Then do they not reflect upon the Qur'an?
if it had been from [any] other than Allah,
they would have found within it much contradiction. 
- Quran an-Nisa` 4:82

1. What is the purpose of Life? 
   
   [He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving  
   - Qur'an al-Mulk 67:2
   -
2. For what reason do we exist? 
   
   And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me. 
   - Qur'an adh-Dhariyat 51:56
   -
3. Who is God? 
   
   He is Allah , other than whom there is no deity, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed. He is the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. He is Allah , other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him. He is Allah , the Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names. Whatever is in the heavens and earth is exalting Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. 
   - Qur'an al-Hashr 59:22-24  
   -
4. Why would a Merciful God allow us to suffer? 
   
   Do the people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe' and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars. 
   - Qur'an al-`Ankabut 29:2-3
   -
5. Where is God during all this chaos and suffering we see ? 
   
   And never think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a Day when eyes will stare [in horror]. Racing ahead, their heads raised up, their glance does not come back to them, and their hearts are void. 
   - Qur'an Ibrahim 14:42-43 
   
   And if Allah were to impose blame on the people for their wrongdoing, He would not have left upon the earth any creature, but He defers them for a specified term. And when their term has come, they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it]. 
   - Qur'an an-Nahl 16:61
   -
6. If God really exists, then why did He allow such and such to happen to me? 
   
   Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned... 
   - Qur'an al-Baqarah 2:286
   
   For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease 
   - Qur'an al-Inshirah 94:5-6
   -
7. I keep asking God for such and such and yet God hasn't answered me. 
   
   ...perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not. 
   - Qur'an al-Baqarah 2:216
   
   And man supplicates for evil as he supplicates for good, and man is ever hasty. 
   - Qur'an al-Isra` 17:11
   -
8. If God exists, then why doesn't He just appear or speak to us? 
   
   Those who do not know say, "Why does Allah not speak to us or there come to us a sign?" Thus spoke those before them like their words. Their hearts resemble each other. We have shown clearly the signs to a people who are certain [in faith]. 
   - Qur'an al-Baqarah 2:118 
   
   Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the [great] ships which sail through the sea with that which benefits people, and what Allah has sent down from the heavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every [kind of] moving creature, and [His] directing of the winds and the clouds controlled between the heaven and the earth are signs for a people who use reason. 
   - Qur'an al-Baqarah 2:164
   -
9. What is the soul? and what happens to us when we die? 
   
   And they ask you, [O Muhammad], about the soul. Say, "The soul is of the affair of my Lord. And mankind have not been given of knowledge except a little." 
   - Qur'an al-Isra` 17:85 
   
   Say, "The angel of death will take you who has been entrusted with you. Then to your Lord you will be returned." 
   - Qur'an as-Sajdah 32:11 
   -
10. If this Qur'an is truly a guide for all of Mankind then why was it revealed in Arabic? 
    
    And if We had made it a non-Arabic Qur'an, they would have said, "Why are its verses not explained in detail [in our language]? Is it a foreign [recitation] and an Arab [messenger]?" Say, "It is, for those who believe, a guidance and cure." 
    - Qur'an Fussilat 41:44 
    -
11. If God exists, then why do evil people live lavishly and good people suffer? 
    
    And if it were not that the people would become one community [of disbelievers], We would have made for those who disbelieve in the Most Merciful - for their houses - ceilings and stairways of silver upon which to mount And for their houses - doors and couches [of silver] upon which to recline And gold ornament. But all that is not but the enjoyment of worldly life. And the Hereafter with your Lord is for the righteous. 
    - Qur'an az-Zukhruf 43:33-35
    
    ...do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said,"When is the help of Allah ?" Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near. 
    - Qur'an al-Baqarah 2:214 
    -
12. What does God tell us to do, or not do?
    
    Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.
    - Qur'an an-Nisa` 4:58 
    
    Say, "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason."
    - Qur'an al-An`am 6:151 
    -
13. Do we have the previous scriptures (the Torah and Gospel)? Are they valid?
    
