To what extent are Islamic terrorists inspired by Muhammad and the Quran?

[England my lionheart]

According to traditions Muhammad experienced His first Revelation from God through the angel Gabriel in the cave of Hira 610 AD. The Quran was revealed over the next two decades. Muhammad taught His people they should turn away from polytheism and be like the Christians and Jews and worship the One True God. This Divine Message was not well received by Muhammad’s people, particularly the Quraysh who arose to destroy Him and His followers. The Muslims fled to Medina, but they were pursued and so had to defend themselves in several battles. Muhammad and the Muslims were ultimately triumphant and went on to unite the tribes of the Arabian Peninsula.

Some of the Quran was composed during war time. Certain verses if taken out of context could be seen as condoning violence. Did the example of Muhammad’s willingness to take up arms when necessary (albeit for self defence) provide inspiration for future generations to take up arms during other times of need?

So with this thread I’d like to explore to what extent Muslim extremists are inspired by the Quran and Muhammad Himself? What about other influences such as the Hadiths, Sira and the early history of Islamic expansion? Are there parallels within Christianity’s expansion and history of violence? How do you see it and why?

You can see two qurans,the meccan verses,peaceful ,and the Medina verses,violent and on the offensive and also where jihad appears for the first time,the offensive begins with caravan raiding and ends after the massacre of the Jewish tribe banu qurayza.

The Quran,which I believe was authored by Muhammed is of course an inspiration for using violence to achieve a goal but I also believe more inspirational Muslims would appear much later like Hassan Al banna and sayyid qutb.

 

[SA Huguenot]

To what extent are Islamic terrorists inspired by Muhammad and the Quran?
This is a silly question.
You go on Internet and see the verses displayed on plackards whilst someone reads from the Quran when beheading a Journalist.
Go and see how this bombers dress up, their parents worshipping Allah, whilst he reads the Quran, preparing to go and blow himself up with innocent people to attain paradise with 72 virgins and assuring their parents will gain paradise.
Look at the Boston Bomber's mother being so proud that her son was a martyr, and how she wishes her other son will also die because Islam teaches that a mother who looses a child in the cause for Allah, will enter paradise.
How can you even ask this question?
Why else will a young man go and kill and get killed in the Name of Allah and his prophet Muhammad, If not inspired by Muhammad and the Quran!

You should see those Christian suicide bombers worshipping Jesus when they behead an Atheist. And you should see what a hero that Christian bomber becomes when he kills women and children in the Name of Jesus.

I mean it is terrible how anyone can even think Muhammad and the Quran does not demand terrorism.
For 1 400 years islam used terror to destroy one third of the World and converted as many people to Islam with the sword.

Wake up!

 

[icehorse]

As an open book (don't forget some monks can read mind)

While single trouble may be violent, communism or group socialism lead always to war. Something to think about.

As far as known householder Adrian is more interested into go after a job as to care about elders and parents himself. What's his "beef" with those who like to beat each other? Fear of damaging business?

Just to be clear, are you saying that you are a monk?

 

[BilliardsBall]

According to traditions Muhammad experienced His first Revelation from God through the angel Gabriel in the cave of Hira 610 AD. The Quran was revealed over the next two decades. Muhammad taught His people they should turn away from polytheism and be like the Christians and Jews and worship the One True God. This Divine Message was not well received by Muhammad’s people, particularly the Quraysh who arose to destroy Him and His followers. The Muslims fled to Medina, but they were pursued and so had to defend themselves in several battles. Muhammad and the Muslims were ultimately triumphant and went on to unite the tribes of the Arabian Peninsula.

Some of the Quran was composed during war time. Certain verses if taken out of context could be seen as condoning violence. Did the example of Muhammad’s willingness to take up arms when necessary (albeit for self defence) provide inspiration for future generations to take up arms during other times of need?

