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Verse 81-89 of Sura 9, “Repentance,” excoriate Muslims who refused to accompany Muhammad on his expedition to Tabuk, where he had hoped to fight the Byzantines in the year 631. Some begged off because of the scorching heat in Arabia, making an expedition particularly trying – leading Allah to taunt them about the heat of hell, for “they hated to strive and fight,” that is, wage jihad (yujahidoo, يُجَاهِدُوا) “with their goods and their persons, in the cause of Allah” (v. 81). Ibn Kathir explains: “if they have any comprehension or understanding, they would have marched with the Messenger of Allah during the heat, so as to save themselves from the Fire of Jahannam [Hell], which is much more severe.”
Even if the Hypocrites were to change their minds and want to join Muhammad on a future expedition, they are forever barred from doing so (v. 83). Muhammad and the Muslims should not even pray for them when they die (v. 84). They will be punished in this world also (v. 85 – a repeat of v. 55). But Muhammad and the Muslims who do “strive and fight [jahadoo, جَاهَدُواْ] with their wealth and their persons” will enter the gardens of Paradise (vv. 88-89).
Verses 90-105 single out for the Bedouin Arabs for especial criticism for not going to Tabuk. Ibn Juzayy says that this in itself invalidated their claim to be Muslim: “They were the people who did not go on jihad nor ask excuses to stay behind them, so they lied when they claimed to believe.” This is not to say that no one can be excused from jihad: one may stay behind if he is “infirm, or ill,” or has “no resources to spend (on the cause)” (v. 91). Ibn Kathir explains the conditions: “Allah mentions here the valid excuses that permit one to stay away from fighting. He first mentions the excuses that remain with a person, the weakness in the body that disallows one from Jihad, such as blindness, limping, and so forth. He then mentions the excuses that are not permanent, such as an illness that would prevent one from fighting in the cause of Allah, or poverty that prevents preparing for Jihad. There is no sin in these cases if they remain behind, providing that when they remain behind, they do not spread malice or try to discourage Muslims from fighting, but all the while observing good behavior in this state.”
But the rich claim exemption (v. 93) and present excuses to Muhammad, who is not to accept them (v. 94), for these people are unclean (v. 95). The worst unbelievers and Hypocrites are the Bedouins (v. 97). Allah accused some of them of plotting against Muhammad, and warned that their plots would backfire (v. 98). However, some truly believe (v. 99). Allah may forgive those who repent of their wrongdoings, who have “mixed an act that was good with another that was evil” (v. 102). Ibn Juzayy explains that “this ayat was sent down about Abu Lubaba. His virtuous action was jihad and his bad action consisted of advising the Banu Qurayza” – that is, the Jewish tribe that broke their covenant with the Muslims and that Muhammad subsequently had massacred. Those who repent can seal their repentance by giving alms (vv. 103-104).
Verses 106-112 contrast false belief with the genuine article. On the way back from Tabuk, Muhammad received news about a mosque that a group of Muslims had built in opposition to his authority. Allah gave him a revelation making clear the malign intent of the builders, despite their protestations of good intentions (v. 107). Muhammad ordered his followers to burn the mosque to the ground. Ibn Kathir says that its builders had “made it an outpost for those who warred against Allah and His Messenger.”
V. 111, with its guarantee of Paradise to those who “kill and are killed” for Allah, has become in the modern age the rationale for suicide bombing. Ibn Kathir explains: “Allah states that He has compensated His believing servants for their lives and wealth — if they give them up in His cause — with Paradise.” Ibn Juzayy adds, significantly: “It is said that it was sent down about the Homage of ‘Aqaba [an early pledge of Muslims’ willingness to wage war for Islam], but its judgment is general to every believer doing jihad in the way of Allah until the Day of Rising.” So it has been understood. Abu Abdel Aziz, a modern-day jihadist who fought in Afghanistan and Bosnia, said in a 1994 interview: “I have found that the best sacrifice we can offer for the sake of Allah, is our souls, then our possession[s].” Then he quoted v. 111.
The Qur’an says that this promise of Paradise to those who kill and are killed for Allah is also in the Torah and Gospel, but it isn’t – which is in itself more evidence for pious Muslims that those documents have been tampered with.
Verses 113-129 emphasize that loyalty to Allah comes before everything, and Allah controls all. Muhammad and the Muslims should not pray for pagans, even relatives (v. 113, cf. v. 84). Abraham even dissociated himself from his father when he realized he was an “enemy of Allah” (v. 114). Allah will not mislead a people after he has guided them to the truth (v. 115) – Ibn Juzayy explains: “This ayat was sent down about some Muslims who asked forgiveness for the idolaters without permission and then they feared for themselves on that account and so the ayat was sent down to console them, i.e. Allah would not take you to task for that before it was clear to you that it was forbidden.” The “three who were left behind” who are forgiven in v. 118 were three Muslims who, according to Ibn Juzayy, “stayed behind the Tabuk expedition without excuse and without hypocrisy nor intention to stay behind.” The believers must “Fear Allah and be with those who are true,” which means, according to as-Suyuti, “to be truthful in everything and in every situation.” However, Muhammad allowed for lying “in battle, for bringing reconciliation amongst persons and the narration of the words of the husband to his wife, and the narration of the words of a wife to her husband (in a twisted form in order to bring reconciliation between them).”
