(January 24, 2017 at 2:57 pm)Simon Moon Wrote: Okay, I have a serious question.
The following passages from the Quran, should they be taken literally?
“I shall cast terror into the hearts of the infidels. Strike off their heads, strike off the very tips of their fingers.” Quran 8:12
“Let not the unbelievers think they will ever get away. They have not the power so to do. Muster against them all the men and cavalry at your command, so that you may strike terror into the enemy of Allah and your enemy…” Quran 8:59-60
“When the sacred months are over slay the idolaters wherever you find them. Arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them.” Quran 9:5
“Prophet, make war on the unbelievers and the hypocrites and deal rigorously with them. Hell shall be their home: an evil fate.” Quran 9:73
1. Lets start with the first verse you mentioned (Quran 8:12)
You have to read the verse together with the ones before and after (8:9-8:19). When reading those verses you can see that those verses were a battle (battle of Badr). A battle where the pagans of Mecca travelled to Medina to kill muslims. With this verse it's meant that he (God) will help in the war against them and protect them.
2. Verse 8:59-60
These verses are also verses of battle. They say that muslims may fight their enemies. YOU cut out the most important part though, the verse following those two verses, verse 8:61. 8:61 states that you should battle your enemies but if they offer you peace, you have to accept.
3. Verse 9:5
Again. You're just picking specific verses without reading the previous ones or the following ones. This verse relates to the treaty with the Pagan Arabs that they broke. He commands the people to kill those because they broke the treaty. However the following verses state that if they repent, you should let them go and even give them Zakah.
4. Verse 9:73
This verse is part of the Tabuk expedition which prophet Muhammed and his companions took part in. He head that the Roman Empire was preparing to attack the Muslims in Arabia. Prophet Muhammed prepared the muslims to fight back against the enemies.
Hope this helps you understand those passages more clearly
Btw, if you want to understand a verse, first search that verse up and read the previous verses and the verses following.