Jihad: Quran 9:123 v. Matthew 10:34

The American Thinker ^ | Jan. 8, 2005 | James Arlandson

[Kitten Festival]

Muslim apologists frequently quote Matthew 10:34, which mentions a sword, drawing a parallel between Christianity and Islam: Jesus and Muhammad both endorse jihad, so why would Christians today complain about it in Islam?

However, this parallel is deadly flawed.

To explain more effectively how the two “Founders” differ, this article follows a particular method of exegesis (detailed analysis of a text). First, the historical context of the two verses is explained, so their meaning can be made clear. Second, the literary context—the verses surrounding the two targeted verses—is quoted or summarized, so we do not look at the two verses in isolation. Third, we discuss any important elements within the verses, such as key words. Finally, we will then be in a position to contrast the two verses at the end of the article, applying them to today.

We take Quran 9:123 as our counter-verse to Matthew 10:34 because, as we will see, both share the context of family relations.

[Kitten Festival]

A good look at the substance of Islam by a reputable source. Well worth reading.

[7.62 x 51mm]

Excellent article; thanks for posting, KF.

Next time a fatwa is issued against me, I will use this article in rebuttal. I already have 3 posted against me. What's another one?

[Marine_Uncle]

Thanks for the article. Whenever I see English translations of the Koran I always check out what the author has printed verse what I see in the online Koran translated by:
M.H. Shakir and published by Tahrike Tarsile Qur'an, Inc., in 1983. Located at:
http://www.hti.umich.edu/k/koran/ for anyone interested.

At any rate, the American Thinker Articles payes us the courtesy to include the English Translation of the Koran he/she used for verses in question. Which is good.

The article is worth the read, it is not lengthly. For those that do not delve into Arabic, how the Koran came into being etc., you may also want to check the following site out.
It was a real "eye opener" for me and re-awakened thoughts I have had in the past as to the ways of how screwed up and often totally convoluted in form some of the Koran truly is.
But another way, things that simply do not make any sense and to my estonishment, find out that even the most world renown Muslim Commentators often are as confused as everyone else is. So if you have a leaning toward wanting to learn more about various aapects of the Koran, you may want to to to the following site, and "save as" to your PC/MAC for a more in-depth reading at your leisure.
The site is: http://syrcom.cua.edu/Hugoye/Vol6No1/HV6N1PRPhenixHorn.html

Be forwarned it is a book review. But my oh my what this review contains! Very interesting to say the least. It is currently not a full fledge work, and is only available in German. But the review has told me more then I have read up to date on how the Koran may have come about.

At any rate, 7.62x51mm, thanks for the post. PS. My reference in no way negates what the author of your post has to say.