Azali is from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He was an ardent follower of Mohammed until the results of a challenge he laid out before some Christian students. Please read this powerful testimony of how this man was converted to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior!

And He said unto them: "Go into the world, and preach the gospel to every Creature." (Mark 16:15)

If you were to ask someone to try and list the most influential public figures in world history, you will find they will probably come up with names such as Napoleon and Lenin, Ghandi and Mao, Plato and Aristotle, Alexander the Great and Luther, Buddha and Confucius, Jesus and Muhammad. If you ask which of those men has influenced the most people, you will eventually be led to those who founded religions and who shaped their cultures for long periods of time. Currently, Buddha influences 500 million people, Muhammad 1.3 billion, and Jesus 1.9 billion. After Jesus, Muhammad seems to be the second most influential person in world history.

Some believe that all prophets are equally important, apart from a few minor differences (Sura 2:253; 4:150,151; 17:55). But Muhammad claimed to be the seal of all prophets (Sura 33:40), the climax and final fulfillment of all revelations (Sura 4:80; 7:158; 10:57-58; 34:28). We will examine those opinions with the help of the Qur’an and the Bible.

I. Muhammad’s birth and death

Muhammad’s father, Abdallah, died before his son was born. Muhammad’s mother, Amina, died when her son was just six years old. During the years when his character was formed, the prophet of the Arabs was an orphan – raised by his grandfather, Abd al-Mutallib, and later by his uncle.

Muhammad was a human being like everybody else. Muhammad talks about himself a few times in the Qur’an, referring to himself as a person who had lost his way, until Allah found him (Sura 93:6-8). When Allah demanded him to ask for forgiveness of his sins, four times he confessed his transgressions (Sura 40:55; 47:19; 48:2; 110:3). He died in 632 AD, supposedly of natural causes.

II. Jesus Christ’s birth according to the Qur’an

Jesus, referred to as ‘Isa in the Qur’an, is different. Gabriel had blown a spirit of Allah into the Virgin Mary (Sura 21:91; 66:12), thus ‘Isa was created in her. Muslims adore Jesus Christ as a spirit from Allah who became a human being (Sura 4:171). By those statements the Qur’an marks a fundamental difference between Muhammad and Jesus Christ. The prophet of the Muslims was a man like everybody else. However, according to the Qur’an, Jesus is a spirit from Allah in the body of a human being. Some modern syncretists believe there is no great difference between the Qur’an and the Gospel regarding those statements in the Qur’an.

The church of the Middle East was torn for centuries (318–681 AD) by questions about the relationship of God’s spirit in Jesus with his human nature. Arius taught: “Jesus was created in Mary by God’s word, and then developed to perfection through insight and obedience.” However, Athanasius answered him: “No! Jesus was not created in Mary, but He lives forever. He is truly God who became a human being in Mary through the Holy Spirit. His real birth as God’s Son took place before all times.” In the year 325 AD, the Emperor Constantine called church princes and bishops to Nicaea, to have them formulate a common creed. Since then all Christian churches confess the Nicene Creed: Jesus is “God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father!”

Islam maintains the opposite, ‘Isa is said to have been created by Allah, but not sired by him, nor was he born (Sura 3:47, 59; 112:3-4). Jesus Christ is said to be one of the numerous created spirits of Allah, which do not possess a divine nature. Therefore, the Muslims call him the Son of Mary, but never the Son of God! Although the Qur’an confirms that ‘Isa was created in a virgin, by the word of God, there is still an insurmountable difference between the ‘Isa of the Qur’an and the Jesus of the Gospel. In the book of the Muslims, ‘Isa remains a created being and a slave of Allah’s (Sura 19:30). In the New Testament, however, Jesus is God’s Son (Matthew 3:17; 16:16; John 3:16) and His likeness (John 14:9; Hebrews 1:3), born from God’s own Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35; John 3:6; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18). The Almighty is his Father and not his creator (John 17:1-5). If Jesus had been created in Mary, all people would merely be Allah’s slaves. But Jesus was born by her through God’s Spirit, therefore we are rightly called sons and daughters of our Father in Heaven (Matthew 6:9-13; 1 John 3:1-3).

In the Qur’an, ‘Isa is not regarded as a sinner, because of his being sired by Allah’s spirit (Sura 19:19). According to Islam, he never had to ask for His sins to be forgiven. He lived in a meek, humble and upright way (Sura 19:32). Therefore, Allah is said to have lifted him up to himself (Sura 3:55; 4:158) where he is living today as one of the ones brought close. He is said to be entitled to intercede, because of his strong alliance with Allah (Sura 5:114, 118; 19:85-87; 20:109; 21:28; 33:7; 34:23; 43:86). Moreover another difference between Muhammad and Jesus becomes visible; Jesus lives! – Muhammad is dead! The Arab prophet is waiting for the day of justice in the intermediate stage (Barzach). Therefore, all Muslims must pray for Muhammad each time they mention his name (Sura 33:56).

III. Jesus’ miracles and Muhammad’s signs

The Qur’an confirms nine of Jesus’ miracles. Five of them represent the Islamic version of reports in the four books of the Gospel, which Muhammad borrowed from Christian informants. He wove them into his so-called revelations in order to win the Christians over for Islam and to prove to them that Islam was a religion that was close to Christianity.

· Twice Muhammad mentions that ‘Isa opened the eyes of blind people through the power of his word. Thus he wanted to demonstrate that Christ was the word of Allah become flesh and that he possessed healing power (Sura 3:45, 49; 5:110).

· Also, the Qur’an twice reports that the Son of Mary healed lepers. In Muhammad’s day, leprosy seemed to be incurable and was regarded as Allah’s judgment for hidden sins. Thus, ‘Isa appears as the most important physician in history who could heal all illnesses, including their causes (Sura 3:49; 5:110).

· Twice we read in the Qur’an that ‘Isa even awakened dead people. But both times Muhammad stressed that Christ was not able to complete these divine deeds by himself, but depended on Allah’s spiritual help each time (Sura 3:49; 5:110; see John 5:19-30!).

· The fifth Sura speaks about a table from heaven, which Christ asked Allah for at the request of his hungry listeners. At first, the Islamic interpreters are interested in the variety of the food and drinks on the table because they believe this represents the future display of nourishment in paradise. The fact that the Son of Mary was authorized to plead for his followers is hardly mentioned (Sura 5:112-116; see Matthew 14:13-21; John 6:1-13).

· The most prominent of Jesus Christ’s miracles in the Qur’an is the fact that he could alter the character of his followers. They were no longer arrogant, they now loved their adversaries, were full of pity and mercy for the needy, and did not make money out of God’s word. In them, Muhammad recognized a higher class of men than the unbelieving people (Sura 3:55, 199; 5:82; 57:27).

Two of ‘Isa’s miracles in the Qur’an are questionable, because they come from apocryphal papers of the Syrian and Coptic Christians, which are not included in the canon of the New Testament. The founding fathers of the church saw in them fables and imaginative childhood stories, which had nothing to do with the reality of the Son of Mary:

· The Qur’an reports twice that ‘Isa was able to talk immediately after being born. He is said not to have needed any time for the development of his intellect and his ability to speak, like other children. Mary, his mother, never told nor confirmed such fairy tales to Luke, the Greek physician (Sura 3:46; 19:24-33).

· Muhammad says that when the Son of Mary was a boy, he formed a bird out of clay and blew into it. Then the bird flew away alive. With this story, Muslims testify that Jesus Christ had received creative power from Allah. He possessed a breath that could create life (Sura 3:46; 5: 110)!

The fact that those stories of Jesus, the child, were included in the Qur’an shows that Muhammad was not a prophet, for he could not differentiate between fantasy and reality. He believed “more” than the Christians did. He even thought that fables were true and used them to win the Christians in the Middle East over to Islam.

· Further, the Qur’an attributes to ‘Isa the right of a legislator who allowed his followers what was forbidden to Jews (Sura 3:50; see Matthew 5:21-48; 15:16-20). Therefore he could demand obedience of everybody! ‘Isa belonged to the divine legislative, not to the human executive.

· Muhammad warned his Muslims that Jesus Christ would come back and tell them what they hid in their cupboards and ate in secret without sharing it with the refugees from Mecca. The Qur’an says that ‘Isa had X-ray eyes that discovered everything hidden (Sura 3:49).

· But the miracle of all miracles in the Qur’an is Jesus Christ himself, who is called “a sign for all men and a mercy from Allah” (Sura 9:21). The word sign is “Ayatun” in Arabic and means miracle. Read together with the word “Allah,” ‘Isa is given prominence as an “Ayatollah.” He is said to be the only male Ayatollah created and appointed by Allah himself. He did not have to acquire his title with the help of examinations like the Shiite Ayatollahs.

Muhammad deeply wished to work such miracles as Moses and Jesus, but no miracles were ever granted to him. Therefore, he called each one of his verses in the Qur’an a miraculous sign (Ayatun) and maintained, “Even if all men and spirits came together they would not be able to produce such a Qur’an” (Sura 17:88). But Muhammad’s signs were words only, whereas Jesus Christ’s miracles were deeds. The Qur’an calls ‘Isa’s miracles proof (Beijinat) of his divine mission (Sura 2:87, 253; 5:110; 43:63).

IV. Muhammad’s flight to Medina

The prophet of the Arabs was ridiculed, boycotted, and persecuted in Mecca. He had declared that all gods and idols in the ancient cultural center were nothing, and had stressed that Allah was the only true god among them. Muhammad’s family was obligated to defend him according to customary social order. But slaves that had adopted Islam and followers of Muhammad from weak families were beaten and often killed.

Muhammad advised 83 persecuted Muslims to flee to Ethiopia to survive there until Islam became stronger. The Christians there gave asylum to the Muslim refugees, but did not preach to them. After several years, only one Muslim had become a Christian, but 230 Christians had become Muslims! The Ethiopian Christians viewed Islam as a religion similar to Christianity when they once had to defend their faith in public. Thus, the Muslims were treated with compassion and gained ground for their development. Today, about 40 percent of the Ethiopians are Muslims.

After the deaths of his paternal uncle, Abu Talib, and his first wife, Khadidja, Muhammad fled to the mountain town of Taif to seek shelter from his pursuers, but was driven into the desert by its inhabitants. There Allah is said to have brought to him a group of spirits (jinn), to whom he recited the Qur’an. At once they adopted Islam. Since then, Muslims are not only human beings, but also spirits, who assist in spreading Islam (Sura 46:29-32; 72:1-15; see Ephesians 6:10-20).