So with this thread I’d like to explore to what extent Muslim extremists are inspired by the Quran and Muhammad Himself? What about other influences such as the Hadiths, Sira and the early history of Islamic expansion? Are there parallels within Christianity’s expansion and history of violence? How do you see it and why?

The Qu'ran is clear, sura and verse, however, I would point to Muhammed himself, as you mentioned, a bloody, violent man who even superseded what he allowed fellow Muslims to do.

 

[icehorse]

As I understand it, the two foundational, immutable claims of Islam are:

1 - The Quran is the perfect, timeless word of god
2 - Muhammad is the perfect role model.

I'd like to ask Muslims if they think you need to be a scholar to read and understand the Quran correctly, or whether anyone can read it and understand it correctly. (Remember that the Quran declares itself to be clear and easy to understand.)

 

[Politesse]

According to traditions Muhammad experienced His first Revelation from God through the angel Gabriel in the cave of Hira 610 AD. The Quran was revealed over the next two decades. Muhammad taught His people they should turn away from polytheism and be like the Christians and Jews and worship the One True God. This Divine Message was not well received by Muhammad’s people, particularly the Quraysh who arose to destroy Him and His followers. The Muslims fled to Medina, but they were pursued and so had to defend themselves in several battles. Muhammad and the Muslims were ultimately triumphant and went on to unite the tribes of the Arabian Peninsula.

Some of the Quran was composed during war time. Certain verses if taken out of context could be seen as condoning violence. Did the example of Muhammad’s willingness to take up arms when necessary (albeit for self defence) provide inspiration for future generations to take up arms during other times of need?

So with this thread I’d like to explore to what extent Muslim extremists are inspired by the Quran and Muhammad Himself? What about other influences such as the Hadiths, Sira and the early history of Islamic expansion? Are there parallels within Christianity’s expansion and history of violence? How do you see it and why?

I think his words are used to justify all manner of depraved acts; it is difficult to avoid this fate, as a religious leader. Holy texts as symbols are too powerful and influential to ignore, so any political force that wants to sway a deeply religious population is obliged to find a way to co-opt said text to their own greedy ends. If you ask me, this process may have already started by the time the Holy Qur'an and the Hadith were even collected and set to print, as the Prophet himself was already dead and his descendants sweeping a violent swath across the continents by the time they were put in print. But even if you believe this Book to be inviolate, it does not command anyone to acts of terrorism. Indeed, the repeated refrain "There is no faith through compulsion" would seem to forbid it outright.

 

[Politesse]

You should see those Christian suicide bombers worshipping Jesus when they behead an Atheist. And you should see what a hero that Christian bomber becomes when he kills women and children in the Name of Jesus.

I take it you never took a course on European history?

You have a very ironic name, for someone who is unaware of the history of Christian terrorism.

 

[whirlingmerc]

According to traditions Muhammad experienced His first Revelation from God through the angel Gabriel in the cave of Hira 610 AD. The Quran was revealed over the next two decades. Muhammad taught His people they should turn away from polytheism and be like the Christians and Jews and worship the One True God. This Divine Message was not well received by Muhammad’s people, particularly the Quraysh who arose to destroy Him and His followers. The Muslims fled to Medina, but they were pursued and so had to defend themselves in several battles. Muhammad and the Muslims were ultimately triumphant and went on to unite the tribes of the Arabian Peninsula.

Some of the Quran was composed during war time. Certain verses if taken out of context could be seen as condoning violence. Did the example of Muhammad’s willingness to take up arms when necessary (albeit for self defence) provide inspiration for future generations to take up arms during other times of need?

So with this thread I’d like to explore to what extent Muslim extremists are inspired by the Quran and Muhammad Himself? What about other influences such as the Hadiths, Sira and the early history of Islamic expansion? Are there parallels within Christianity’s expansion and history of violence? How do you see it and why?

As many things go it will depend on the individual. Not everything done in the name of Jesus was inspired by Jesus words as people are fallen tarnished sinners, however:

Jesus told his disciples to turn the other cheek and to give the shirt off
your back.

