How do Muslims defend the 'kill all infidels' quote in the Koran?

Answer 1

The verse you are referring to, Chapter 9 Verse 5, is probably the most misquoted verse from the Qur'an. Firstly, here is the verse:

"And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful."

The italicized part is the part that is referenced by people when they say "Koran says kill the infidels."

When this verse is snipped out of context like it usually is, of course it will seem like it is a clear order to kill all pagans. To clarify one point, never in the Qur'an is the word infidel used. The words used are unbelievers, and in this case, polytheists, or pagans. It is necessary to look at the verses before and after this verse to understand the context of what God was saying.

The verse before, verse 4, says:

"Excepted are those with whom you made a treaty among the polytheists and then they have not been deficient toward you in anything or supported anyone against you; so complete for them their treaty until their term [has ended]. Indeed, Allah loves the righteous [who fear Him]."

And the verse after, verse 6, says:

"And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah. Then deliver him to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know."

As is seen, the historical context of these verses was when the small Muslim community at the time entered into many peace treaties with Jewish, Christian, and pagan tribes. Many of the pagan tribes had violated the treaty, and were secretly aiding an attack to exterminate the Muslim community. In verse 4, Allah commands the Muslims to commit to all treaties that have not been broken, and not to take your word back. These pagans who continued to fight against the Muslims during the treaty of peace had declared war on the Muslims, and in verse 5, God orders the Muslims to fight back against them. However, right after he says this, he says to leave any pagan alone if they decide to repent. And in verse 6, right after that, he says that if any pagan seeks protection and does not wish to fight, then grant him safety.

This verse isn't a verse commanding the Muslims to kill all infidels, but was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (S) to instruct him the proper way to fight against the pagans who waged war against him, and to leave alone those who don't want to fight.