Following these events some inhabitants of the town of Yathrib, which is Medina today, adopted Islam before Muhammad had preached there. In three secret meetings with representatives of that town he negotiated several agreements that culminated in a commitment to protect him and his Muslims if he and all his followers emigrated from Mecca to the neighboring town, 200 km north. That “Hidjra” took place in September 622 AD. This is the date the Islamic calendar begins. It is important to note that on this date Islam became a state in Medina – prior it had only been a religion. The aim of Islam is a religious state. Its law, the Shari’a, only works if a state executive ensures its implementation.

V. Jesus Christ’s way to the cross

Jesus was also hated and persecuted more and more by the religious fanatics of his country. He performed healing miracles on a Sabbath (Matthew 12:9-14; Luke 14:1-5; John 5:10-18), called self-righteous pious people to repentance (Luke 5:32), and would not deny his divinity (Matthew 11:27; 16:16-17; 26:63-64; John 10:34-36). With his disciples he escaped to the neighboring Lebanon and to what today is Jordan (Matthew 15:21-31; Mark 7:24-30; Luke 8:26-39), but He always returned to Galilee. The jealousy of the religious leaders grew (Matthew 27:18; Mark 15:10; John 12:19) when thousands followed the man from Nazareth who healed all the sick that came to him, who did not teach about demons but exorcised them, and who raised three people from the dead (Luke 8:40-56; 7:11-17; John 11:1-45). Christ’s life and teachings were the Gospel for the masses.

Jesus knew in advance what was awaiting him in Jerusalem (Matthew 20:17-19). He did not flee like Muhammad, but consciously met death. He was born to die (John 1:27; 3:15-16). As the Lamb of God, He followed the straight path of righteousness to the end.

The religious accusations against Jesus centered on the question of His being the Son of the Living God. Yet he did not avoid that question but confessed his everlasting existence with his heavenly Father. He proclaimed His coming return as the judge of the world then was spit upon and beaten for blasphemy as a seducer of the people, and was sentenced to death (Matthew 26:63-68).

The procurator of the Roman occupying forces asked Jesus straight out if he was the king of the Jews. When Jesus said yes and proclaimed his spiritual kingdom, without taxes or weapons, the experienced official wanted to let this harmless, falsely accused man go. Jesus openly confessed the aim of his mission, which was to build the spiritual kingdom of God on earth. Muhammad, on the other hand, starting from Medina, pushed through his earthly religious state with armed forces (Sura 2:191-193; 9:5,29).

As Jesus, who was unjustly condemned and crucified, was hanging on the cross He pleaded to God to forgive his friends and foes (Luke 23:34). He wrestled with the judging God like Jacob did on the Jabbok River and did not give up until He had completed His expiatory sacrifice for all (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34). Muhammad, however, does not only deny the fact that Jesus was crucified (Sura 4:157), but also that he bore our sin (Sura 17:15; 35:18; 39:7; 53:38) and that he completed salvation for all. He made Allah lift ‘Isa up after a gentle death (Sura 3:55; 4:158; 5:116-118).

The cross was an outrage for the prophet of the Arabs (Sura 4:157; 1 Corinthians 1:18,23). He could not comprehend that Jesus was victorious in His seemingly greatest weakness. Muhammad fled from his pursuers and founded an earthly religious state. But Jesus overcame the world, Satan and the wrath of God when he died, nailed to the cross, in his faith, his love and in hope (John 16:33; 19:30).

VI. The law of Muhammad

Islam means “devotion and submission” to Allah – and to Muhammad! This total dedication is practically realized and implemented by the law of the Shari’a. Islam is a religion of law, where all sections of belief and life are ruled by regulations. The Shari’a itself does not exist as a book or as a written canon. It consists of about 500 verses scattered throughout the Qur’an and of orally transmitted accounts of the way Muhammad lived. The representatives of the five Islamic schools of law compiled their law books from those main sources. According to their laws, each Muslim should live like Muhammad did. His way of living became the Islamic standard of measure. The Islamic law contains regulations to be carried out by every single Muslim, as well as laws to be carried out by the state.

Praying five times a day, fasting in the month of Ramadan, paying the religious tax, and, if able, going on the pilgrimage to Mecca is the main part of the Islamic service in which every Muslim must take part. Though all believing Muslims must participate in jihad for the cause of Allah, the Holy War shall only be proclaimed by the ruler of the respective religious state.

Everyday issues such as marriage and divorce, caring for orphans, laws concerning trade, the ban of interest, contracts, inheritance, material witnesses, oaths and the ban of certain foods and drinks, all fall under the obligations of every Muslim. However, carrying out the medieval punishments for murder, adultery, theft, attacks on Islam, and apostasy from Islam are the responsibilities of officers of the religious state.

All these laws are a reflection of Muhammad’s life. The way he lived and judged is to be the way of living and judging in Islam. Each Muslim shall become a little Muhammad. That is seen as the only way to ensure the welfare of the Islamic state of Allah. Therefore Muhammad is called in the Qur’an “a grace of Allah” for all countries on earth (Sura 21:107).

He who observes these laws hopes to collect credits in his account of good deeds for the final judgment (Sura 35:29-30; 9:111). More than 50 times the Qur’an says that Islamic belief and good deeds, which come from the observation of the Shari’a, make possible the entry to paradise (Sura 2:25,82; 4:57,122, 124; 11:23). Islam is founded on righteousness through deeds, and belief appears merely as a good deed (Sura 11:114; 49:14-15).

But Muhammad and his Shari’a do not prove to be a grace of Allah for our world – but a curse! Nobody becomes righteous by observing the law. No Muslim has ever prayed enough, fasted enough, paid enough or led a life of sufficient integrity to be righteous before God. The Shari’a, which so many Muslims put their hope in, will not yield paradise but will yield God's judgement and condemnation. It was not in vain that Muhammad openly confessed in the Qur’an that all Muslims will go to the fire of hell! (Sura 19:70-72).

Muhammad did not see himself as a savior, but as a warner (Sura 16:2; 13:17; 38:65; 75:45). The word salvation, as it is used in the New Testament, is nowhere to be found in the Qur’an. Salvation does not fit into Islam. Muhammad rather stands behind every Muslim with the whip of his law and tries to drive them into paradise through fear of god and fear of hell. If Muhammad had died for the Muslims, his death would not have been of any use, for he was a sinner like everyone else. He did not possess any divine nature or holiness to be able to do penitence for his followers.

VII. The law of Christ Jesus

Jesus also gave a new law to his followers that comprises all parts of faith and life. They are to love each other as he loved them! (John 13:34-35). Love is the summary of more than 500 of Jesus' commands of how His followers are to believe, pray, fast, sacrifice and go on pilgrimages. He not only ordered their worship of God, but also provided guidance to everyday questions of leading a marriage and how to use money. He explained the laws of cleanliness and showed what punishment awaited those who were not ready to repent and did not want to forgive. All these commandments He summed up in the one single order: Love as I love! By that fundamental commandment He not only directs deeds, duties and bans, but He also directs intentions and attitudes toward God and men to be pure and holy. A list of good deeds is not enough for Jesus – the heart and mind must be renewed. A new spirit fills and moves the followers of Jesus forward. His very own love wants to change us into loving human beings.

By his new commandment Jesus made himself the standard of measure for his disciples. They were to love God and every human being as deeply and truly as He loved them. They were to forgive all their adversaries as completely as God forgave them (Matthew 6:14-15). Jesus Himself is our law. He ordered us to do the impossible, to become perfectly holy and merciful, just as our Heavenly Father is perfect and holy in His love (Matthew 5:48; Leviticus 19:2; 11:44-45; Luke 6:36). This challenge leads even the holiest of Jesus’ followers to fall short. Even the humblest appears as a rebel (Psalm 51:1-5).

After establishing his new law, Jesus revealed his love on the cross (Ephesians 3:18-19) by completing a justification free of charge and valid for all sinners (Romans 3:22-24; 5:1; Ephesians 2:17-22; et al.). Thus he created the legal basis for the citizens of his spiritual kingdom. By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy (Hebrews 10:14).

On the basis of His atoning death for everybody, He poured out the Holy Spirit on His praying followers. Those who were born again of the Spirit, He added to His kingdom and made them His own possession (John 3:5; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Revelation 1:6). His spirit gives us His life, His strength, His love, His joy, His peace, and His hope. Those who love Him belong to His kingdom. Muslims must live “in Muhammad,” but we have the privilege to put on Jesus, becoming a new man, and remaining “in Jesus Christ” (John 15:5; Ephesians 4:17-5:2)! Thus the basic difference between Islam and Christianity is the difference between Muhammad and Jesus!

In Islam there is no Holy Spirit, just created spirits. Therefore, there can’t be any recognition of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in Islam. The fruit of the Spirit does not exist, just the acts of the flesh. The certain hope for everlasting life is unknown among the Muslims. Islam remains a hopeless religion in spite of all promises. The curse of the law weighs them down. But the gospel justifies the believer free of charge and gives the power of Jesus’ Spirit to fulfill the law (Acts 1:8; Romans 1:16; 8:1-17). Christians do not live without a law, for Jesus’ Spirit is His law in us (Romans 8:2; Hebrews 8:10-12).

Our hope is not grounded on the flawless observance of the commandments of the Old and New Testaments, nor on our own achievements, but on Jesus Christ’s mercy alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). By nature, we are not any better than the Muslims. But the blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purifies us from all sin (1 John 1:7; Hebrews 9:14; 10:14). It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh counts for nothing (John 6:63). Christ in us is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). We do not desire the false Islamic paradisiacal pleasures of eternity, but we desire to go home and spend eternity with our Father (Luke 15:21-24)! Jesus Christ is our only hope. In the paradise of Islam, Allah is not present; he remains the uplifted, far-away, invisible despot. But our Father will wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 7:17; 21:3-7).

VIII. Muhammad’s “Great Commission”

Christianity and Islam are two world religions that claim the entire world. Muhammad ordered his followers: “Fight (with the weapon in your hand) against them until they are no longer tempted (to break away) and Allah’s religion (Islam) reigns everywhere (Sura 2:193; 8:39)”! Wherever Muslims represent the majority in a country, and when they are strong enough economically and militarily, the Qur’an and the Shari’a call them to Holy War to subjugate the non-believers, semi-believers, and the book-owners with weapons in their hands (Sura 2:191-193; 4:89-91; 9:5,28-29; et al.).

These verses not only drive the extremists and terrorists in Islam, but it is Allah’s order to all Muslims. Just as Muhammad personally took part in 29 assaults, attacks and wars, Muslims, who are to follow Muhammad's example, shall take part in the conquering of the world. He, who does not do so or interprets it in an idealistic way, wrongs Allah. Many humanists and mystics do not want to accept this fact. But if you read the laws and orders concerning Holy War in the books of the Shari’a scientists, you can find more than 125 verses of the Qur’an that prompt every Muslim to fight for Allah.

