In the Special Edition, January 2011 issue, of the Islamic Post an ayah from the 60th chapter in the Holy Quran, Sura Mumtahana (60:3), was explained for it more appropriately displays an Islamic perspective as concerns the treatment of Non-Muslims. Currently Islamic sentiments in this regard are negatively portrayed by an often misrepresented ayah from another chapter; Surah Tauba (9:5) in which it is frequently translated as “kill all infidels”. Also mentioned was the fact that in order to truly understand the Quran, a multifaceted approach is necessary and part of that entails an understanding of the “asbabul nazul” or reason for revelation of the individual parts. The danger of taking an ayah and simply disseminating the words face value is that misunderstandings are created. In truth this is done on purpose for these very misconstructions are tools used by the agencies of hate that exist worldwide. These evildoers are not only attempting to extinguish the light of Islam, but to also destroy the pillars of all religions. As all mankind is the family of God we must not sit idly by and allow these agents of hate to be successful. In light of that, if the true meanings of this Islamic holy script, the Quran, are elucidated and disseminated, then appropriate insight into the inner meaning of Islam can be achieved and the animosity that has been created between religions—especially Christianity and Islam—can be eliminated. That being said it would be helpful to expound on the reason for revelation of this repeatedly misread ayah. Although this subject is very extensive, an attempt will be made to cover the breadth of it in a two part article starting with the historical aspect and a discussion to follow in part two.