    Among the Jews are those who distort words from their [proper] usages and say, "We hear and disobey" and "Hear but be not heard" and "Ra'ina," twisting their tongues and defaming the religion. And if they had said [instead], "We hear and obey" and "Wait for us [to understand]," it would have been better for them and more suitable. But Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so they believe not, except for a few.
    - Qur'an an-Nisa` 4:46 
    
    So for their breaking of the covenant We cursed them and made their hearts hard. They distort words from their [proper] usages and have forgotten a portion of that of which they were reminded. And you will still observe deceit among them, except a few of them. But pardon them and overlook [their misdeeds]. Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.
    - Qur'an al-Ma`idah 5:13 
    -
14. Even the Gospel?
    
    And to warn those who say, "Allah has taken a son."
    They have no knowledge of it, nor had their fathers. Grave is the word that comes out of their mouths; they speak not except a lie.
    - Qur'an al-Kahf 18:4-5

This list was inspired by a post in Reddit.

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Highly Effective Qur'an Understanding

Allah promises in al-Qiyamah 75:19 that He explains the Qur'an.

Of course this does not mean anyone can just open the Qur'an and gain some sort of instant mystical wisdom. We have to follow the methods the Creator Who sent the Qur'an lays out for us. 

And the Qur'an is the only book ever that teaches the reader how to understand itself...

BEFORE WE START, we seek refuge with Allah from satan the rejected. We do this before we read the Qur'an or take any of the following actions. This means not just saying the words of seeking refuge: we actually clear our minds of all other ideologies or agendas and seek refuge with Allah to understand His Book as Muslims for Him.
Then proceed.

1. Read (iqra). 
   We need to regularly READ the Qur'an. 
   This habit molds our thinking to see the world as He would have us see it.
   
2. Consider it with care. 
   Reading/reciting with no understanding is NOT enough. 
   Reading with an agenda, or preconceived notions, will dim our vision. 
   
3. Pray. 
   Perform salaat as called for AND make dua for increased understanding.  
   
4. Convey it to others. 
   Invite to the teachings in the Qur'an, 
      openly or subtly,
      one ayat at a time, 
      or even just one idea at a time.
   
5. Practice the teachings. 
   The Qir'an has too many invitations to do good to list here.  
      Find them. Do them. 
   Primarily: Remember Allah Often and Help Others.
   
6. Consult with others
   Do not assume you or they have any final 'correct' understanding;
   we must listen with open-minds while avoiding blind acceptance; 
   this must be a continuous and on-going process;
   
7. Be patient. 
   Allah will manifest His will in His time. 
   Trust him.
   
   

There are ayat to support each of the above habits;
and this is still a work in progress.
(As it will likely ever be.)

Let us also always maintain Habit Zero: Self-Examination.  

There are reports that early Muslims, particularly in the second generation of the Islamic era, were fond of examining themselves critically. Before going to bed at night, each person would try and recall his offensive action, thoughts, utterances and dealings for the day, then analyze them and identify their own moral faults. 
This same practice is found in almost every legitimate faith, and is also found in 'Recovery' groups all over the world today.

We find this process of looking at ourselves critically to be a necessary tool in all arenas of growth; it is not limited to learning to understand the Qur'an or to dealing with our fellow Muslims. But it is very much a necessity.

-----------------------------------------

This article is mirrored here, for safety.
https://kavalec.medium.com/the-seven-habits-of-highly-effective-quran-understanding-fa6247552696

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Some newcomers to Islam try to rapidly learn and obey every command in the Qur'an, and they try to learn and emulate every possible example of the Prophet(saws) recorded in the traditions.

The result - all too often - is "burnout".

Islam does indeed tell us to strive as if in a race to do good (al-Ma'idah 5:48), but Islam is not itself a race. We do not get to Allah "faster" by trying to take on more than He gives us; and what Allah gives us is One Day - today - and the tools which enable us to make the best use of this One Day.