IX. Jesus Christ’s Great Commission

The Lord Jesus ordered his disciples to preach to all nations on the earth (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 1:8). He did not train his followers in close combat, nor did he buy them modern arms for attacking and defending as Muhammad did, but he ordered Peter, “Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52). Since then, all religious wars have been anti-Christian crimes.

Jesus calls us to a spiritual battle against our immorality, impurity, covetousness, jealousy, outbursts of anger, envy, arrogance, and greed (Hebrews 12:1-2). He calls us to obedience in faith, and He commissions us to offer to all Non-Christians, including Muslims, the salvation that is prepared for them. This requires prayer and His spiritual guidance. The risen crucified Christ is the lord of the mission. No one can come to Him unless the Father has enabled him (John 6:65).

The spiritual guidance and counsel that the Almighty gives to Muslims gives us calmness, peace and faith in His acting. Let us proclaim together his complete victory over the world and over sin and death, so that his Holy Spirit can complete His salvation in those who believe (1 John 5:4-5).

Mission means giving thanks for Golgotha and at the same time preparing the way for the coming Lord. Jesus, our savior, is the judge of the world and the judge of Muhammad. The Lamb of God will take the rebel to task and will call millions of Muslims from Islam's darkness (Philippians 2:9-11). All authority has been given to Him in heaven and on earth; go therefore and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-19).

The majority of regional conflicts in the last decades took place in Islamic parts of the world. Quite a number of them were declared by Muslims as constituting a Jihad against unbelievers. What is Jihad? How must this religious fighting be understood?

In the following presentation I would like to answer these questions by studying the foundations that Muslim scholars use in constructing their Sharia laws on Jihad. This basis for the martial law of Islam is primarily constituted by 95 legally binding Qur'anic verses and a number of incidents from the life of Muhammad as recounted in the biography of Muhammad by Ibn Hisham. By analyzing these foundations of the Sharia on Jihad we will get an insight into the workings of Jihad in the religion of Islam.

I The Wars of Muhammad in an Historical Perspective
The polytheists in Mecca bitterly resisted Muhammad's confession that Allah is the only God and that there were no other gods besides him. Heated debates led to an ever-growing Meccan boycott against the Muslims living among them. This was followed by slander and persecution of the socially disadvantaged Muslim and the martyrdom of Muslim slaves in Mecca. Muhammad advised 83 of his followers to flee to Ethiopia and to ask the Christians there to grant them refuge. After the death of his wife, Khadija, and the death of his paternal uncle, Abu Talib, the protection Muhammad had enjoyed from his clan in Mecca crumbled, so that he was forced to emi­grate to Yathrib (Medina) in AD 622.

Before Muhammad fled Mecca, he concluded three treaties with the Muslims in Medina to secure the protection of his person and of his followers. After he arrived he first established a multi-cultural administration for Medina, but only allowed it to function until he had enough power to impose the political structure of an intolerant religious state on its inhabitants. The growing poverty of the hundred families that had emigrated with him from Mecca to Medina caused growing tensions within his religious community. In order to care for their needs Muhammad ordered his Muslim refugees from Mecca to raid the Meccan caravans of their relatives, which they flatly refused to do (Sura al-Nisa 4:73-80). But he brainwashed them with the help of suras that were "inspired by Allah" and that justified his intentions (Sura al-Baqara 2:216-218). As a result 83 Muslim refugees from Mecca and 231 Medinan Muslims went with him to raid and rob the Meccan caravans that set out in the spring. The Battle at Badr (624 AD) ended with a triumph for the Muslims and brought the turning point in Muhammads Jihad. Many Meccans were captured and kept as hostages. They were redeemed by their townsmen from Mecca for high ransoms.

The changing fortunes in the wars of Muhammad also brought about the expulsion of the Jewish tribes from Medina. After their elimination the refugees from Mecca "inherited" their land, their houses and their Jewish wives and girls as slaves (Suras al-Ma'ida 5:82; al-Ahzab 33: 26-27; al-Hashr 59:1-7 among others). During the War of the Ditch Muhammad succeeded in sowing strife among his enemies, who outnumbered him, using deception and bribes to cause them to mistrust each other. In the treaty of Hudaibiyat he compromised with his heathen enemies by taking up the occult pilgrimage (Hajj) into Islam, so that the Meccan traders would have a steady source of income even after accepting Islam.

Since Muhammad, after concluding this treaty with the Meccans, could no longer raid the caravans from Mecca, he ordered his followers to raid other Bedouin tribes (Sura al-Hujurat 49:14), Jewish settlements outside of Mecca and Medina and Christian communities in northern Yemen, in order to support his religious state financially. After raiding the Jewish Oasis of Khaybar his Jewish concubine tried to poison him, ultimately leading to his death in AD 632.

Islamic Attempts to Justify Muhammad's Wars The religious and economic conflicts of interest in Mecca caused a rebellion of the traders against the young Muslim community living among them and later on to a boycott of the Muslims for many years. Muslims therefore call their emigration from Mecca an expulsion, which, according to the ancient Arabian law of revenge, gives them the right to retaliate (Sura al-Ma'ida 5:45; al-Shura 42:41-42 among others). This is why moderate Muslims understand the raids on Meccan caravans as constituting events in a defensive war.

The social needs of the Muslim refugees from Mecca drove Muhammad to more and more raids for booty. The religious cloaking given to these raids transformed them into planned offensive wars. In this way Islam spread at an explosive rate for many years and for more than one hundred years after Muhammad died. The result was a world power extending from the Indus River to the Atlantic. On this background fundamentalist Muslims understand holy war as obedience to a command from Allah, calling Muslims to attack the unbelievers, because their mere existence is perceived as a temptation for Muslims to fall away from Islam (Sura al-Baqara 2:193; al-Anfal 8:39 among others). Their slogan is: "Allah is with the victorious!" (Sura Al Imran 3:160; al-Ma'ida 5:56 among others).

It is pointless to ask who is at fault in this difference of opinion between liberal and fundamental Muslims, since what is right in each case seems to be decided by those who have the bigger strength. Both the supporters of defensive wars and the ones who call for offensive wars base their position on verses of the Qur'an and Muhammad's life.

Driving Forces in Muhammad's Wars: Occult Help and Sensual Rewards The emigration to Medina came after hefty debates and attempts by the residents of Mecca to starve the Muslims out. The Satanic verses in the Qur'an (Sura al-Najm 53:19-22) are Muhammad's original attempt to save himself and his Muslims through a lame compromise. Later on he retracted this satanic inspiration (Sura al-Hajj 22:52-53). After making contact with spirits (jinn) in the desert (Sura al-Ahqaf 46:29-32; al-Jinn 72:1-5) Muhammad and his followers emigrated in several stages. From then on, "Muslim spirits" have fought alongside the human Muslims in Jihad wars. The occult dimension of Islamic wars should not be overlooked (Sura Al Imran 3:61).

Angels are said to have helped the Muslims to victory in the Battle of Badr (Sura al-Tawba 9:40). Muhammad transformed the Muslims' defeat in the Battle of Uhud into the greatest victory of Islam by introducing polygamy with its promising birth surplus (Sura al-Nisa 4:3). Muhammad himself took part in 29 campaigns of war, through which robbery, booty and taking slaves have ever increasingly become the driving force of the unholy war of Muslims. Occasionally Muhammad compromised with his enemies; he would agree to a cease-fire, but only until a final victory could be achieved. After his victories he would reward poten­tial advocates of war among his enemies with generous gifts in order to win them for Islam. Whenever he held dialogues with Christians or Bedouin chiefs, his goal was the voluntary submission of his guests or opponents to Islam (Sura Al Imran 3:33-65, among others). He sent out spies and urged the rulers of the neighboring kingdoms to accept Islam immediately. The caliphs that succeeded him broke the power of the Byzantine and Sassanid empires with offensive battles and eradicated the encircled troops.

Muhammad emphasized repeatedly that war is nothing but deceit! He was a master at deception and adapting to each new situation. When he attacked Bedouin tribes near Medina, they called out, "We believe! We believe in Allah!" But Muhammad answered them, "You have not believed until you have said: We submit (i.e. we become Muslims)!" (Sura al-Hujurat 49,14). Islam means dedication or submission – voluntarily or by force! Whether through dialogue or war, the goal always remains the unrestricted rule of Islam. The Jewish tribe of Quraiza did not want to accept this principle during the Battle of the Ditch. Some of them conspired with the enemy that was besieging them. When the besieging troops withdrew more than 600 Jews of Medina had to dig their own mass grave, into which they fell after they were cut down. Jibril (Gabriel) ordered them to be annihilated.

The misunderstanding in the term "holy war" The expression "holy war," never occurs in the Qur'an! This English translation represents a visionary, idealized conception of the Arabic word ji­had. The Arabic language has various words to designate strife, battle or war. Not all of them appear in the Qur'an:

a) Kifah designates the ideal battle or conflict. In the Middle East Hitler's book "Mein Kampf" is still sold today under the title "Kifahi." But this term does not occur anywhere in the Qur'an. Muhammad never accepted any purely spiritual or theological discussions. Rather he used offers and threats with the aim to make his dialogue-partners submit to Islam.

b) Jihad literally means "to exert oneself by striving for Allah with effort and sacrifice." This term became the Islamic technical term for the striving of Muslims against unbelievers. It includes armed conflict. This term occurs in the Qur'an more than 28 times in various forms:
Sura al-Baqara 2:218; Al Imran 3:132; al-Nisa 4:95; al-Maida 5:35,54; al-Anbal 8:72,74,75; al-Tawba 9:16,19,20,24,41, 44,73,81,86,88; al-Nahl 16:110; al-Hajj 22:78; al-Furqan 25:52; al-Ankabut 29:6,69; Muhammad 47:31; al-Hujurat 49:15; al-Mumtahana 60:1; al-Saff 61:11; al-Tahrim 66:9 etc.

c) Qital designates fighting with a weapon in your hand, with the aim of defeating your enemy by force and, if necessary, to kill them in hand-to-hand combat at the risk of being killed. This word occurs, with its variations, more than 33 times in the Qur'an:
Sura al-Baqara 2:190,191,193,216,217,236,244,246; Al Imran 3:13,167, 195,246; al-Nisa 4:74,75,76,84,90; al-Anbal 8:16,29,65; al-Tawba 9:12,13,14,29,36,83,111,123; al-Ahzab 33:20,25; Muhammad 47: 20; al-Fath 48:16; al-Hadid 57:10; al-Saff 61:4 etc.

d) The rare Qur'anic word Hiraba or Harb designates an attack against Allah and Muhammad, or an Islamic declaration of war against people who oppose its laws. Such terms only occur 6 times in the Qur'an. In Sura al-Ma'ida 5:33 it is used together with Muhammad's extreme threat against those who oppose Islam and therefore represents a grave danger for every enemy of Allah and Muhammad.
Sura al-Baqara 2:275; al-Ma'ida 5:33,64; al-Anfal 8:57; al-Tawba 9:107; Muhammad 47:4

e) Many of these terms are used together with the expression Fi Sabil Allah which means "in the way of Allah" or "for the cause of Allah." In a number of cases all the other terms for strife or war are summarized in this expression. All in all this expression occurs more than 45 times in the Qur’an:
Sura al-Baqara 2:154,190,195,218,244,246,261,262,263; Al Imran 3:13,146,157, 167,169; al-Nisa 4:74,75,76,84,89,94,95,100; al-Maida 5:54; al-Anbal 8:60,72; al-Tawba 9:19,24,30,38,41,60,81,91,111,120; al-Nahl 16: 125; al-Hajj 22:58; al-Nur 24:22; Sad 38:26; Muhammad 47:4,38; al-Hujurat 49:15; al-Hadid 57:10; al-Saff 61:11; al-Muzammil 73:20 etc.