The people of Medina and the Bedouins should not have hesitated to follow Muhammad, because anything they suffered in that adventure would have been credited to them as a deed of righteousness. Nothing that infuriates the unbelievers will go unrewarded (v. 120). However, all the Muslims need not go forth to wage jihad warfare (v. 122). Ibn Abbas says, “it is not necessary for all the Muslims to go on raids.” This is a foundation for the Islamic legal principle that jihad is fard kifaya — that is, a community obligation from which some are freed if others take it up. Jihad becomes fard ayn, or obligatory on every believer, when a Muslim land is attacked. In general, Muslims must fight against the unbelievers, and be harsh toward them (v. 123).
The suras of the Qur’an increase the Muslims’ faith (v. 124), but only add to the doubts of the disbelievers (vv. 125-127).
Next week: Sura 10, “Jonah”: how Allah destroyed previous generations of unbelievers.
(Here you can find links to all the earlier "Blogging the Qur'an" segments. Here is a good Arabic Qur’an, with English translations available; here are two popular Muslim translations, those of Abdullah Yusuf Ali and Mohammed Marmaduke Pickthall, along with a third by M. H. Shakir. Here is another popular translation, that of Muhammad Asad. And here is an omnibus of ten Qur’an translations.)
Posted by Robert at January 2, 2008 8:33 AM
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"The Qur’an says that this promise of Paradise to those who kill and are killed for Allah is also in the Torah and Gospel..."
I thought it was only appeasers, liberals, Democrats, and Islamophobe-haters (islamophobophobes?) who said this. It irritates me every time I hear the magic words (But Christians are woooorrrse...)
Where does it say that? I do not doubt the assertion. I just want to be better armed in future discussions with people who believe the above. I'm thinking this might be an angle that could change hearts and minds, if this false notion could be dispelled. I'm sure you well know how notoriously stubborn Islamophobophobes can be.
Posted by: Goob![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jihadwatch.org/nav-commenters.gif)
at January 2, 2008 9:21 AM
Goob,
It's right in 9:111. Here is the whole verse:
Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur'an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: that is the achievement supreme.
Cordially
Robert Spencer
at January 2, 2008 9:29 AM
"Allah hath purchased . . ."
Assuming Allah is the supreme being, who the hell did he make such a purchase from?
at January 2, 2008 9:31 AM
Robert, I'm sorry, I should have been more clear, and in afterthought maybe it won't make any difference with our stubborn friends. But what I meant to request was where the Qur'an says the same promise is in the Torah and the Gospel.
Thank you.
Posted by: Goob at January 2, 2008 9:51 AM
I was taught Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is true worship.
Also, as to eg's comment above, Romans 11:35 and Job 41:11 tell us that "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?" and "Who has a claim against me (God) that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me."
Additional evidence that God is not allah.
Posted by: eve_anne_gelical at January 2, 2008 9:56 AM
Goob,
Really, it's right there, in the verse I quoted. Honest. The word translated "Law" in the one I gave you is "Torah." But anyway, it's in 9:111.
Cordially
Robert Spencer
at January 2, 2008 9:58 AM
Eg,
You ask:
"Allah hath purchased . . ."
Assuming Allah is the supreme being, who the hell did he make such a purchase from?
According to the Islamic commentaries, Allah has purchased the persons and goods of the believers from the believers themselves.
Cordially
Robert Spencer
at January 2, 2008 10:02 AM
"...a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel,"
Yeah, right. Mohammed rivals satan in his lies.
Posted by: darcy at January 2, 2008 10:45 AM
Robert: You're right. My sincerest apologies for cluttering the comments with my brain-deadness and comprehension problems. Yep, it's all right there, in that one verse, everything we ought to need. 9:111, what a coincidence. (9/11/01?)
Thanks for your patience...
Posted by: Goob at January 2, 2008 10:52 AM
Mr. Spenser -
I could not help but notice that in Sura 9, verses 106-111, Mohammed destroys a mosque built without his authorization.
Contrast this with Jesus saying "In my father's house there are many mansions". Jesus is responding to the news that two people the disciples (and, I would presume, Jesus himself) do not know are preaching in Jesus' name.
Can these verses (106-111) explain the antipathy that various Moslem sects have towards each other?
Posted by: tanstaafl at January 2, 2008 11:17 AM
Mr. Spencer
Thank you for the response.
Curious phrasing, "purchased of" - implying a third party - as opposed to "purchased from".
In exasperation, I was questioning the arrogance of their 'Allah', the supposed supreme creator of all - stooping to purchase anything, let alone that which was never offered for sale. Surprised to see allah didn't follow the example of his bestest prophet and simply claim it as 'booty' .
Posted by: eg at January 2, 2008 11:26 AM
Is it significant that this chapter is about events occurring in 631, and that the battle referenced is against the Byzantines? After all, Mohammad died only a year later in 632, placing it at the end of his career. Doesn't that put the reference in 9:123 to 'unbelievers' as meaning the Byzantines, or what would have to have been the Christian 'empire' at the time?
