 5
6Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep.
1 Corinthians 15:6 (WEB) · context
Reason 5: One witness, no signs, and a text that changed