Thank you for letting us know of our faults after only two days in the forum. Last has been a member since October 2nd, 2001
These are the verses like they should be read:
"[88] Why should ye be divided into two parties about the Hypocrites? Allah hath upset them for their (evil) deeds. Would ye guide those whom Allah hath thrown out of the way? For those whom Allah hath thrown out of the way, never shalt thou find the Way. [89] They but wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): so take not friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah (from what is forbidden). But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks." [4:88&89]
Hypocrites were some people who pretended to be Muslim but were not. They were inner enemies of Islam.
The Surah goes on to talk about the same people: the hypocrites, not the Jews, not the Christians:
"[90]Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty (Of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If Allah had pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you: therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (guarantees of) peace, then Allah hath opened no way for you (to war against them). [91] Others you will find that wish to gain your confidence as well as that of their people: every time they are sent back to temptation, they succumb thereto; if they withdraw not from you nor give you (guarantees) of peace besides restraining their hands, seize them and slay them wherever ye get them; in their case We have provided you with a clear argument against them." [4:90&91]
Interesting, you who you call yourself Bible Believer. The Quran says about you otherwise:
"Strongest among men in enmity to the Believers wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the Believers wilt thou find those who say, "We are Christians": because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant." [5:82]
Indeed, your trials to make me and other Muslims hate Christians is a big failure. Where I come from, I have many close Christian friends. I celebrate Christmas with them, they celerbrate Eid with me. Even Jews; I have not made friends with a Jew who wasn't a wonderful person. They made me understand the difference between "Jewish" and "pro-Israel". A very religious group of them made a demonstration in front of the UN in June, holding banners like: "Zionism is Racism", and "Palestine Is For The Palestinians", and "Stop Killing Palestinian Children".
It's much easier to plant the good seed of love in our hearts than to try to poison our minds with hate. Visit Bethlehem and see for yourself what the word "tolerance" means.