No one is guaranteed tomorrow, and yesterday is gone. 

When we open our Qur'ans we find 6,236 verses (6,248 with bismillah's) each of which can and will have a meaning in our lives exactly as Allah wills.  Some verses give us clear commands and limits we should learn to be aware of at all times, others have meanings which are metaphorical - meanings which may only manifest in our lives in as yet unencountered situations. We are also warned not to accede too quickly to anyone else's interpretation of such verses (al-Imran 3:7).

But what of the many clear commands? There seem to be so many!

Can a believer be obeying every single one every single minute of every day?

Of course not. That is the path to "burnout".

Some commands do indeed lay out the attitudes, and tasks, which must be regular and constant in the life of a Muslim... we must be regular in our salaat, we must be conscious of Allah at all times.  
Other commands are the TOOLS that Allah has blessed us with.

Yes. TOOLS.

The Qur'an is the largest and most complete spiritual TOOLKIT ever given to mankind:
 

We cannot feed an orphan every minute of every day, but ON THAT DAY when we are feeling unblessed or ungrateful - feeding that orphan is the fastest way to remember and be grateful for our own blessings.

• That is the TOOL that Allah has provided for ADJUSTING that attitude.
   

Are we having a day of doubt in our deen? Turn to and obey an-Nahl 16:125 - invite others to submission to our Creator. 

• Telling others about the peace of Islam is the TOOL that Allah has provided for INCREASING that peace in ourselves.
   

It is not for me to speak for Allah and to tell each of you which tool is the one Allah would have you use in every situation in your life, it is only for me to tell you that the tools are there... and the more time we spend reading our Qur'an the easier will finding the correct tool be. This is true for merely human toolkits, it is infinitely more the case when we have the help of Allah in using the tools He has blessed us with.

Learn the tools Allah has provided for maintaining your life;
they have the best guarantee possible, and they never break.

Any truth herein is from Allah, any errors are mine alone.

As always,
Allahu Alam

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1. Always Respond to a 'Greeting':
   
   "When greeted with a greeting, you shall respond with a better greeting or at least an equal one. Allah reckons all things." 
   (an-Nisa’ 4:86)
   
2. Always Say 'Good' things:
   
   "Do you not see that Allah has cited the example of a good word as a good tree whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches are high in the sky. It produces its crop every season, as designed by its Lord. Allah thus cites the examples for the people, that they may take heed." 
   (Ibrahim 14:24-25)
   
3. Be 'Humble', and speak 'Lightly':
   
   "Walk humbly and lower your voice, the ugliest voice is the donkey's voice." 
   (Luqman 31:19)
   
4. Invite to Allah with wisdom and kindness:
   
   "Invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones." 
   (an-Nahl’ 16:125)
   
   "It was mercy from Allah that you became compassionate towards them. Had you been harsh and mean-hearted, they would have abandoned you. Therefore, you shall pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them. Once you make a decision, carry out your plan, and trust in Allah. Allah loves those who trust in Him." 
   (al-E-Imran 3:159)
   
5. Be Kind to your parents:
   
   "Your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship except Him, and your parents shall be honored. As long as one or both of them live, you shall never say to them, "Uff" [the slightest gesture of annoyance], nor shall you shout at them; you shall treat them amicably. And lower for them the wings of humility, and kindness, and say, "My Lord, have mercy on them, for they have raised me from infancy." 
   (al-Isra’ 17:23-24)
   
6. Suppress Anger & Forgive People:
   
   "who [the righteous] give to charity during the good times, as well as the bad times. They are suppressors of anger, and pardoners of the people. Allah loves the charitable." 
   (al-E-Imran 3:134)
   
7. Counter Evil with Good:
   
   "Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend." 
   (Fussilat 41:34)
   
   "They steadfastly persevere in seeking their Lord, observe the Salat, spend from our provisions to them secretly and publicly, and counter evil with good. These have deserved the best abode." 
   (al-Ra’d 13:22)
   