Jesus told his disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who despitefully use you

With the Trinity there is love and majesty and power from the beginning of time, without Jesus there may be just power and love and mercy might be secondary.

The Bible has showing mercy near the apex of God's glory

I have noticed as well that the Bible will unfold what God is like and takes considerable time to do so and then in the fulness of time Jesus came.

I also see idols of the heart in the New Testament and it's possible to do stuff for God without love and it profits nothing

 

[whirlingmerc]

I take it you never took a course on European history?

You have a very ironic name, for someone who is unaware of the history of Christian terrorism.

And that's part of the issue. What was inspired by the words of Jesus and what was michevious opportunistic man sinning

One might ask the same about secular leaders in Iraq that traded their cigars for roles in Isis, how much was opportunistic man as well?

Psalm 36:1 says "Transgression speaks deep into the soul of the wicked."
It's hard to dislodge but Jesus redeems

 

[shmogie]

According to traditions Muhammad experienced His first Revelation from God through the angel Gabriel in the cave of Hira 610 AD. The Quran was revealed over the next two decades. Muhammad taught His people they should turn away from polytheism and be like the Christians and Jews and worship the One True God. This Divine Message was not well received by Muhammad’s people, particularly the Quraysh who arose to destroy Him and His followers. The Muslims fled to Medina, but they were pursued and so had to defend themselves in several battles. Muhammad and the Muslims were ultimately triumphant and went on to unite the tribes of the Arabian Peninsula.

Some of the Quran was composed during war time. Certain verses if taken out of context could be seen as condoning violence. Did the example of Muhammad’s willingness to take up arms when necessary (albeit for self defence) provide inspiration for future generations to take up arms during other times of need?

So with this thread I’d like to explore to what extent Muslim extremists are inspired by the Quran and Muhammad Himself? What about other influences such as the Hadiths, Sira and the early history of Islamic expansion? Are there parallels within Christianity’s expansion and history of violence? How do you see it and why?

Contrary to the Christian NT in itś instruction on how to live and relate to others, the Q does seem to have suraś that authorize violence and domination of others. If one adds the hadith, there is a lot more violence.

Nevertheless, in spite of these, most muslims are not running around slaughtering infidels.

In my view, people violent by nature do not chose to consider other possible interpretations of these passages, and adopt them to influence their view of the world, and their indulgence of slaughter.

Christianity, because, in my view, it went off the rails when men ,allegedly able to speak for God, countermanded the teachings of The Christ and His Apostles regarding violence.

These false prophets and false teachings made it easy to indulge in violence as a method for avarice and greed.

 

[whirlingmerc]

Contrary to the Christian NT in itś instruction on how to live and relate to others, the Q does seem to have suraś that authorize violence and domination of others. If one adds the hadith, there is a lot more violence.

Nevertheless, in spite of these, most muslims are not running around slaughtering infidels.

In my view, people violent by nature do not chose to consider other possible interpretations of these passages, and adopt them to influence their view of the world, and their indulgence of slaughter.

Christianity, because, in my view, it went off the rails when men ,allegedly able to speak for God, countermanded the teachings of The Christ and His Apostles regarding violence.

These false prophets and false teachings made it easy to indulge in violence as a method for avarice and greed.

In the book Dante's Inferno, the author had some crusaders in hell which speaks to man acting wrongly for God in 'the name of God'

 

[Politesse]

And that's part of the issue. What was inspired by the words of Jesus and what was michevious opportunistic man sinning

Follow the money, and you'll have your answer. If "serving God" just so happens to put a man on a throne or make someone very, very rich... they probably aren't really serving God, however many proof texts they can throw at you to justify their actions.