Together with qital (fighting with weapons) the phrase "Fi Sabil Allah" occurs 19 times in the Qur'an. Together with jihad (sacrificial striving for Allah) it occurs 9 times in the Qur'an. In addition it is used in connection with contributions (nafaqa) for the cause of Allah 9 times and in connection with the emigration of Muslims from Mecca "for Allah's sake" 5 times.

These findings show us that jihad in the Qur'an is not so much a "holy or spiritual striving" but a "bloody conflict." Many liberal Muslims, clever refugees seeking asylum in Western countries and European humanists do not want to admit this fact. The 95 verses of the Qur'an that are used by Muslim scholars to legitimate the laws of the Sharia on Jihad can however only be understood from this point of view.

II Allah's legalization of Muhammad's wars

The Qur'an mentions several times that the bloody fighting (qital) is predestined for Muslims and by being recorded in the divine book in heaven (Sura al-Baqara 2:216,246; al-Nisa 4:77; al-Anfal 8:55). Thus the wars of Muhammad and his caliphs are not their own decisions but were planned, inspired and carried out by Allah.

In Sura al-Baqara 2:216 we read:
Fighting with weapons (qital) has been prescribed for you even though it is repulsive to you. Maybe you are rejecting something that is good for you and love something that will prove to be bad for you. Allah knows everything – you know nothing!

Allah orders Muslims to do battle both with a weapon in their hands and with a total commitment of time, energy, money and life for the undertaking of Allah. The explicit command to bloody fighting (qital) can be read 12 times in the Qur'an: Sura al-Baqara 2:190,193,244; Al Imran 3:167; al-Nisa 4:76,84; al-Anfal 8:39; al-Tawba 9:12,29,36,123; al-Hujurat 49:9. The call to total commitment (jihad) appears 6 times: al-Maida 5:35; al-Tawba 9:41,73,86; al-Hajj 22:78; al-Furqan 25:52.

In Islam war is compulsory for every healthy Muslim. People who refuse to obey this command can count on being punished in this world and in eternity. According to the Qur'an Islamic funda­mentalists are not reckless extremists. Rather liberal, middle-class and humanistic Muslims are called disobedient cowards and agita­tors, and Allah's wrath rests on them.

At first it was revealed to them (in Mecca): Restrain your hands from combat, pray and pay the religious tax. But when it became prescribed on them to take part in bloody combat, some of them feared men more than Allah and some of them were very much afraid! They said: O Lord! Why have you commanded us to fight with weapons? Grant us a deferment! (Sura al-Nisa 4:77).

But Allah's command remained and since then all Muslims who read the Qur'an are commanded to step out of their satiated middle-class lives. The believers fight for Allah, the unbelievers fight for their devil (Taaghuut)! So fight against the enemies of Satan! Satan's deception is weak (Sura al-Nisa 4:76).

Muhammad revealed to his followers: Truly, Allah bought the souls of the believers and their property, so that they would gain paradise. That is why they fight for Allah, they kill and are killed because of his promise (Sura al-Tawba 9:111). This means: Muslims are no longer free people. Allah bought them like slaves and sent them into his war. They fight for him in a collective bondage. In Sura al-Hajj 22:78 we read the mystical statement: Make your Jihad (i.e. strive wholeheartedly) "in" Allah and fight "his" battle. He has chosen you! This unique command shows that Allah not only wants to be with his Muslims, but wants them to be bound up in him, and in this way to wage his war. This instruction is one of the most comprehensive legitimations for the battles of Muslims, since Allah calls the attack of Muslims his own battle. It is a privilege for obedient Muslims to fight in and with Allah.

III Who are the enemies of Islam?

The Qur'an names various categories of adversaries or ene­mies of Islam. Most prominent among them are those who attack Muslims with words or with weapons.

a) Those who attack Islam and drive the Muslims away

Fight for Allah against those who fight against you. But do not trespass. Allah does not love the trespassers (Sura al-Baqara 2:190).
If someone attacks you, then retaliate with the same measure with which he attacked you, when he attacked you. Fear Allah! (Sura al-Baqara 2:194c).

b) The unbelievers

Altogether we find 200 references in the Qur'an with Arabic terms for animists, non-Muslims and atheists. These "inhuman beings" are the scum of the earth to Muslims (Sura al-Tawba 8:55-56). They count as impure (Sura al-Tawba 9:28) and as law-breakers, since they don't follow the Sharia of the Qur'an, eat pork and don't pronounce Allah's name when slaughtering animals. They are seen as ignorant, lawless and mediums of sorcerers (Sura al-Baqara 2:102), who deceitfully break their contracts with Muslims (Sura al-Tawba 9:12). But their biggest sin is that they do not recognize Muhammad as a prophet and don't worship Allah in the Muslim way. Everyone who is not a Muslim is mockingly called an unbeliever (kafir) in the colloquial lan­guage. They are cursed by Allah, the angels and people (Sura al-Baqara 2:89-90,161; al-Araf 7:38; al-Ahzab 33:64,68).

Allah counts the unbelievers (all non-Muslims) as the worst animals, since they do not believe (like the Muslims). (They are) those with whom you have made a contract and who constantly break it. They do not fear god. (Sura al-Anfal 8:55-56)

The unbelievers are our certain enemies (Sura al-Nisa 4:101).

Muhammad waged war on many fronts. Most of his opponents were animists, infidels and idolaters. He declared a merciless war against them. They had only one choice: Either accept Islam or die! (9,1-5). Later the death sentence was changed into enslavement for many animists who were caught in battle, so that they would not only die once but would have to suffer the hell of slavery every day. Many Christians in North and South America bought slaves from the traders employed by European monarchs and in this way took part in the torture of slaves. Where is the repentance of Christians for their part in the slave trade?

c) The polytheists and the idolaters

The Islamic confession of faith makes everyone who believes in more than one god a blasphemer, since Islam accepts only Allah as the one God (Sura al-Anam 6:106). Whoever speaks of a "mother of God" or says that God is a Father, Christ is his Son and that we are children of God, is uttering an unforgivable blasphemy. All idolaters and polytheists are cursed! (Sura al-Ankabut 29:25; al-Fath 48:6 etc.).

Every idolater must be eliminated if he does not accept Islam. Since the existence of the polytheists is a temptation to Muslims to fall away from Islam, Muhammad broke his contracts with them in Mecca, gave them four months to think it over and thus made it possible for them to emigrate. He threatened to eradicate them if they did not accept Islam (Sura al-Tawba 9:1-12).

When the waiting time of the holy months is over then kill the polytheists wherever you find them. Take them, surround them and lure them into a trap wherever possible. But if they repent, say the Islamic prayers and pay the religious tax, then let them go. Truly, Allah is the forgiving, the merciful one (Sura al-Tawba 9:5).

This so-called verse of the sword and its echo in Sura al-Baqara 2:191-192 abrogates over 100 verses of the Qur'an that have a different tone, that call for tolerance, equality and freedom of religion. All verses that recommend co-operating with non-Muslims only apply as long as the Muslims are in the minority, as was the case when Muhammad was still in Mecca. But as soon as Islam has the majority, the tolerance is over, because Islam in every case has as its goal the erection of an intolerant religious state. Claiming human rights won't help then, because the law of Islam is considered to be directly revealed by God. No one may ever change his laws.

d) The People of the Book (Jews, Christians and Sabeans)

At the beginning of his career as a prophet Muhammad idealized Jews and Christians and called them "People of the Book." He too wanted to have a revealed book like they had. The prophet of Islam took about 60% of his Qur'an from texts of the Mishna and the Talmud and about 8% from apocryphal Christian stories. But when Jews and Christians did not accept Muhammad as a prophet, he changed his attitude toward them. He called the Jews the most dangerous enemies of the Muslims, while he remained friendly towards the Christians.

You will certainly find that the most dangerous enemies of the believers (Muslims) are the Jews and the polytheists. And you will certainly find that those (enemies) who are the most friendly to you are the Nasara (Christians), for there are pastors and monks among them. And they are not proud (Sura al-Ma'ida 5:82).

Muhammad's hatred of the Jews increased and he cursed them ten times in the Qur'an (Sura al-Baqara 2:88,159; al-Nisa 4:46,47,52; al-Ma'ida 5:13,60,64,78; al-Rad 13:52 etc.) and claimed that Allah has changed some of them into monkeys and pigs as a punishment! (2,65-66; 5,60; 7,163-166).

The Jews were an intellectual, cultural and financial power block in Medina. Some of them mocked Muhammad openly. That is why he drove them out or destroyed them – at Jibril's (Gabriel's) command – one tribe after another.

Christians passed under Muhammad's judgment later as well, after an honorable delegation of 60 people from northern Yemen discussed their faith with him for three days in the mosque in Medina. At that time Muhammad portrayed his Islam as a religion that is similar to the Gospel. The Bishop Abu Harith b. Alqama saw through the syncretism of Muhammad and left Medina without accepting Islam. Muhammad warned him and all Christians with him that Allah would plague the unbelievers.

I will plague all who remain unbelievers with a horrible plague in this world and the next and they will have no one to speak for them (Sura Al Imran 3:56).

Shortly thereafter Muhammad sent his riders into northern Yemen and subjugated the little Christian kingdom. He gave a reve­lation of Allah as the reason for his attack:

Fight (with weapons) against those who do not believe in Allah and the last day, and who do not forbid what Allah and his messenger (Muhammad) have forbidden, and who do not belong to the right religion (Islam), who belong to those who received the book, until they pay the minority tax with their own hand and (in this way) acknowledge their lowliness.