8. Do NOT Say 'Bad' things:
   
   "And the example of the bad word is that of a bad tree chopped at the soil level; it has no roots to keep it firm." 
   (Ibrahim 14:26)
   
9. Do NOT be 'Arrogant' or 'Carefree':
   
   "You shall not treat the people with arrogance, nor shall you roam the earth carefree. Allah does not like the arrogant showoffs." 
   (Luqman 31:18)
   
10. Do NOT engage in 'ignorant' talk:
    
    "The servants of the Almighty are those who tread the earth gently, and when the ignorant speak to them, they only utter peace." 
    (al-Furqan 25:63)
    
11. Do NOT Curse the Idolaters:
    
    "And do not curse those who call on other than Allah, lest they blaspheme and curse Allah, out of ignorance. We have adorned the works of every group in their eyes. Ultimately, they return to their Lord, then He informs them of everything they had done." 
    (al-An’ am 6:108)
    
12. Do NOT make fun of others, or call them names:
    
    "O you who believe, no people shall ridicule other people, for they may be better than they. Nor shall any women ridicule other women, for they may be better than they. Nor shall you mock one another, or call each other names. Evil indeed is the reversion to wickedness after attaining faith. Anyone who does not repent after this, these are the transgressors." 
    (al-Hujarat 49:11)
    
13. Do NOT be suspicious, or spy on one another, or backbite:
    
    "O you who believe, if a wicked person brings any news to you, you shall first investigate, lest you commit injustice towards some people, out of ignorance, then become sorry and remorseful for what you have done." 
    (al-Hujarat 49:6)
    
    "O you who believe, you shall avoid any suspicion, for even a little bit of suspicion is sinful. You shall not spy on one another, nor shall you backbite one another; this is as abominable as eating the flesh of your dead brother. You certainly abhor this. You shall observe Allah. Allah is Redeemer, Most Merciful." 
    (al-Hujarat 49:12)
    
14. Do NOT be 'Racist':
    
    "O people, We created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous. Allah is Omniscient, Cognizant." 
    (al-Hujarat 49:13)
    

Note: 
The above points are some of the etiquette we learn from Qur'an that apply to our general living, 
and the verses of the Qur'an from which the guideline is drawn.

For various English interpretations of the meaning, follow the links or research further at https://IslamAwakened.com/Quran

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More Exonerated "Suspects"

More Verses Being Used to Denigrate Islam

     a follow-up to "The Usual Suspects"

As we have seen, those taught to hate or fear Islam have a familiar pattern that entails "troll" questions (thinly veiled confrontation) related to some verses in the Qur’an. Some of these were discussed in our previous article.

2:191 - 4:34 - 5:51 - 8:12 - 9:5 - 9:14 - 9:29 - 25:52 - 47:4

These verses were and are “The Usual Suspects.” 

But, of course, the devil doesn't sleep; so more verses are being circulated with evil claims being made about them.

Once again we will address them.  We are unlikely to convince the haters but we hope this will give readers a foundation as to where the errors and correct answers are.

Remember first and foremost that that man's avowed enemy operates by deception.  All we have to do is sincerely seek the truth.

What is the latest 'crop' of false suspects?

Let's peek at one email/post making the hate-rounds...

"Check the Quran.
The QURAN says;
♡ You can rape, marry and divorce pre-pubescent girls; Qur’an 65:4
♡ You can enslave for sex and work; Qur’an 4:3, 4:24, 5:89, 33:50, 58:3, 70:30
♡ You can beat sex slaves, work slaves, and wives Qur’an 4:34
♡ You will need 4 Muslim male witnesses to prove a rape; Qur’an 24:4
♡ Kill Jews and Christians if they do not convert or pay Jizya tax; Qur’an 9:29
♡ Crucify and amputate non—Muslims; Qur’an 8:13, 47:4
♡ You will kill non—Muslims to receive 72 virgins in heaven; Qur’an 9:11
♡ You will kill anyone who leaves Islam; Qur’an 2:217, 4:49
♡ You will behead non—Muslims; Qur’an 8:12, 47,4
♡ You will kill and be killed for Al’llah (verse of the sword) Qur’an 9:5
♡ You will terrorized non—Muslims: Qur’an 8:12, 8:60
♡ Steal from non—Muslims: Qur’an Chapter 8 (booty/spoils of war)
♡ Lie to strengthen Islam;Qur’an 3:26, 3:54, 9:3 16:106, 40:28"