Jesus said it thus:

"Many who are now first will be last, and many who are last will be first in the dominion of heaven."

and

"The love of money is the root of all manner of evils."​

The Prophet taught similarly:

"Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the East, or the West. Righteous are those who believe in GOD ... they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Prayers and give the Alms; they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war."

and

"Some of those before you were stronger than you, and possessed more money and children. They became preoccupied with their material possessions. Similarly, you have become preoccupied with your material possessions, just like those before you have become preoccupied. You have become totally heedless, just as they were heedless. Such are the people who nullify their works, both in this world and in the Hereafter; they will lose all."​

 

[Guitar's Cry]

There are indeed parallels with Christianity, but they end up highlightning how incomplete and flawed Islaam is, out of its own fault. Christianity is not quite as determined in forbiding itself from ever being a functional religion. It is not quite as obsessed with God for the sake and glory of monotheism. It is not quite as taken by hubris (another grim irony).

43 Bible verses about Monotheism

Could you clarify your assertion that Christianity "...is not quite as obsessed with God for the sake and glory of monotheism."

Given the bloody and expansionist history of Christianity and the continued animosity of Christians towards any other religion, I have a hard time not seeing parallels with the violent aspects of Islam.

Now, that's not to say I don't support Muslims and Christians who peacefully find inspiration in their chosen paths--there's good stuff there!--but too often do I hear Christians denouncing Islam as violent without considering their own religion's bloodied hands.

 

[LuisDantas]

43 Bible verses about Monotheism

Could you clarify your assertion that Christianity "...is not quite as obsessed with God for the sake and glory of monotheism."

Christianity mostly accepts that its scriptures are human interpretations by a variety of authors. And it does not emphasize the idea that it should be some form of final, ultimate revelation anywhere near as much as Islaam does.

A subtle contrast, perhaps, but nonetheless a very significant one, because it gives Christians a measure of badly needed breathing room to consider the validity of their own doctrines and improve on them.

Muslims have an urgent need for a similar space. And they are literally forbidden from pursuing it.

Given the bloody and expansionist history of Christianity and the continued animosity of Christians towards any other religion, I have a hard time not seeing parallels with the violent aspects of Islam.

The parallels certainly exist. It just turns out that Christianity has developed a measure of self-correcting mechanisms, and Islaam can't very well emulate that.

Now, that's not to say I don't support Muslims and Christians who peacefully find inspiration in their chosen paths--there's good stuff there!--but too often do I hear Christians denouncing Islams as violent without considering their own religion's bloodied hands.

Fair enough. There is certainly truth in what you say.

 

[Notanumber]

This is worth reading - The dangerous drive to correlate Islamophobia with anti-Semitism

Political Islam is using anti-Semitism to promote the term “Islamophobia” as a means of shutting down free speech by calling it Hate Speech.

 

[Nakosis]

According to traditions Muhammad experienced His first Revelation from God through the angel Gabriel in the cave of Hira 610 AD. The Quran was revealed over the next two decades. Muhammad taught His people they should turn away from polytheism and be like the Christians and Jews and worship the One True God. This Divine Message was not well received by Muhammad’s people, particularly the Quraysh who arose to destroy Him and His followers. The Muslims fled to Medina, but they were pursued and so had to defend themselves in several battles. Muhammad and the Muslims were ultimately triumphant and went on to unite the tribes of the Arabian Peninsula.

Some of the Quran was composed during war time. Certain verses if taken out of context could be seen as condoning violence. Did the example of Muhammad’s willingness to take up arms when necessary (albeit for self defence) provide inspiration for future generations to take up arms during other times of need?

So with this thread I’d like to explore to what extent Muslim extremists are inspired by the Quran and Muhammad Himself? What about other influences such as the Hadiths, Sira and the early history of Islamic expansion? Are there parallels within Christianity’s expansion and history of violence? How do you see it and why?

Some have thought Islamic violence is caused by sexual repression.
Opinion | The Sexual Misery of the Arab World

Perhaps anger at the sexual freedom of western women.

Sex is the most primitive assertion of one’s significance; it’s a means to perpetuate one’s name — and genes — into the future. Islamic State strategically uses it as a reward for aggression.

