Does Islam teach hatred and violence?

Islam is often painted as being a religion of hatred and unrestricted violence. Some politicians at the highest levels of government use fear as a means to mobilize their base and claim that Islam hates us.  Islam is not a person and therefore cannot hate. Furthermore, it is unclear who “us” is since Muslims are Americans as well.  Such people are guided by preconceived notions that have little to do with reality. Instead of accepting sweeping generalizations of a religion that spans 57 countries with a total population of 1.57 billion people worldwide, it is advisable to examine the Qurʾān and see what it teaches in this regard. Does Islam actually teaches Muslims to hate and commit violence against non-Muslims?

Islam & Violence

Violence has always been a part of human history. There has never been a period of time when no acts of violence took place, be it individual scuffles or all out wars. As humans, violence is part of our existence and can sometimes be necessary and essential. For most, the term “violence” carries a negative connotation and rightfully so. However, there is legitimate and illegitimate violence. There is violence that we praise and congratulate and there is violence that we condemn and abhor. The former is necessary for our survival and the establishment of a rule of law. For instance, we must resort to violence to subdue a robber or criminal. It is not reasonable that the response to an escaping kidnapper be anything other than pursuing them and rescuing the child. This will often require an act of legitimate violence. The kidnapper also uses violence, but the illegitimate type.

Islam as a religion is grounded in reality and allows legitimate force in particular contexts. The Qurʾān and teachings of the Prophet, peace be upon him, provide guidelines and restrictions on the use of force. These instructions are often cherry picked out of context to demonstrate Islam’s alleged coercive nature. However, even an honest cursory examination of the Qurʾān and the life of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, will enable us to conclude that Muslims are not permitted to fight others based on belonging to another faith.

The Prophet, peace be upon him, had non-Muslim neighbors and family members who he loved, cared for, and had strong bonds and relationships with. If Islam taught Muslims to kill and hate all non-Muslims simply because of their faith, then he should have been the first to do so. However, this was not the case. The Qurʾān clarifies the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims as being one that is based on love and compassion. The Qurʾān states Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity. (Qurʾān 60: 8).

This verse makes it clear that the basis for fighting is not religion, but defense against those who attack Muslims for simply being Muslims. Although Islam allows Muslims to fight those who attack them, it requires Muslims to be fair and just even with their enemies.

Does Islam teach Muslims to hate non-Muslims?

The Qurʾān highlights the special place of Christians and Jews by constantly referring to them as “People of the Book.” There are many verses in the Qurʾān that highlight the close relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims. And you will certainly find those who say, ‘We are Christians,’ to be the nearest of them in love to the believers. That is because amongst them are savants and monks and because they are not arrogant (Qurʾān 5:83). Additionally, the Qurʾān even prohibits Muslims from insulting the god’s or idols that are worshiped by other religions. And do not insult those whom they call upon besides Allah (Qurʾān 6:108).

Furthermore, the Qurʾān allows Muslims to eat the food of Jews and Christians and permits inter-religious marriages. The Qurʾān states The food of those who have received the Scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. And so are the virtuous women of the believers and the virtuous women of those who received the Scripture before you (Qurʾān 5:5). Contrary to popular misperceptions, the Qurʾān notes that Muslims can break bread with people of other faiths. This is intended to foster a friendly and loving relationship across faiths.

The latter part of the verse is even more compelling, the Qurʾān notes that Muslims can marry women who are Jewish or Christian. Marriage involves love, not only toward the non-Muslim spouse, but to her family, parents, and siblings. It is illogical that the Qurʾān would call on Muslims to kill or hate all non-Muslims and simultaneously allow them to marry and break bread with them. In other words, the Qurʾānic instructions about love/hate and violence/peace between Muslims and non-Muslims is not based on the faith of the other person, but whether or not they violently attack Muslims or commit oppression.

The Qurʾān is a practical book which allows those who are oppressed to fight against injustice. At the same time, it does not allow Muslims to respond to injustice with injustice. In other words, the Qurʾān demands that Muslims be just even with those who hate and fight them. O you who believe, be persistently standing firm for Allah witnesses for justice and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do (Qurʾān 5: 8).

Conclusion

There are certainly verses in the Qurʾān that permit force, but they are often cherry picked without providing the above context. The logical conclusion one arrives at when reading these verses is that Islam teaches and encourages Muslims to love all people including those of different faiths. In essence, the Qurʾān does not teach Muslims to fight non-Muslims, but to fight religious intolerance.

The Qurʾān notes that if people do not stand up to religious intolerance, then this will lead to the destruction of all places of worship. There are those who have been evicted from their homes without right, only because they say, “Our Lord is Allah.” And were it not that Allah driven back people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of God is much mentioned. And God will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might (Qurʾān 22:40).

The above verse makes it clear that the Qurʾān’s permitting of violence is not against people of different faiths, but for the protection of religious freedom for all faiths. If this right of religious freedom is not protected for one religion, then it will lead to the persecution of other religions.

Again, Islam is the dominant religion in 57 countries and the largest minority religion in numerous more. Muslims have lived in peace and harmony with their non-Muslim neighbors throughout the centuries. Muslims overwhelmingly reject ISIS or any group that calls for violence against civilians and non-combatants. The Qurʾān clearly declares, If anyone kills one innocent person, it is as if he killed all of humanity. And if anyone saves one person, it is as if he saved all of humanity (Qurʾān 5:32). In 2014, leading Muslim theologians from across the Muslim world issued a Fatwa (religious edict) condemning and denouncing ISIS. Such abhorrent groups belong to no religion and Muslims should not be defined by the actions of the worst segments of society that claim to be Muslim. The victims of ISIS are overwhelmingly Muslims and they are not reflective of Muslim society no more so than the KKK is reflective of all Christians. Gross generalizations lead to violence against innocent people who are patriotic American Muslims. Hate and intolerance is rejected by all faith traditions and is antithetical to the norms and values of any civilized society.