Does Islam Preach That Infidels Be Killed?

Question

I am a typical American who does not know anyone who happens to follow Islam. I, like many others, hear and read many ideas - with no way to know what is truth and what is myth.

I have thought about just walking in to a Mosque – but, I have to admit I do feel more than a bit intimidated.

So, I thought I would ask my questions here.

After 9/11 it has been said in many articles that the Koran/Islam does promote the idea that infidels (people who do not accept Allah) should be killed. Is this true? The latest article I read (it came over the Internet) tells the following story which I copied and pasted below. While I don't know if the story is true, are the details accurate?

"Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their belief systems.

I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers.

When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: "Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?"

There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he replied, "Non-believers!"

I responded, "So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?"

The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, "Yes."

I then stated, "Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr.Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to Heaven!"

The Imam was speechless.

I continued, "I also have problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question. Would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to Heaven and He wants you to be with me?"

You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame.

Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the 'Diversification' training seminar were not happy with Rick's way of dealing with the Islamic Imam and exposing the truth about the Muslim's beliefs."

In America, where the ideal citizen is the one who accepts and/or promotes tolerance, diversity and freedom of thought, is it accurate to say that Islam does not promote these values?

If these thoughts are misguided, could you please set me straight? Thank you for your time. Here is the story that came in e-mail (Is it correct or should I be outraged that someone has defamed your religion?)

Response

I commend the effort that you have undertaken in order to find the real story. However I think to understand what exactly Islam is, you should try to study Quran yourself. The reason is the fact that what Muslims exhibit does not necessarily elaborate what Islam preaches. I can also understand the fear of walking into a mosque. I just hope that this world becomes a better place for all.

You wrote:

After 9/11 it has been said in many articles that the Koran/Islam does promote the idea that infidels (people who do not accept Allah) should be killed. Is this true?

I am of the opinion that this is a misunderstood interpretation amongst Muslims and non-Muslims alike. For instance, the other parts of Quran, which talk about religious freedom and honoring lives of other souls are completely ignored both by Muslims and non-Muslims when understanding Quranic teachings on the subject matter.

You quoted,

"Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven."

It is unfortunate that the actions of Muslims have often been thought of as what Islam itself is. What a group of Muslims does is not what Islam necessarily preaches. Islam should be understood by the doctrines it preaches, which are contained in Quran.

Islam is against killing of a single soul without justice; it completely detests killing innocent people whether they be Muslims or otherwise. Quran has addressed this thus,

... مَن قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍ فِي الأَرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا وَمَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا ...

... whoever slays a soul, unless it be for murder or for mischief in the land, it is as though he slew entire mankind; and whoever keeps it alive, it is as though he kept entire mankind alive; ... (Quran 5:32)

With respect to infidels, my belief is that this word is a synonym for the word 'Kaafir' in Quran with respect to the question under discussion. If that is the case, it needs to be said that non-believers who live in the age of messengers of God are a different class and category than non-believers otherwise. It is for this reason that in the history of mankind, whenever a messenger of God came to a nation, he proved his messenger ship clearly and plainly to his nation so much so that they had no confusion about him being a bearer of truth. As a result, those people who, after having known the truth, still denied the messenger were passed on a judgment in this world by the Almighty. In case of polytheists, this judgment was in form of their annihilation, for example the great flood on Noah (pbuh)'s nation when those who rejected his message were drowned. A similar fate was decided by the Almighty on the people of Lot (pbuh), Abraham (pbuh), Salih (pbuh) and other messengers.

It needs to be understood in this context that at the end of the mission of Muhammad (pbuh) when God, in his absolute Knowledge, knew that those who were rejecting faith were not rejecting because they had any confusion with regards to it, rather they were rejecting out of mere arrogance and pride, He commanded Muslims to slay down those 'infidels' from amongst the polytheists. The Jews and Christians, on the other hand, because they belonged to monotheistic faith, were to be fought against until they became politically subservient to Muslims. This was done after providing both the idolaters and the people of the Book (Jews and Christians) sufficient time to understand whether Muhammad (pbuh) was a real messenger of God and the message he brought forward was actually the message from God.

This is God's law specific to messengers as I have explained above. Since a messenger of God is not living with us anymore, and we do not know that which is in the hearts of people, we cannot call them 'infidels' and commit such acts. In a time such as today, every soul must continue to strive to find the truth and live by it.

You asked,

In America, where the ideal citizen is the one who accepts and/or promotes tolerance, diversity and freedom of thought, is it accurate to say that Islam does not promote these values?

I hope I have already clarified the issue. There is no doubt that Islam only supports peace and tolerance, and does not oppose freedom of thought.