The Jews say: Ezra is the Son of Allah! The Nazarenes say: Christ is the Son of Allah! But they only say this with their lips. In this way they imitate the talk of those who were unbelievers before them. May Allah strike them dead! How they have be­come liars! (Sura al-Tawba 9:29-30).

With these two verses from the Sura of Repentance Muhammad flatly rejected all dreamers among the Jews and Christians who dreamt of these religions approaching each other. He accused them of believing in another God than the Muslims! The Jews trusted Yahweh, their loyal God of the covenant, and the Christians trusted the Father of Jesus Christ. But Allah is completely different! He is neither the God of the Jews nor of the Christians.

Muhammad stated shortly and to the point: Jews and Christians do not belong to the right religion. We are worlds apart! That is why Muhammad did not recommend any dialog based on mutual recognition, rather ordered his followers to make the Jews and Christians submit in a bloody battle with weapons until they are broken as second-class citizens of an Islamic state and pay the minority tax. Any other statements about the relationship of the three religions to each other are either self-deceiving or lies! (Sura al-Baqara 2,145; al-Hajj 22,17)

The Christians were accused of believing that Jesus is the Son of God! They tried to evangelize Muhammad! The founder of Islam cursed them in anger and called on Allah to fight against end destroy every Christian who confesses that Christ is the Son of God! (Sura Maryam 19:30). Muhammad's prayers of cursing against the Christian are, in the end, black magic (Sura Al Imran 3:61). With that Muhammad's spirit revealed itself to be an anti-Christian spirit from the father of lies, according to I John 2:22-25; 4:1-5. The goal of his wars is plain. To destroy the rule of the living Christ!

e) Stubborn Muslims and hypocrites!

Not only are attackers, unbelievers, polytheists, Jews and Christians the declared enemies of Islam, but also Muslims who harm their own people. They are to be fought until all Muslims are reunited! This is wishful thinking, as history has shown hundreds of times, but this command is part of the Qur'anic martial law and can be called upon at any time to legalize offensive action and attacks on outsiders.

Included with the outsiders are above all the hypocrites, who act as if they were Muslims, who dress and talk like Muslims, but who think and believe differently inside. Muhammad said that they have no sense and cursed them with the same curse that he used for the Christians. "May Allah strike them dead!" (Sura al-Baqara 2,159; al-Tawba 9,30.68; al-Ahzab 33,61; al-Fath 48,6; al-Muhafiqun 63,4). Muhammad exposed them because they did not offer anything for his wars and kept others from fighting (Sura al-Nisa 4:91; al-Tawba 9:73,120-121; al-Munafiqun 63:1-8; al-Tahrim 66:9 etc.).

All cowards (Sura al-Fath 48:16-17) and traitors (Sura al-Anfal 8:71) belong to the category of the enemies of Islam. They must either prove that they are good Muslims by taking part in dangerous battles or be wiped out themselves. Contracts with them are not binding (Sura al-Anfal 8:58).

Islam is harmed especially by overly sensitive dogmatists who quarrel often and endanger the unity of the troops. All Muslims must fight against them if they continue to quarrel after efforts have been made to negotiate with them (Sura al-Baqara 2:161,217; al-Baqara 4:137; al-Tawba 9:66; al-Nahl 16:106; al-Kahf 18:105; al-Zumar 39:65). These troublemakers are a danger to the unity of the Muslims, as we can already read about the founder of their tribe, Ishmael and his descendants. One of the weaknesses of the Muslims is that they always want to be the ones who are in the right.

Muhammad was especially angry with Muslims who fell away and who converted to a different religion. They are cursed three times: By Allah, his angels and all people (Sura al-Baqara 2:161; Al Imran 3:86-87). All their good works will be void (Sura al-Baqara 2:217; al-Kahf 18:105; al-Zumar 39:65). They must be tormented like criminals (Sura al-Tawba 9:66). The wrath of Allah is on every convert. The fact that he has fallen away is eternally unforgivable (Sura al-Nahl 16:106). The Qur'an does not state that converts must be killed, but the Sharia has made this a law with the help of a questionable tradition of Muhammad's.

f) Are missionaries the enemies of Allah?

Muhammad stated several times that tempting someone to fall away from Islam is more serious a crime than murder (Sura al-Baqara 2:191,217 etc.)! Non-Muslims would do everything to change the faith and the culture of the Muslims. That is why no Muslim should befriend a non-Muslim! (Sura al-Nisa 4:89 etc.). Muhammad commanded all Muslims to fight with weapons against missionary world views.

Fight (with weapons) against them until there is no more any temptation (to fall away from Islam) and Allah's religion rules everywhere (Sura al-Baqara 2:193; al-Anfal 8:39).

These temptations include the television programs and the economic colonialism of the West, as well as the propaganda of the socialist countries. But this warning and threat applies especially to Christian missionaries, since mission work is forbidden in most Islamic countries. Islam not only sees itself as a religion, but also as a religious state. Thus evangelism among Muslims counts as an attack on the foundations of the state and as an effort to undermine its existence. Thus Islam radically contradicts the human right to choose one's own religion.

g) Enemies become Brothers

As soon as an enemy of Islam repents by accepting Islam with its six articles of faith he is seen as a brother by Muslims (Sura al-Tawba 9:5,11 etc.). With that he must reject faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; leave the community of his previous world view; enter the house of Islam; say the obligatory prayers regularly and pay the religious tax as a sign of his faith. This conversion does not require a change in character nor a rebirth, but only a submission to the religious law of Islam.

IV Preparations for War

Muhammad was a master at preparing his attacks, as well as in motivating his followers to holy war. He had Allah tell him to stir up all of his Muslims to battle (Sura al-Nisa 4:84; al-Anfal 8:65 etc.).

First he tried to form the hostile tribes into a unit (Sura al-Anfal 8:72), forbade fighting between brothers and required the ones who were quarreling to make up (Sura Al Imran 3:200; al-Nisa 4:59; al-Anfal 8:1,46). He demanded that a delegation of responsible people from every clan come to him to discuss the situation so that he could inform and instruct them about the coming battle (Sura al-Tawba 9:122).

Muhammad had Allah instruct him to look for allies in his own camp among blood relatives and neutral business partners (Sura al-Anfal 8:75). At the same time he began a massive armament program and to assemble a cavalry (Sura al-Anfal 8:60).

He was especially adept at collecting contributions for the cause of war (Sura al-Baqara 2:195,261; al-Nisa 4:48; al-Tawba 9:20; Muhammad 47:38; al-Hadid 57:10) and expected a total commitment of money and life (Sura al-Nisa 4:95; al-Anfal 8:72; al-Tawba 9:41; al-Hujurat 49:15; al-Saff 61:10-11). He forbad spending money unwisely (Sura al-Baqara 2:195) and commanded the people not to swear emotional oaths and say: I will never again offer something for Allah! (Sura al-Baqara 2:224-225) Moreover he assured them: Allah loves the ones who offer for the effort of Islam (Sura al-Baqara 2:195; al-Ankabut 29:69 etc.).

Muhammad expected faith and obedience to Allah from the Muslims, and to himself (Sura 8:1,46; al-Fath 48:17 etc.). He also recommended that they separate themselves from their parents, sons, brothers, wives, slaves, houses and lands if these kept them from fighting for Allah. The party of Allah (Hisbollah) is marked by the fact that it's members are willing to separate themselves from their own families and to fight them if necessary, if they remained unbelieving (Sura al-Tawba 9:24; al-Fath 48:25; al-Mujadala 58:22 etc.).

In Islam it is wrong to love your enemies and to show sympathy for them, because they do not believe in the revealed law that is found in the Qur'an. Whoever cooperates with them causes unrest, misunderstandings and harm for Islam (Sura Al Imran 3:28; al-Nisa 4:89; al-Anfal 8:72-73; al-Mumtahana 60:1 etc.).

O believers! Do not take my and your enemies as friends and show them no sympathy. They do not believe that which has come to you as law. They drove away the messenger and you because you believe in Allah your Lord, because you go out into battle for him and try to please me. But you are secretly fond of them… Whoever of you does this has strayed far from the way (Sura al-Mumtahana 60:1).

Muhammad cursed his enemies, which legitimized their elimination. Allah's wrath rests on him. Allah himself and his angels fought with the Muslims against them. Muhammad used black magic in his unholy war. (2,159.161; 3,61.86.87; 33,61.64.68; 48,6 et al.)

Allah himself strengthened and purified his warriors for battle (Sura al-Anfal 8:11-12). He assured them that they were chosen, so they should pray, pay and fight (Sura al-Hajj 22:77-78). Armed conflict is a test for the unbelievers (Sura Muhammad 47:4). Whoever does not fight courageously in battle will be plagued horribly by Allah (Sura al-Anfal 8:16; al-Tawba 9:38; al-Fath 48:16)!

Muhammad spurred the Believers on in the Bedouin way:

O believers! Why do you let your head hang when you are told: Move on and fight for Allah! Are you more satisfied with this life than with the next life? (Sura al-Tawba 9,38).

Allah has revealed: I am with you! Strengthen the ones who are Believers! (Sura al-Anfal 8,12) Be patient! (Sura Al Imran 3 200; al-Anfal 8:46) Do not detest bloody hand-to-hand combat! (Sura al-Baqara 2,216).

Hassan al-Banna, the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt is supposed to have said: "A good Muslim is not someone who prays, fasts and pays his religious tax, but only the one who overcomes his own inhibitions and is prepared to kill the enemies of Allah – that is a true Muslim."

Muhammad stirred up his followers in the same way and said: "Everyone who believes fights for Allah with a weapon" (Sura al-Nisa 4,76).

The prayers of Muslim minorities in non-Islamic or liberal Islamic countries are meant to spur the Believers on, to free them or to help them to establish an Islamic state (Sura al-Nisa 4:75). The bloody unrest in Algeria, Kosovo, Chechnya, Kashmir, Mindanao and East Timor are related to this verse. Voluntary fighters from various Islamic countries help the oppressed to be freed from the yoke of the unbelievers.

Be ready at all times to meet the enemy, stand and fight hard and trust Allah (Sura al-Anfal 8:45). Do not run away when the battle starts, otherwise the wrath of Allah will fall on you (Sura al-Anfal 8:15-16). Help Allah, and he will help you (Sura Muhammad 47:7). Whoever fights for Allah's sake – whether he is killed or victorious – his rewards is assured (Sura al-Nisa 4:74).