Besides that, a chapter originating at the end of his career could scarcely be cancelled or abrogated by a more peaceful one from the early days...
at January 2, 2008 11:57 AM
I'm always struck by the power of the language Mohammed (or the other authors) use to to emphasize the nature of the contract. And I do realize Muslims say the Quran is the unrecreated word of Allah. That's silly of course.
"the achievement supreme" - killing and dying for Allah
There's simply nothing like it in the Bible. And it's not as if 9.111 is even the most blood-curdling ayat of Sura Nine.
Posted by: Beagle at January 2, 2008 12:09 PM
Also, as to eg's comment above, Romans 11:35 and Job 41:11 tell us that "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?" and "Who has a claim against me (God) that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me."
Additional evidence that God is not allah.
Posted by: eve_anne_gelical
"Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?"
That sounds suspiciously close to the laws of karma.
'As you give, so shall you receive', or something like that. So if this holds true, what is received
by the individual, religion, or even Nation, who's giving is hate, murder, torture, falsehood, slavery and robbery?
Loot. They receive loot. Islam is the most grossly materialistic entity in existence. But divine providence has provided, that their loot/desire for it, will eventually destroy them. It always does...And one might wonder why Allah needs wealth and goods. I am also suspicious that it might have been Mohammad who needed persons, wealth, and goods, not so much Allah. But Allah liked Mohammad, a lot, so Mohammad got whatever he wanted. Mohammad is a study in dubious uses of illegitimate power. And in the end he got his reward from Allah, buried in a hole in the ground, No trumpets, no golden chariot, Allah and Gabriel could not even get it together to help him out, or say good-bye. Fair weather gods, both of them.
Things get a little tough and they punk out.
Your right Allah is not god...
at January 2, 2008 12:50 PM
Greetings to you all.
Kids and puppets say the darnedest things:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wskT6YfVB6E
Jeff Dunham - Achmed's "Jingle Bombs"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uwOL4rB-go&NR=1
Jeff Dunham - Achmed the Dead Terrorist
Good stuff on the video segments and fun to watch. The War of Ideologies has a comedic component that is coming into its own. Make fun of the bastards every chance you get. Nice. Sexytime.
Posted by: A_Plague_on_Both_Houses at January 2, 2008 1:47 PM
One of my favorite sayings of Jesus is in the Amplified Version of John 10;10--"The thief comes ONLY (mine) in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflowes).
Since the 'thief' is the Devil (or, at least, his works) and that is what the Allah-ians do best, doesnt it then follow that the lie of Allahs 'promised Paradise' is in fact a heated up Hell?
I prefer the overflowing abundant life of my 'Guide Inside'.
Posted by: guide inside at January 2, 2008 1:56 PM
Please, to forgive,---overflows not overflowes.
Posted by: guide inside at January 2, 2008 2:02 PM
Here again we see proof positive that Islam teaches FIRST DEGREE MURDER and institutionalizes it under the guise of its being a type of heavenly mandate.
This is EXACTLY the material that the all-encompassing human sacrifice cults like the Aztec, Mayan, and Mesopotamian worlds were made of and built on.
Islam's origins are from the human sacrifice sects of Mesopotamia, there's no two ways about it.
Thus we can plainly observe that Islam is about as "abrahamic" as the man in the moon (which Islam actually DOES worship--'Baal' was the Mesopotamian "moon-god").
The real mystery that remains unsolved to date is why in the real God's name DO western democracies permit this human sacrifice institution to legally continue to wreak havoc in their societies (while claiming it is a 'religion' which they NOW know it is not)?
Posted by: pythagoras at January 2, 2008 2:49 PM
"“Allah has purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs in return is the garden of Paradise: they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain”
...Let me make you an offer you cannot refuse!....
Posted by: exsgtbrown at January 2, 2008 2:56 PM
This has to be one of the worst returns on investment of all time.
Posted by: Stinkyinfidel at January 2, 2008 3:01 PM
re "Muhammad . . . expedition to Tabuk, where he had hoped to fight the Byzantines in the year 631."
" . . . Two years before Muhammad's death of a fever, he launches the Tabuk Crusades, in which he led 30,000 jihadists against the Byzantine Christians. He had heard a report that a huge army had amassed to attack Arabia, but the report turned out to be a false rumor. The Byzantine army never materialized. He turned around and went home, but not before extracting 'agreements' from northern tribes. They could enjoy the 'privilege' of living under Islamic 'protection' (read: not be attacked by Islam), if they paid a tax (jizya)."
http://www.americanthinker.com/2005/11/the_truth_about_islamic_crusad.html
Had the rumor that the Byzantines had amassed a huge army to attack Arabia been true, and had the attack on Mohammed and his jihadists been successful, it would have saved the world a lot of grief.
at January 3, 2008 2:32 AM
I hope Allah kept a receipt. No receipt, no refund/credit
Posted by: Kevin at January 3, 2008 3:05 AM
How can anyone read this and think islam doesn't approve of killing? It doesn't mention innocent or any other qualifiers.
at January 3, 2008 3:06 PM
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