It’s important to interpret any book or scripture within its context, as a lack of context can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations. This applies to all books and scriptures without exception.
Some people believe that the Quran instructs Muslims to harm Hindus, leading to the perception that Muslims are a threat to Hindus. Let’s explore this further.
Firstly, the term “Hindu” does not appear in the Quran at all. Instead, the references people often cite pertain to verses about dealing with disbelievers.
Text and Context
Understanding the context is essential when interpreting any book or scripture. Without context, texts can be easily misunderstood or misinterpreted, and no book or scripture is exempt from this. Let’s look at some examples.
Bhagvad Gita
Shri Krishna says in Gita:
The material body of the indestructible, immeasurable and eternal living entity is sure to come to an end; therefore, fight, O descendant of Bharata.
Bhagavad Gita 2:18
O son of Kunti, either you will be killed on the battlefield and attain the heavenly planets, or you will conquer and enjoy the earthly kingdom. Therefore, get up with determination and fight.
Bhagavad Gita 2:37
Atharva Veda
“Vrishch Pra Vrishch Sam Vrishch Daha Pradaha Sam Daha.” – Translation:
Oh! Ved Vanni, you cut down the person who criticizes [against] Vedas (i.e., those who are against the Vedas.) tear apart, rip apart, burn and set on fire to reduce to ashes.
Atharvaveda mantra 12/5/62
What could be the consequences of interpreting the above shlokas without considering their context?
Quoting the above shlokas without their context might lead one to believe that the Bhagavad Gita and Atharva Veda advocate for violence and conflict. However, when read in context, it becomes clear that they address the battle between Dharma (righteousness) and Adharma (unrighteousness). Thus, understanding the context of these verses is crucial.
Understanding the Context of Quranic Verses
When you examine the verses of the Quran within their context, you’ll discover that the Quran does not advocate hatred or violence. Let’s explore some of the often ‘misquoted’ verses.
1. “Kill them wherever you encounter them”
This excerpt is from Chapter 2, Verse 191 of the Quran. If you look up this verse, you’ll see it’s only a small part of a larger passage. To grasp its full meaning, let’s read the entire verse along with the preceding and following verses for better context.
“Fight in God’s cause against those who fight you, but do not overstep the limits. God does not love those who overstep the limits.”
Quran Chapter 2: Verse 190
Kill them wherever you encounter them and drive them out from where they drove you out, for persecution is more serious than killing. Do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque unless they fight you there. If they do fight you, kill them– this is what such disbelievers deserve.
Quran Chapter 2: Verse 191
but if they stop, then God is most forgiving and merciful.
Quran Chapter 2: Verse 192
Fight them until there is no more persecution, and worship is devoted to God. If they cease hostilities, there can be no [further] hostility, except towards aggressors.
Quran Chapter 2: Verse 193
A straightforward reading of these verses clearly indicates that fighting was instructed ONLY against those who actively engaged in conflict with Muslims and persecuted them.
2. “When the [four] forbidden months are over, wherever you encounter the idolaters, kill them, seize them, besiege them, wait for them at every lookout post.”
This excerpt is from Chapter 9, Verse 5 of the Quran. To fully understand its meaning, let’s examine the entire verse along with the one that follows it.
When the [four] forbidden months are over, wherever you encounter the idolaters, kill them, seize them, besiege them, wait for them at every lookout post but if they turn [to God], maintain the prayer, and pay the prescribed alms, let them go on their way, for God is most forgiving and merciful.
Quran Chapter 9 Verse 5
If any one of the idolaters should seek your protection, grant it to him so that he may hear the word of God, then take him to a place safe for him, for they are people with no knowledge [of it].
Quran Chapter 9 Verse 6
By reading both verses together (Verses 5 and 6), it becomes evident that if the idolaters seek peace, Muslims are instructed to provide protection and escort them to a place of safety.
Quran encourages peace
The Quran explicitly instructs Muslims to choose peace if the enemy extends an offer of peace. God states in the Quran:
“If the enemy is inclined towards peace, make peace with them. And put your trust in God. Indeed, He ˹alone˺ is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”
Quran Chapter 8: Verse 61
How should a Muslim treat non-Muslims?
God says in the Quran:
“God does not forbid you from dealing kindly and justly with those who have neither fought nor driven you out of your homes. Surely God loves those who are just.”
Quran Chapter 60: Verse 8.
In the verse, the Arabic word for “kindly” is “Tabarru,” which is derived from the root word “Birr.” “Birr” signifies the highest form of kindness and righteousness. For instance, it’s associated with “kindness and righteousness towards parents” (Birrul Walidain). Prophet Muhammad himself used the term “Birrul Walidain” when discussing righteousness toward parents.
God selected the word “Tabarru” to instruct all Muslims to extend the same level of kindness and righteousness to their non-Muslim brothers and sisters as they would to their own parents.
Dear reader, can you now genuinely claim that the Quran urges Muslims to hate and kill Hindus?
Prophet Muhammad said:
You can never be (true) believers until you show mercy to one another.” The Companions of the Prophet said, “We all show mercy”. The Prophet replied, “It is not the compassion that any one of you shows to his friend. It is the compassion and mercy that you show to all the people.
Source: Collection of Prophet’s sayings by At-Tirmidhi
The Quran and the sayings of the Prophet should be enough to help anyone understand that Muslims are commanded to be merciful, kind, and just towards non-Muslims.
Why don’t you check for yourself?
Dear reader, translations of the Quran are readily accessible both online and offline. Whenever you encounter negative claims about the Quran, seek out the “misquoted” verse and read the surrounding verses to understand the context.
Explore it for yourself!
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