Muhammad himself put his fighters in advantageous positions, where they could prove their courage in battle (Sura Al Imran 3:121).

Allah has the power to punish all unbelievers severely (Sura al-Nisa 4:83). Maybe he will give the Muslims victory (Sura al-Anfal 8:45; Al Imran 3:200). The victory comes from Allah alone (Sura al-Baqara 2:214; Al Imran 3:126; al-Anfal 8:10; al-Ankabut 29:10; al-Rum 30:5; al-Nasr 110:1).

But Jesus revealed: "Blessed are the meek, for they will in­herit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). He commanded his followers: "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who insult and persecute you, so that you will be children of your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 4:44-45). His words wipe out Muhammad's commands to hate!

V The Real Battle

Muslims are people like we are. Most of them are afraid of war, of dying and of killing. They do not want to hold dangerous battles or attacks. Many of them are peace-loving and prefer prosperity and good citizenship.

Muhammad knew that his followers were afraid. He challenged them to concentrate on Allah alone! Apart from him there is no helper (Sura al-Jinn 72:20). He commanded them: "Think of Allah often" (Sura al-Anfal 8:45). "Trust him only" (Sura al-Anfal 8:61). "Fear Allah!" He is the only one that they should fear (Sura al-Baqara 2:194; Al Imran 3:123-129,200; al-Ma'ida 5:7; al-Anfal 8:1; al-Tawba 9:118-119 etc.). Muhammad did not say: Love Allah, but rather fear him! The oppressive weight of the fear of Allah rests on Islam.

In times of battle, the liturgical worship services are to be shortened. While one group is praying, the other one should be battle-ready and on guard. Then the ones who are worshipping should step back and stand guard while the ones who were guarding pray (Sura al-Nisa 4:101-102).

Muhammad required his followers to concentrate on Allah with their whole being in order to overcome their basic fear. Victory and protection come from the Almighty alone.

Muhammad ordered his warriors to worship Allah intensively, so that they would have a mark on their foreheads from prostrating 34 times a day within their five times of prayer, as a sign of their fear and worship of Allah (Sura al-Fath 48:29). He promised the Islamic fighters that invisible troops (angels or spirits) would fight along with the god-fearing (Sura Al Imran 3:123-129; al-Tawba 9:40). They are to fight "Allah's" battle hidden "in" him. Their killing is an act of worship for Allah, in that Allah attains victory through them (Sura al-Hajj 22:78; al-Ankabut 29:69).

But if circumstances force them to hide their faith or to deny it, then this is no sin as long as they remain true Muslims in their hearts. War in Islam always means deception and betrayal (Sura al-Nahl 16:106).

For Muhammad the battle started already in the watchful attitude of his combat-ready Muslims (Sura al-Nisa 4:71,102). He commanded them to move out in troops and not to throw themselves singly into battle (Sura al-Nisa 4:71; al-Saff 61:4). He tried to create a feeling of belonging among the Muslims so that each one could rely on the other.

But the special command was to lure the enemy into a trap: "When the sacred months are over kill the polytheists wherever you find them, take them, surround them and set every possible trap for them" (Sura al-Tawba 9:5).

We read Allah's clear command to kill the unbelievers, the polytheists and the Muslims who fled, five times in the Qur'an! (Sura al-Baqara 2:191 [twice]; al-Nisa 4:89,91; al-Tawba 9:5).

What was the great sin of Muhammad's enemies that they had to die? They did not believe in Muhammad's prophethood and did not believe what he said about God and man, his books and messengers, his predestination and the resurrection of the dead. They did not take Muhammad seriously as a prophet because he got his information from Jews and Christians and passed it off as a revelation from Allah.

Christ, on his side, summarized human guilt by saying: "The Helper will convict the world of sin, because they do not believe in me!" (John 16:7-9). But Jesus did not command his followers to kill the unbelievers or fanatical legalists, but was willing to die in their place, so that their sin would be atoned for. Jesus did not carry out the just verdict on the rebels but on himself and reconciled all guilty people with the holy God. Whoever does not believe in him after his sacrifice of atonement judges himself.

But Muhammad took revenge for being rejected and fought against pagans, Jews and Christians. He himself carried out Allah's judgment against them. This makes it clear that Allah is not a God of love and reconciliation, but rather expects his Muslims to enforce his law by force. There is no Holy Spirit and no love of God in Islam, only law, submission and judgment! The command to kill found five times in the Qur'an should open the eyes of all idealists, humanists and syncretists in the occident so that they understand who Muhammad and what his Islam is.

Muhammad ordered his fighters to strike the enemies on the neck (Sura al-Anfal 8:12; Muhammad 47:4). That is the Arabic way of saying: Cut off their heads! Commanding someone to cut his enemies' fingernails is similar in meaning; it means to cut off their hands or to limit their activity (Sura al-Anfal 8:12). The command: "Be hard on them!" is repeated several times in the Qur'an (Sura al-Tawba 9:73,123; al-Fath 48:29; al-Tahrim 66:9 etc.). Whoever reads Ibn Hisham's biography of Muhammad, volume II, will read several times the expression that the swords of the Muslims "mowed" among their enemies.

Muhammad did not allow his fighters to take captives to use as slaves, as long as the battle waged. This bad habit of some Muslims caused the enemies to counter-attack when they saw that the Muslims were busy collecting the booty. That is why the enemy troops must be killed immediately in battle and not taken prisoner (Sura al-Anfal 8:67).

Many Muslims loathed this spilling of blood and the killing of the ones close to them, which was forced on them. Muhammad assured them: "You did not kill them, but Allah killed them!" "Not you shot, when you shot, but Allah shot" (Sura al-Anfal 8:17). Killing one's enemies seems to be a form of worship in this verse. This sura to justify the fighters opens the door wide for every kind of terrorism in Islam.

Muhammad commanded them to continue fighting until the enemy is conquered completely (Sura Muhammad 47:4). Collecting booty and taking women and children as slaves is allowed afterwards (Sura Muhammad 47:4). But if a hostage accepts Islam, he should be set free (Sura al-Anfal 8:70).

A basic principle of Muhammad's war appears constantly in the Qur'an: Take revenge on them in the measure in which they have harmed you. Chase them away from places from which they chase you! Kill them as they kill other Muslims (Sura al-Baqara 2:190-191; al-Nahl 16:126 etc.).

But the final goal of Islamic war is not to take revenge for injustice suffered, but to make Islam rule the world. The missionary command which summarizes all other instructions can be found in the Qur'an: "Fight them (with weapons) until there is no more any temptation (to fall away from Islam) and the entire religion (on earth) belongs to Allah" (Sura al-Baqara 2:193; al-Anfal 8:39).

To this Muhammad assured his fighters:

He (Allah) sent his messenger with right guidance and the true religion, in order to give it victory over all other religions, even when this is loathsome to the polytheists (Sura al-Fath 48:28; al-Saff 61:9).

After the battle Allah will give the victorious rulership, wisdom, and everything they need! (2,251)

Muhammad's orders to shed blood have carried with them the deaths of millions of animists, Jews and Christians. If these orders were replaced with an enslavement of the unbelievers they led millions of bound and chained people away into a hellish bondage. In the Sudan alone today, there tens of thousands of enslaved animists and Christians under Muslim masters.

Unfortunately, Moses, David and Solomon also waged bloody wars in the name of God. But Jesus has turned this page. He taught: "You have heard it said: eye for eye, tooth for tooth (Exodus 21:24), but I say to you, do not resist evil, rather: If someone strikes you on your right cheek, then offer him the other one (Matthew 5:38-42). Jesus said to Peter: "Put your sword in its place! For whoever lives by the sword will die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52).

Jesus is and remains the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9,5-6)! His kingdom is not of this world (John 18,36). He did not train his apostles in hand-to-hand combat, nor arm them with murderous weapons (Matthew 10:8-10). Any religious wars incited or lead by heads of churches are sin. Jesus preferred to die on the cross for his opponents, rather then killing them. His followers were whipped and stoned without resisting. But they blessed their enemies!

In Islam it is the opposite: Whoever kills Allah's enemies in a war on his behalf will be rewarded! Whoever falls in an unholy war of the Muslims, hopes to go to paradise.

With Christ it is different: Whoever kills in his name will be punished and go to hell.

Jesus' motive is love in truth and mercy with justice! Christ's religion is from "above"! Muhammad's religion comes from below. If Muhammad had lived before Christ, his behavior would be understandable in part. But he lived 600 years after Christ and with that developed into an antichristian spirit by rejecting Christ's non-violence and by threatening his spiritual realm. Christ's kingdom and Muhammad's kingdom are complete opposites.

VI The Reward for Muhammad's Fighters

One of the driving forces for the Muslim's attacks was collecting booty! Muhammad had to provide for his followers and refugees from Mecca, so he stirred them up to raiding against their will. The booty from these raids financed the consolidation of Islam in Medina and tided over in critical financial crises. Later Muslim caliphs and rulers lived from the gold and tens of thousands of slaves that were brought back from worldwide conquests. Bedouins and Muslims do not like to work hard or get dirty. For this they have serfs and "paid specialists." Muslims believe that they were born to rule!

Islamic scholars of the law have chosen nine verses from the Qur'an to delineate the law regarding taking booty. In addition the Muslims' book contains 30 verses that deal with the treatment of slaves. There are more verses about the keeping and treatment of slaves than there are about booty in the Qur'an. They are the core of the laws on booty.

The critical point in taking booty is how it is distributed! Muhammad commanded the Muslims not to quarrel while distributing the booty. He took the role of the arbitrator. His decisions were indis­putable and infallible (Sura al-Anfal 8:10,41; al-Tawba 9:60; al-Hujurat 49:9; al-Hashr 59:6-7; al-Mumtahana 60:11 etc.).

"Allah and Muhammad" received one fifth of the booty that was collected after the victory of the Muslim fighters (Sura al-Anfal 8:1; al-Ma'ida 5:41). But if a fortress or an oasis surrendered without fighting then Muhammad or the general in charge of the troops received eve­rything! All blood relatives, war orphans, poverty-stricken, disabled veterans and travelers were to receive a part of the booty (Sura al-Anfal 8:41; al-Hashr 59:7). The distribution of the booty was the high point of Muhammad's wars. The greed for the conquered goods caused considerable tension sometimes among the Muslims, be­cause some thought that they were receiving less than others, and Muhammad had to en-courage them repeatedly to be obedient to him, to fear Allah and to make up after quarreling (Sura al-Anfal 8:1,69 etc.).

The Qur'an states that booty can best be collected from con­quered cities and villages (Sura al-Hashr 59:7). Another good source of income was the buying back of prisoners and hostages with the highest possible ransom (Sura Muhammad 47:4; al-Baqara 2:87). In Islam Allah allows and commands taking hostages (!) and demanding ransom for their release (!). Exchanging prisoners was another way of releasing them.

