Answering Rachel - Part 3
Clash of Civilisations?
“Contrary to the claims of some, the Quran views Muslims as being superior to everyone else and contains negative sayings about people who follow other religions”.
Rachel asserts the above, and provides a number of verses completely out of context as evidence to support the assertion.
The Quran certainly extols the virtues of Believers, but it does not state that Muslims are superior to others. There is definitely no concept of the “chosen people” in Islam – one is saved by ones deeds and purity of heart, not by ones race or religion.
A Muslim is someone who outwardly accepts Islam – legally they are accepted to be within the fold of Islam. But that does not make them better than others. It is the heart that makes an individual good. And the fruits of the heart are actions.
“You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in God” [Q3:110]
The merits of Muslims depend on their actions – enjoining good and forbidding evil. It is not an automatic right of superiority – indeed Muslims are instructed to be humble – and that is how you will know a real Muslim: by their humility.
“The servants of the Most Compassionate are they who walk upon the earth with humility, and when the foolish ones address them, they reply, Peace!” Q25:63
As for your assertion, Rachel, that Jews and Christians are referred to as “vile” in the Quran, you have misread – or more probably Spencer has been “creative” with the facts.
This is what the Quran says about people who pray (and it is referring to Muslims): Have you seen the one who belies his religion; it is he who repels the orphan… Woe to those who pray, but gain no benefit from their prayer; who put on a show of piety and refuse to extend the smallest kindness. Q107
The Quran does not just say “nice things” in one place and “vile” things in another as you imply. And the “vile” things did not abrogate the “nice” things as you assert.
The Quran is very clear and very consistent. They are “vile” whose actions do not match the high moral principles they espouse, whether they claim to be Jew, Christian or Muslim.
“Those who believe, and those who are Jews, and Christians, and Sabaeans - whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does good - surely their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve” Q2:62
As for religious tolerance, what could be more tolerant than this: to you your religion, and to me my religion. Q109:6 or “Let there is no compulsion in religion” Q2:256
Muslims are commanded not to take non-Muslims as friends?
Q3:28 says: “Let not believers take non-believers as allies in preference to believers”
You have rendered “allies” into “friends” which gives entirely the wrong impression, which was Spencer’s intention.
Why would the Quran expect Muslims to form alliances with non-Muslims against Muslims? Does that make any sense?
You complain about Q2:190: “fight in the way of God against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. God does not love the aggressor”.
Don’t start a fight, but defend yourself from aggression – why is this a problem?
And a list of other verses which basically say: God does not love the sinners.
Now, I know that the Christian Bible is supposed to say: God loves the sinner – but does it, really?
When Jesus (peace be upon him) upturned the tables of the money-changers in the temple, was that love he displayed?
When God was about to destroy the Israelites that worshipped the Golden Calf – was that love?
When Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, was that God’s way of showing love?
When Korah and his followers were swallowed up by the earth?
You seem to be offended that God does not love the sinful in the Quran. You seem to have assumed that this refers only to sinners who are not Muslim – suggesting that God loves the sinning Muslim:
“O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? It is most hateful in the sight of God that you don’t practice what you preach”. Q61:2
Rachel, your prejudice against Islam compels you to invent things that the Quran does not say.
The Quran will only reveal itself to you if you come to it with an open mind; without pre-conceived notions of hate or lofty expectations. Just read the Quran objectively and with impartiality.