Reply #61: A person's religion is a reflection of the socialized beliefs

[Az]

The doctrine may often vary from what a particular sect believes in. They may find ways to justify their beliefs within the doctrine. As the works behind religions are often lengthy you can effectively find what you want in them.

Recognition of this is vital. The spirit and intent of a religion is known by its people. Not its doctrine. Christians are a perfect example of this. From the doctrine of the bible great benevelance and great horror have spread. You can find support for both in the bible if you seek it. Likewise you can find both in the Koran if you seek it.

Here is a set of passages from the second chapter (the Cow) that demonstrate this problem of interpretation.

190 Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors.

191 And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution is worse than slaughter. And fight not with them at the Inviolable Place of Worship until they first attack you there, but if they attack you (there) then slay them. Such is the reward of disbelievers.

192 But if they desist, then lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

193 And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah. But if they desist, then let there be no hostility except against wrong-doers.

While the bulk of the of the verses seem to council understanding and compassion there is the problematic clause "And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah." Some might interpret this as a call to keep on the enemy until they accept Allah.

There are frequent references to destroying unbelievers in the Koran. But they are typically tempered with offering peace if they do. Interpretation becomes a matter of what is set before them. If a stronger dominant culture presses itself upon them they may well see it as a nonaccepting assault on Islam and will rush to its defense with terrible violence as their means.