War, Jihad, and Killing of Infidels in the Quran

Allegation: The Quran contains many verses on war, jihad, and killing infidels. Therefore, Islam is a violent religion, which is the opposite of peace.

This accusation is heard most often today, especially in the Western media or in the writings of Islamophobic thinkers. They say, “Islam has created terrorism, Muslims become violent everywhere, because their religion teaches violence.” They say, “There are many verses in the Quran that say, ‘Kill the infidels’, ‘Fight them’, ‘Cut their throats’, etc.” This accusation, on the one hand, is extremely misleading, and on the other hand, it is also a manifestation of deep ignorance about Islam.

Let us have a full discussion about the reality behind this accusation, the proper interpretation of the verses of the Quran related to war, and the war policy of Islam, so that it is understood that Islam is by no means a violent religion, but rather it is the founder of peace.

First, it is important to understand that Islam is a complete way of life. It is not just a religion of prayer, fasting, or worship; Rather, it provides guidance in every aspect of personal, social, political and military life. Now, when a religion takes on the responsibility of governing a society, it also has to formulate policies for security and self-defense. And that is why the Quran has provided for war, but it never commands aggression or the killing of innocent people.

War in Islam is permitted for defensive reasons, never offensive reasons. The Quran clearly states:

“Fight those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.”

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:190)

This verse is the fundamental basis for determining the war policy of Islam. It states that Muslims can only resist the enemy when they fight against them. Even during war, transgression is prohibited.

If someone says, “Doesn’t the Quran say, ‘Kill the disbelievers wherever you find them’ (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:5)?” then he should read the entire verse in its context. This verse was revealed at a time when the polytheists of Mecca were repeatedly breaking their peace treaty with the Muslims of Medina. They were treacherously attacking the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his companions, killing innocent Muslims. Then the order to wage war against them came. The verse was for specific enemies in a specific war situation, who were treaty breakers and instigators of war. The verse begins:

“And when the sacred month has passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them, and take them captive, and besiege them, and lie in wait for them in ambush…”

(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:5)

But the very next verse says:

“But if they repent and establish prayer and pay the poor-due, then leave them alone. Indeed, Allah loves the righteous.”

(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:6)

That is, the purpose of war is not to kill anyone, but to repel unjust aggression. Even if the enemy stops the aggression and comes to peace, Muslims are commanded to leave him alone.

The Quran also says:

“And if the enemy inclines to peace, then incline to peace and put your trust in Allah.”

(Surah Anfal, 8:61)

These verses prove that Islam is not a religion of war or violence; rather, it views war as a very undesirable and last resort.

Now let us come to the reality of the life of the Prophet ﷺ. During his 23-year prophethood, there were only 27 military campaigns, most of which were non-combat or defensive. In the famous battles of Badr, Uhud or the Battle of the Trench, the Muslims were never the first to attack. Rather, they took up arms to defend themselves every time.

The Prophet ﷺ himself was forced to fight when he and his followers were expelled from Mecca and took refuge in Medina, but the enemies did not remain quiet. However, during the conquest of Mecca, when he was in full power, he forgave all his enemies and said:

“Today there is no blame on you, you are free.”

(Ibn Hisham)

Such an example is rare even among today’s statesmen. This proves that the Prophet ﷺ fought only to establish justice and restore peace, never for revenge or conquest.

Therefore, if the verses of the Quran regarding war are not read in isolation, but rather in the context, reasons, circumstances, and subsequent verses, it is understood that Islam is essentially a religion of peace. Even the word ‘Islam’ comes from ‘Salam’, which means peace, security, an environment free from violence.

Islam does not support terrorism, but encourages taking necessary measures for the peace, justice, and security of humanity. War is never the core ideology of Islam; rather, it is acceptable only when there is no other way open to protect the oppressed, persecuted, and helpless people.

This is why the Quran says:

“Whoever kills an innocent person, it is as if he has killed all of humanity.”

(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:32)

This verse is the ultimate message of Islam: the purpose of religion is to preserve life. Therefore, to call Islam a religion of violence is to distort its spirit and history. A fair analyst, a heart that loves justice, will never participate in this lie.