The above verses, reordered for clarity

2:217 - 3:26 - 3:54 - 4:3 - 4:24 - 4:34 - 4:49 - 5:89 - 8:12 - 8:13 - 8:60 - 9:3 - 9:5 - 9:11 - 9:29 - 16:106 - 24:4 - 33:50 - 40:28 - 47:4 - 58:3 - 65:4 - 70:30 
and let's not forget ALL of Surah 8 ! 

Eliminating the ones we already addressed in "The Usual Suspects" we are left with...

2:217 - 3:26 - 3:54 - 4:3 - 4:24 - 4:49 - 5:89 - 8:13 - 8:60 - 9:3 - 9:11 - 16:106 - 24:4 - 33:50 - 40:28 - 58:3 - 65:4 - 70:30  and Surah 8 

Let us look at these verses. (Safi Kaskas translation is used  this time, unless otherwise noted).

2:217 
They ask you about fighting during the sacred month. Say, "Fighting in it is a big offense. But turning people away from the path of God, denying Him, preventing access to the Sacred Sanctuary, and expelling its residents is a bigger offense to God because sedition is a bigger offense than murder. They will not stop fighting you as long as there is the possibility of turning you away from your faith. But if any of you denies the faith and dies in a state of unbelief, their deeds will come to nothing in this world and the Hereafter. They will be in Hell, where they will remain forever.

The claim: "You will kill anyone who leaves Islam"

The reality: Nothing in this verse referse to apostacy.

3:26
Say, "God, Lord of all dominion, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty from whom You will;
You exalt whom You will, and You bring low whom You will. Goodness is in Your hand. You can do anything."

The claim: "Lie to strengthen Islam"

The reality: The author seems to think God's power and dominion is a lie. We can't fix him, but we can remind others of the truth.

3:54
And they [the unbelievers] plotted [against Jesus] but God caused their schemes to fail, for God is the best of all plotters.

The claim: (again) "Lie to strengthen Islam"

The reality: The author seems to think God's power to plan is a lie. We can't fix him, but (again) we can remind others of the truth.

4:3
If you fear that you will not be fair to the orphans, then you may marry two, three, or four, from among the orphans' mothers, if they seem good to you. However, if you fear that you may not be able to treat them with equal fairness, then marry only one or from those whom your right hands held in trust. This will make it more likely that you do not deviate from the right course.

The claim: "You can enslave for sex and work"

The reality: The author seems think that marrying is enslaving, or that forced marriage is allowed.

It is important to note that the verses addressed in this lecture are NOT a comprehensive list. So, these are not the only ones that believers will encounter when addressing some of the negative messages against Islam. But, as already noted, The Usual Suspects list consists of the more commonly addressed. 

In conclusion, when we see such verses taken out of context, the appropriate response is simply to put it back into its Qur’anic context. And, when see a verse distorted by bad translation; the best answer is to seek and offer the complete meaning of the original Arabic.

We never need invent a response - The truth already is in the Qur’an.

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The Usual Suspects

Verses Commonly Used to Denigrate Islam

From a lecture by G. Waleed Kavalec

When a Muslim happens to engage in discussion with a non-Muslim, especially one taught to hate or fear Islam, a familiar pattern is likely to emerge that entails questions or confrontation related to some verses in the Qur’an. If you have had some of these discussions, you find that, almost always, the questions revolve around the same verses, such as:

2:191 - 4:34 - 5:51 - 8:12 - 9:5 - 9:14 - 9:29 - 25:52 - 47:4

These verses are what I term “The Usual Suspects.” They comprise those verses that some in the West extract out of context as “proof” that Islam is a violent and oppressive religion.

