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“Kill the mushrikeen (pagans, polytheists, kuffar) where ever you find them.” [Al-Quran 9:5]

A specific message, to a specific people during a specific time. Why can't this message be taken literally like many others we promote with absolute attributes.

Isn't it up to the fallible taste to decide the universality of the message?

Tahir

i.e. tafsir? - If I am right in my understanding of this question, then the average Mowlana won't be able to answer your question let alone people on this forum.

Too Cool For Skool

What is wrong with taking it literally, therefore?

A literalist approach directs every Muslim to kill all infidels and you ask me whats wrong with that?

Tahir

I was clearly mistaken. It seems you too are not aware of the context:

009.001 A (declaration) of immunity from God and His Apostle, to those of the Pagans with whom ye have contracted mutual alliances:-

009.002 Go ye, then, for four months, backwards and forwards, (as ye will), throughout the land, but know ye that ye cannot frustrate God (by your falsehood) but that God will cover with shame those who reject Him.

009.003 And an announcement from God and His Apostle, to the people (assembled) on the day of the Great Pilgrimage,- that God and His Apostle dissolve (treaty) obligations with the Pagans. If then, ye repent, it were best for you; but if ye turn away, know ye that ye cannot frustrate God. And proclaim a grievous penalty to those who reject Faith.

009.004 (But the treaties are) not dissolved with those Pagans with whom ye have entered into alliance and who have not subsequently failed you in aught, nor aided any one against you. So fulfil your engagements with them to the end of their term: for God loveth the righteous.

009.005 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 practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

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

Now – what is wrong with that?

Take the above literally, and tell me what is wrong with it (ps - this was acted upon literally unless I am mistaken)

Allah said, O lblis', 'what hindered you from falling prostrate before that which I made with My own hands? Have you been proud or you were indeed among haughty ones? (Surah As-Sad, Ayat No. 75 (38:75)(Kanzul-Iman))

The validity of the message at the time it was revealed is not a part of this discussion. The question is about its understanding and relevance today. You don't kill every pagan you meet today do you?

This is just an example, there are many verses which are interpreted while others are taken in a literal sense and compulsory for us to act upon. My question is related to the logical reasoning for applying this methodology.

Neither did the Muslims at the time this ayah was revealed; you seem to have difficulty in acknowledging this fact.

In fact – if everyone took this literally the world would be a much safer place – we are ordered to honour contracts, only fight those who have wronged us, and to not fight and grant asylum to those who do not wish to wage war.

Your question however is very much valid, and remains to be answered. Just pick a better example.