Muhammad said: Allah has promised you that you will collect much booty. He allowed part of it to reach you quickly and kept people from you (so that they could not stop you). The booty is a sign for the Believers that he, Allah, would lead them in the straight path (!). (There is) another part (of the booty), which you could not collect yet. But Allah has kept it for you. Allah is capable of every­thing! (Sura al-Fath 48,20-21).

Muhammad's religiously founded teaching on booty drove the Muslims to their first wave of conquest (AD 632-732), which reached the gates of Paris and Geneva in the west and Samarkand and the Indus River in the east. Letting the conquered people work for them and cashing in on their harvests and other earnings had a calming effect on the Muslims who seized control of the land. The practice of taking boys from Christian families in the Balkans for the army of the Janissaries was a legalized form of enslavement by the Turkish sultans, who had 30,000 Christian boys taken annually, had them converted to Islam and trained for the palace guard and as police for the Ottoman Empire.

The Warriors' Reward in Eternity

Muhammad's fighters and donors hoped to receive not only blessings from Allah, but also a concrete payment as earnings for their efforts and sacrifices. Islam is a religion of works righteousness and not a religion of grace. Muslims think that the size of their record of good deeds in heaven is what decides about their future!

Thus Muslim fighters expect to be able to enter paradisiacal gar­dens with earthly delights. These gardens are mentioned 124 times in the Qur'an, especially in relation to Allah's helpers in his military enterprises (Sura al-Tawba 9:20-21,88-89,111; Muhammad 47:4-6; al-Fath 48:17; al-Saff 61:9-12 etc.).

Muhammad's attacks, with their deprivations, hunger and casualties, are also considered to be a source of good works for Muslims.

Every follower of Muhammad who is killed in a holy war is in reality not dead, but alive with Allah! (Sura al-Baqara 2:154; Al Imran 3:169; al-Nisa 4:74; Muhammad 47:4; al-Fath 48:25 etc.). He has escaped the eternal fires through his heroic death (Sura al-Saff 61:10). For this reason "criminals who have been sentenced to death" are challenged in times of war to take part in suicide missions, because they would receive forgiveness of their sins, justification and entrance into paradise from Allah through their death in battle.

This false hope that taking part in a war for Allah, dying in battle or in a suicide raid would obtain for them forgiveness of even the great sins, is confirmed several times in the Qur'an (Sura Al Imran 3:157-158,169-171,193-195; al-Nisa 4:100; al-Saff 61:9-12 etc.). This is one of the reasons Muslims think that they don't need a savior or a redeemer, because through their total commitment (Jihad), "with money and life", they hope to earn grace and justification. They think that they don't need Jesus since they believe that they can redeem themselves.

Muhammad emphasized several times that the war effort for Allah would bring the Muslims a great reward (Sura al-Nisa 4:74,95-96; al-Fath 48:29 etc.). His propaganda was meant especially to raise financial support and donations for holy war. Muhammad guaranteed that what Allah had borrowed for his war he would repay in full (Sura al-Anfal 8:60; al-Fatir 34:39). The investments that the Almighty re­ceives through Muhammad will multiply in the heavenly bank (Sura al-Baqara 2:245,261-262,265,274,277; al-Tawba 9:120; al-Hadid 57:7 etc.). All Muslims will receive the best one day, but the fighters even more so (Sura al-Nisa 4:95-96)! Donations before the victory will gain a higher position in paradise than donations after the victory (Sura al-Tawba 9:28). Allah wants to make everyone wealthy. The way to achieve this is through voluntary investments for Allah's military goals. He will give everyone who has sacrificed himself, his money and his soul, a great victory (Sura al-Tawba 9:72,89,111; al-Saff 61:12). This religious philosophy can be read in the Sura of Repentance:

Allah bought the Believers' souls and their money (prop­erty), so that they might buy paradise. That is why they must fight in Allah's way (armed) and in this way kill or be killed, according to a promise in the Torah, the Gospel and the Qur'an. Who will be more loyal in fulfilling his contract of purchase (covenant) than Allah? So be happy about the sale that you have made. This is the great triumph! (Sura al-Tawba 9,111).

Muhammad had heard from Christians that God redeems sinners from the slave market of sin (I Corinthians 6:20; I Peter 1:18-20 etc.). But he turned the meaning of these words into the exact opposite! He wrote that Muslims have to pay the price themselves and had to buy paradise with the price of their own blood or the blood of their ene­mies. But the gospel states that only God is able to pay the price of this redemption "through the priceless blood of Christ, an innocent and unspotted lamb." In this way Muhammad replaced Christ's aton­ing death with the Muslims' shedding of blood in their unholy war! Whoever understands the depths of this blasphemy is shattered and silent before this Islamic error and blasphemy.

VIII Critical reactions of modern Muslims to the martial law of the Qur'an

The majority of Muslims withdraws itself cleverly from the de­mands of the Qur'an that all believing Muslims must fight in unholy war with a weapon in their hands. They say: These decrees and laws were right for Muhammad's time! But we live in a different time and live off the efforts of the first generations of Muslims. These Qur'anic commands applied to them and not to us. We belong to a peace-loving modern Islam.

Other Muslims are more sober and chose the word jihad (total effort) as the theme of their faith and life. They say: Today we must fight against poverty, overpopulation, illiteracy, corruption and pollution. So let us sacrifice our time, strength and money in order to improve the living conditions in the countries of Islam! These idealists close their eyes to the reality of the Qur'an, which clearly calls to "qital", to battle with a weapon in your hand. In any case, they channel part of the energies of their religious community into positive tracks.

Most of the governments of the about 50 Islamic countries of the earth are not prepared to leave the escalation of holy war to the religious leaders of Islam. They have divided the Sharia of Umayyad time into secular and religious, official and personal laws. Martial and criminal law are always under the jurisdiction of the secular governments. But the duties of worship and everyday life are under the jurisdiction of the mosque and its leaders. So Islam is divided and has become schizophrenic as a religious state. Thus the fundamentalists fight with all their might against their liberal Islamic governments, so that their ideal law, the Sharia, can be instituted not in part, but com­pletely, and the liberal governments with their modern laws will be toppled from power. But the secular governments on their side, see themselves forced to imprison, to hang, or in some other way, to si­lence the Qur'anic fanatics. The Islamic Reformation has caused bloody civil wars for 50 years in many Islamic countries, the goal of which is to introduce the entire Sharia with its complete martial and criminal law. The process is still under way.

A compromise between liberal efforts and fundamentalist goals is being made in the world mission of the Muslims. By infiltrating western companies, banks and governments with extra finances from the production of oil, the influence of the Muslims is meant to increase in the East and the West. Arabic language schools, guest workers and students, mosques on all continents and mixed marriages between Muslims and non-Muslims are supposed to increase the presence of Muslims in the "House of War." The Muslims with their growing num­bers in Christian countries demand social and political rights, Islam religious instruction in public schools and political recognition in questions of taxation, in order to be anchored not only socially but also legally. The financial, economic, social and educational "holy war" has already started. But it is the Western countries that are consciously or unconsciously supporting them through child support, unemployment and social benefits. At the same time the Muslim leaders are trying to put a stop to the integration of the Muslims through the reformation of their faith.

While it varies from country to country, about 10 to 25% of the population of Muslim countries is fundamentalist. They are generally portrayed as extremists in Western media, but they are actually the only one who want to take the Qur'an literally. But liberal and humanistic Muslims are pronounced guilty by the Qur'an! The fundamentalists are not extremists, rather the Qur'an is the cause of radical Islam. But the syncretists of the West do not want to recognize this fact. But as long as the Qur'an exists in its present form the fundamentalists will be the only loyal Muslims. Ayatollah Khomeini is their shining figurehead.

According to the German secret service, there are about 20,000 Muslim fundamentalists living in Germany and they are all being observed by the secret service. Some of them are being persecuted by their own liberal governments. The potential of an Islamic underground army exists invisibly in Germany and can be stirred up and put into service at any time by agitators like Saddam Hussein or Jamal Abd al-Nassar or Ayatollah Khomeini. The same applies to most other countries on the earth. But as long as the Qur'an calls for the death of the unbelievers, all that is needed is a spark in the gunpowder to start an Islamic world war – on the condition that the gunpowder is not ruined by the materialism of the West!

Christians should recognize and accept the challenge of the hour, the mission field has come to their home country. It has never been as easy to offer the gospel to Muslims without breaking the law. But who is obeying the command of the risen Christ to evangelize all Muslims? Should only a small percentage of Christians, the fundamentalists, practice religious obedience while the majority only thinks of itself in a middle-class, syncretistic or apathetic manner? The existence of Muslims in our area places us into Jesus Christ's presence, who will one day say to us: "What you have done to the least of these, my brothers, you have done to me" (Matthew 25:40).

1. Allah’s order for the Islamization of the whole world
2. The pre-determination of all Muslims to bear arms and fight for Allah
3. Allah’s unrestricted call to fight, to Muhammad and to Muslims
4. The retaliatory war: How Allah justifies the war against non-believers in the Qur’an
5. How Allah’s call to arms is supposed to be carried out
6. Rewards for carrying out Allah’s call to arms
7. What Allah says to Muslims who are unwilling or hesitate to fight
8. What happened in the great Battle with the Muslim persecutors (at Badr in 624)
9. Allah’s call to arms during an Islamic civil war

Introduction
Since the attacks on September 11, 2001 by Islamic fundamentalists in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania, many Christians want to know why Muslims would do such terrible things; especially since politicians and media have painted a peaceful picture of Islam. In order to make it clear that Muslims who fight with weapons against non-muslims are not really going against the Qur’an, it is necessary to take serious the verses in the Qur’an which encourage such a war. There are plenty of verses that do this. Here we mention some such places where the verb qaatala (to fight with weapons to kill) is found. Words from this word-group (qaatala, qitaalan) are found 67 times in 49 different verses in the Qur’an. From those, 41 verses are meant for Muslims to act on. The most important verses are found in the following composition. In order to make the overview easier, the chosen verses are ordered in subject matter. The English translation is as close as possible to the original Arabic text. In order to give a good overview, words in parenthesis are added to give better understanding to Qur’anic verses.