Let us look the verses. (Yusuf Ali translation is used unless otherwise noted).

2:191 
“And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.”

4:34
“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all).”

5:51
“O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust.”

8:12
“Remember thy Lord inspired the angels (with the message): "I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instill terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them."

9:5
“But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.”

9:14
“Fight them, and Allah will punish them by your hands, cover them with shame, help you (to victory) over them, heal the breasts of Believers.”

9:29
“Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.”

25:52
“Therefore listen not to the Unbelievers, but strive against them with the utmost strenuousness.”

47:4
"Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are ye commanded): but if it had been Allah's Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the Way of Allah,- He will never let their deeds be lost.”

It should be easy to see why these ayah are so popular with those who like to bash Islam.

Taken alone, without the rest of the Qur’an, they do appear to paint a warlike and oppressive picture.

But we, as believers, are called upon to invite to the way of our Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching.  And clearly these ayah, misunderstood and out of context, do not correctly convey “the way of our Lord”. Especially not to those whose opinion already has been tainted from other sources.

So, we need to familiarize ourselves with “The Usual Suspects” and the context in which they appear in the Qur’an. We also need to be able to quote preceding or subsequent ayah that clarifies their true meanings. And, in some cases, we need to acquaint ourselves with the artifacts that are due to translation and culture. The most important thing is that we learn and have knowledge of the truth of Islam.

Let us first examine the “war” verses.

2:191 
“And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.”

We do not have to look far to find out to whom the Qur’an is addressing; the immediate preceding verse, 2:190, reads

“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.”

In  Qur’an 2:191 we are told to fight back against those who fight us.  And, even when we have to do so,  Allah commands us not to transgress the limits spelled out in the Qur’an, such as not killing innocent people.

8:12
“Remember thy Lord inspired the angels (with the message): "I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instill terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them."

Context:  this is what believers were instructed after having just won a battle against the attacking pagans, a battle won against great odds.

9:5
“But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.”

Context: again, this is how believers were commanded to deal with the invading pagans who have been attacking and oppressing those who believe in One God. But even for these pagans, the very next verse, 9:6, commands:

“If one amongst the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge.”

The same applies for the remainder of the verses in this section.  In verses 9:11 and 12 we are directed to give them every opportunity to correct their ways, even after they have attacked.“But (even so), if they repent, establish regular prayers, and practice regular charity,- they are your brethren in Faith: (thus) do We explain the Signs in detail, for those who understand.”

“But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and taunt you for your Faith,- fight ye the chiefs of Unfaith: for their oaths are nothing to them: that thus they may be restrained.”

So, finally…

9:14
“Fight them, and Allah will punish them by your hands, cover them with shame, help you (to victory) over them, heal the breasts of Believers..”

and

9:29
“Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.”

Some of The Usual Suspects are nothing but clever bits of misdirection by those who oppose Islam.  Al Furqan 25:52 is a classic example:

25:52
“Therefore listen not to the Unbelievers, but strive against them with the utmost strenuousness.”

The word here “strive” – jihad in Arabic – does not, and has never meant, fight, war or battle; it means to “make good effort.”  In 25:52 we are asked to make our best efforts to turn ourselves and others away from disbelief. As to when we actually are in war or battle:

47:4
“Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are ye commanded): but if it had been Allah's Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the Way of Allah,- He will never let their deeds be lost.”

The Qur’an consistently decrees that we are to offer peace, but if it is refused, we are instructed to fight to win.

Now let us look at the two most commonly cited verses among The Usual Suspects.

5:51
“O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust.”