The militant group has set up marriage centers where women register to be wed to its fighters. Captured Iraqi women and girls are forced into sex slavery, living in brothels run by female jihadists. Rape of non-believers is considered legitimate, while fatwas proclaiming a “sexual jihad” encourage brutality against females. Lastly, martyrdom is associated with sexual bliss in paradise.
Joining Islamic State is about ‘sex and aggression,’ not religion

 

[Ellen Brown]

According to traditions Muhammad experienced His first Revelation from God through the angel Gabriel in the cave of Hira 610 AD. The Quran was revealed over the next two decades. Muhammad taught His people they should turn away from polytheism and be like the Christians and Jews and worship the One True God. This Divine Message was not well received by Muhammad’s people, particularly the Quraysh who arose to destroy Him and His followers. The Muslims fled to Medina, but they were pursued and so had to defend themselves in several battles. Muhammad and the Muslims were ultimately triumphant and went on to unite the tribes of the Arabian Peninsula.

Some of the Quran was composed during war time. Certain verses if taken out of context could be seen as condoning violence. Did the example of Muhammad’s willingness to take up arms when necessary (albeit for self defence) provide inspiration for future generations to take up arms during other times of need?

So with this thread I’d like to explore to what extent Muslim extremists are inspired by the Quran and Muhammad Himself? What about other influences such as the Hadiths, Sira and the early history of Islamic expansion? Are there parallels within Christianity’s expansion and history of violence? How do you see it and why?

This is humorous to me because I had a very long history as a Christian and was well aware of their ability to take the Quran out of context, not having studied their own Bible well enough to know that there is just lots of violence against other people in the Christian Old Testament.

Yes there are places in the Quran where Muhammad PBUH admonished his followers to "Kill them", but that was after they were being attacked or under threat of attack. In my own opinion, "Terrorists" often feel provoked. Afghanistan is one example where the country was very western before the soviet invasion of 1979-89. Then later in 2001 the US invaded Afghanistan, purportedly to get Bin Laden. I believe the real reason for America going into Afghanistan was to secure access to the rare metals there.

We need to face the fact that the west, particularly America is predatory toward countries that have things that they want.

When Muslims turn to violence, I believe it is Tribalism and not Islam that fuels it. And often the violence comes as a result of provocation from the west. However, to be clear the incidents of 9/11/2001, the bombing of the WTC in 1993, and other attacks were inexcusable.

 

[Audie]

I think his words are used to justify all manner of depraved acts; it is difficult to avoid this fate, as a religious leader.,..... it does not command anyone to acts of terrorism. Indeed, the repeated refrain "There is no faith through compulsion" would seem to forbid it outright.

You are assuming that a "holy leader" would himself
be pure and free of depravity. There are far too many
examples of such people being far from holy and pure.

Also, whether or not there is a "command" to "terrorism"
(whatever / however those are defined and interpreted)
if it is not specifically forbidden, then who is to say it is
not ok?

Also, your quote...it just does not apply. The boys of 911
were not trying to get their victims to be faithful.

 

[Audie]

The Bible has showing mercy near the apex of God's glory
nothing

Riiiight, like the angels sent to kill all the firstborn, now
that is mercy. And Lot's wife, awful woman, imagine
the nerve of her crime! Oh yeah, and there is the flood.
And dont forget the thing where soldiers get to kill everyone
but the virgins.

Apex of something, maybe,but love
and mercy, no.

 

[shmogie]

Riiiight, like the angels sent to kill all the firstborn, now
that is mercy. And Lot's wife, awful woman, imagine
the nerve of her crime! Oh yeah, and there is the flood.
And dont forget the thing where soldiers get to kill everyone
but the virgins.

Apex of something, maybe,but love
and mercy, no.

All OT history from 4,000 years ago, for a certain people, in a specific place, for a period of time.

The entire system was changed 2,000 years ago.