Here we see an example of an artifact of translation. The actual Arabic source of the verse says:

   “do not take Jews and Christians as your auliya, they are but auliya to each other”

It is incorrect to translate “auliya” as “friends and protectors.” Auliya is the plural of wali, and anyone from an Arabic culture can confirm that one’s wali is much more than merely a friend.   Wali can mean "custodian", "protector", or "sponsor". A "Wali" is someone who has authority or guardianship over another individual. For example, in Islamic law the father is wali of his children. Also, when a man sends a representative to propose to a prospective bride, that trusted person is his wali – the wali’s promises carry the authority of the one making the proposal. Therefore, the directive is that we only give such authority over ourselves to another Muslim.

And, finally, the last verse on the list of The Usual Suspects says:

4:34
“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all).”

The incorrect interpretation of this verse is among the reasons, which lead to the notion that Islam treats women poorly. The word used in the second to last clause that is translated to “beat” is “'ribūhunna,” an Arabic  word that has more than twenty-five meanings in Arabic. In context the correct understanding is “send them forth”.
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar provides an excellent exposition of this verse.

It is important to note that the verses addressed in this lecture are NOT a comprehensive list. So, these are not the only ones that believers will encounter when addressing some of the negative messages against Islam. But, as already noted, The Usual Suspects list consists of the more commonly addressed. 

In conclusion, when we see such verses taken out of context, the appropriate response is simply to put it back into its Qur’anic context. And, when see a verse distorted by bad translation; the best answer is to seek and offer the complete meaning of the original Arabic.

We never need invent a response - The truth already is in the Qur’an.

There is more about usual suspects  here.

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Daniel Islam Taylor

Criterion (Furqan) 2:185

Clear (Nooran Mubeen)4:174

Conclusive Proof (Burhaan) 4:174

Reminder for people who Believe

(Wadhikra Liqawmin Yuminoon)29:51

Mercy (Rahma) 29:51

Presented in Detail (Fussilat) (11:1)

Great News (Nabaon Adheem) 38:67

Guidance for the Conscious (Hudan Lil Muttaqeen) 2:2

Easy for Remembrance

(liththikrifahal min muddakir) 54:17

The Wise Reminder (al-dhikr al-ḥakīm) 3:58

The Wise Book (alKitab Al Hakim) 10:1

Exalted and Full of Wisdom (ladaynalaAAaliyyun hakeem) 43:4

The Clear Book (Al Kitab Al Mubeen) 12:1

Mighty Book (Kitabun Aazeez) 41:41

Amazing Book (Quran An Aajaba) 72:1

Consistent Book (Kitaban Mutashabihan) 39:23

The Best Hadith (Ahsanal Hadeeth) 39:23

Truth & Justice (Sidqan wa Adlan) 6:115

The Best of what is revealed to you

From your Lord.

(WattabiAAoo ahsana maonzila ilaykum min rabbikum) 39:55

The Best Stories Revealed in this Quran

(ahsanaalqasasi bima awhayna ilayka hathaalqur-ana) 12:3

The Best Explanation

(waahsana tafseera) 25:33

A Blessed Book revealed ( Kitabun anzalnahu ilayka mubarakun) 38:29

Good Tidings & A Warner (Basheeran WaNatheeran) 41:4

Healing for the Heart (washifaonlima fee assudoori) 10:57

Move The Earth,Shatter Mountains & Make The Dead speak ( qur-anan suyyirat bihialjibalu aw quttiAAat bihi al-ardu awkullima bihi almawta) 13:31

Purified Scriptures (suhufanmutahhara) 98:2

Declaration, Guidance & Instruction for the Conscious (Bayanun linnasi wahudan wamawAAithatun lilmuttaqeen) 3:138

The Great Quran (walqur-ana alAAatheem) 15:87

Unerringly Straight with No Errors

(alkitaba walam yajAAal lahuAAiwaja) 18:1

The Great Bounty (AlFadlulKabeer) 35:32

Surely a Noble Quran in a Book Well Guarded (laquranun karimun fi Kitabin Maknunin) 56:78

Clear Evidence (Bayyinatin) 6:57