To contrast the spirit behind the verses of the Qur’an with the spirit behind the inspiration of the Bible, passages from the book of Matthew have been interspersed within each topic. Only the Word of Jesus can prevail against the battle call of Allah. Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:3
1. Allah’s order for the Islamization of the whole world
Sura 61:9 He (it is) who has sent his messenger (Muhammad) with guidance, and the religion of truth, to make it superior (or victorious) over all religions, although non-believers (polytheists, pagans, idolaters) hate (it).
Sura 48:28 He (it is) who has sent his messenger (Muhammad) with guidance, and the religion of truth, to make it superior (or victorious) over all religions, and All-Sufficient is Allah as witness.
Sura 8:39 and fight (kill with weapons) them until there is no temptation (charm or attractiveness to other religions), and the religion becomes all Allah’s. If they cease (worshipping others besides Allah), certainly Allah is All-Seeing of what they do.
Sura 2:193 and fight (kill with weapons) them until there be no temptation (charm or attractiveness to other religions), and the religion becomes Allah’s. If they cease (worshipping others besides Allah), let there be no hostility, except against the ungodly.

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. " Matthew 28:18-20

2. The predetermination of all Muslims to bear arms and fight for Allah
Sura 2:216 Fighting (killing with weapons) is commanded you (by Allah) though you dislike it. It may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you. It may be that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know.
Sura 22:78 Strive hard in Allah, true fighting (jihad, battle, holy war). He has chosen you, and has not laid on you any hardship in the religion (Islam), the religion of your father Abraham. He (Allah) named you Muslims before, and in this (Qur’an); that the messenger (Muhammad) may be a witness over you, and that you be witnesses over mankind. So perform prayer; and give alms and hold fast to Allah. He is your master; and an excellent master, and an excellent helper.
Sura 9:111 Truly Allah has purchased of the believers (Muslims) their souls, and their properties, for that they shall have paradise; (on condition that) they fight for Allah’s way. So they kill and are killed. It is a promise in truth which is binding on him in the Torah, and the Gospel, and the Qur’an. And who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? Rejoice then in the bargain which you have bargained. That is the supreme success.
Sura 4:76 Those who believe fight (kill with weapons) in the Cause of Allah, and those who disbelieve fight for the cause of Taghut (Satan). So fight (kill with weapons) the friends of Satan, for the strategy of Satan is weak.
Sura 61:4 Truly Allah loves those who fight (kill with weapons) for his cause, in ranks, as though they were a solid structure.

Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48

3. Allah’s unrestricted call to fight, to Muhammad and to Muslims
Sura 2:244 Fight (kill with weapons) in the Cause of Allah, and know that Allah is All-Hearer and All-Knower.
Sura 9:123 O you who believe, fight (kill with weapons) those unbelievers who are near you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allah is with those who are the pious.
Sura 9:5 Then when the sacred months (months you’re not allowed to attack them) have past, kill the non-believers (polytheists, pagans, idolaters) wherever you find them, and capture them (as prisoners), and besiege them, and lie in wait for them in every ambush. But if they shall repent (i.e. embrace Islam and confess, “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah), and perform (required) prayer, and pay (required) alms, then leave their way free. Truly Allah (is) forgiving (and) merciful.
Sura 9:29 Fight (kill with weapons) those who do not believe in Allah, nor in the last day, nor forbid that which is forbidden by Allah and his messenger (Muhammad), nor acknowledge the true religion (Islam) – of those given the Scriptures (i.e. Jews and Christians) – until they willingly pay the religious tax (jizyah) and are humiliated.
Sura 4:84 So fight (kill with weapons) in the Cause of Allah, (you are) not accountable except for yourself, and rouse the believers (to fight along with you), perhaps Allah will restrain the strength of the unbelievers. Allah is more powerful in strength and more powerful in punishing.
Sura 8:65 O prophet, arouse the believers to fight on (kill with weapons). If there are among you twenty steadfast, they will overcome two hundred, and if there are one hundred of you, they will overcome a thousand of those who disbelieve, because they are a people who have no intellect.

But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you - Matthew 5:44

4. The retaliatory war: How Allah justifies the war against non-believers in the Qur’an
Sura 22:39 Permission is given (to Muslims by Allah) to fight (to kill with weapons against unbelievers), because they (unbelievers) have been unjust (to Muslims), and truly Allah is able to give victory.
Sura 2:190 And fight (kill with weapons) in the Cause of Allah those who fight you, and do not transgress, truly Allah does not love the transgressors.
Sura 2:191 And kill them (those whom you fight) wherever you find them, and expel them from where they have expelled you. The temptation (charm or attractiveness to other religions), is worse than killing. And do not fight (kill with weapons) at the sacred temple (in Mecca), until they fight you therein; but if they fight you, kill them. This the portion of the unbelievers.

You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. - Matthew 5:38 and 39

Sura 2:194b Whoever transgresses against you, you transgress likewise against him, and fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who are the pious.
Sura 9:12 But if they violate their oaths, after their alliance, and revile your religion, fight (kill with weapons) the leaders of unbelievers – surely their oaths are nothing to them – that they may cease (from breaking their oaths).
Sura 9:13 Will you not fight (kill with weapons) people who have violated their oaths, and intended to expel the messenger (Muhammad), while they attacked you the first time? Do you fear them? Allah is more true that you should fear him, if you are believers.
Sura 9:14 Fight (kill with weapons) them so Allah will punish them by your hands, and disgrace them, and will give you the victory over them, and heal the breasts of the believing people.
Sura 60:8-9 Allah does not forbid you to deal kindly and just with those who did not fight (kill with weapons) you in (regards to) religion, nor expelled you from your homes. Truly Allah loves those who act justly. 9As for only those who fought (against you) in (regards to) religion, and have expelled you from your homes, and helped to expel you, Allah forbids you to befriend them, and whosoever befriends with them, they are the wrongdoers.
Sura 9:36 Truly, the number of months with Allah, is twelve months in the book of Allah, on the day when he created the heavens and the earth. Of them, four are sacred. This is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein. Fight (kill with weapons) the non-believers (polytheists, pagans, idolaters) collectively as they fight you collectively; and know that Allah is with those who are the pious.
Sura 2:217 They ask you about fighting (killing with weapons) in the sacred month (if it is permitted). Say, fighting in it is a grave (offense), and preventing from the cause of Allah and disbelieving in him, and (prevents men from) the sacred temple. And expelling its inhabitants from it, is more grave with Allah. And the temptation (charm or attractiveness to other religions) is more grave than fighting (in the sacred months). They will not cease fighting you, until they turn you from your religion, if they are able. And whoever among you turns back from his religion, and dies an unbeliever, their works will be lost in this life, and the next; and they will be dwellers of the fire (of hell). They will abide there forever.

Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. - Matthew 26:52

5. How Allah’s call to arms is supposed to be carried out
Sura 8:15-16 O you who believe, when you meet those who disbelieve marching (against you), do not turn your backs to them: 16and whoever turns his back to them on that day, except as a strategy to fight (kill with weapons), or withdraw to a party (troop of his own), he indeed incurred (on himself) wrath of Allah, and his abode is hell; and the worst destination (shall it be)!
Sura 8:45 O you who believe, when you meet (an enemy) force, stand firm and remember Allah much, that you may be successful.

Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves. - Matthew 10:16

6. Rewards for carrying out Allah’s call to arms
Sura 4:74 Let them fight (kill with weapons) in the Cause of Allah, who sell this world’s life for the hereafter, and whoever fights (to kill with weapons) in the Cause of Allah, and is killed, or gets victory, we will give him a great reward.
Sura 3:142 Do you think that you will enter paradise, when Allah has not tested those who strive hard (fight in his cause); nor tested the patience?
Sura 3:195 Their Lord answered them, I will not waste the work of a worker among you, male or female, each of you being from the other. So those who emigrated and were driven from homes, and have suffered in My Cause, and have fought (with weapons) and were killed, truly I will expiate their evil deeds from them, and admit them into gardens under which rivers flow; a reward from Allah; and with Allah is the best of rewards.
Sura 48:20-21 Allah promised you abundant spoils that you will capture, and he hastened this for you, and he restrained the hands of men from you, that it may be a sign for the believers, and that he may guide you to a Straight Path. 21And others (victories and booty he promises) which are not yet in your power; indeed Allah encompasses them (for you), and Allah is ever over all things.
Sura 2:218 Truly, those who believed, and those who emigrated (from Mecca to Medina for the sake of Islam), and strive hard (fight) in the Cause of Allah, they hope for the mercy of Allah. Allah is forgiving and merciful.

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. - Matthew 6:33

7. What Allah says to Muslims who are unwilling or hesitate to fight
Sura 9:38 O believers! What excuse have you, that when asked to go forth (to fight) in the Cause of Allah, you inclined heavily towards the earth? Are you pleased with this world‘s life rather than the hereafter? But the pleasure of this world’s life compared to the hereafter is but little.
Sura 4:77 Have you not observed those who were told to hold back their hands (from fighting), and perform prayers, and pay the alms? But when fighting (to kill with weapons in war) is commanded them, behold, a part of them fear men as they should fear Allah or even more, and they say, “Our Lord, why have you commanded us to fight (to kill with weapons in war)? Would not you delay it for us until the end?” Say, “The pleasure of this world’s life is but little. The hereafter is better for him who fears Allah, and you shall not be wronged in the very least.
Sura 9:83 If Allah brings you back to a party of them (hypocrites), and they ask your permission to go out (to fight), say, “Never shall you go out with me and never (shall you) fight (kill with weapons) an enemy with me; you were pleased to sit (inactive) the first occasion; therefore sit (now) with those who stay behind.”
Sura 57:10 And what excuse have you, that you spend not in the Cause of Allah? And to Allah belongs the inheritance of the heavens and the earth. Not equal among you are those who have spent and fought (killed with weapons) before the conquering (of Mecca). Such are in higher degree than those who spent and fought afterwards. But to all Allah promised the best (reward). And Allah is Aware what you do.
Sura 47:20 And believers say: “Why is not a Sura sent down? But when a decisive Sura is sent down and fighting (kill with weapons) is mentioned, you will see those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy) looking at you with the look of one fainting to death. It was better for them (to obey Allah and fight).
Sura 4:75 And what reason have you that you do not fight (kill with weapons) in the Cause of Allah and for those weak among men, women and children who say: “Lord! Bring us from this town, whose people are oppressors, and raise for us from you a protector, and raise for us from you a helper.”
Sura 3:167 And that he might test the ungodly, it was said to them: “Come, fight (kill with weapons) in the Cause of Allah, or defend yourselves.” They said: “If we had known there would be fighting, we would have certainly followed you.” They were on that day nearer to unbelief than to faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts. But Allah knows fully what they concealed.
Sura 2:246 Have you not considered the assembly of the children of Israel, after (the time of) Moses, when they said to a prophet of theirs, “Appoint for us a king and we will fight (kill with weapons, et al) in the Cause of Allah.” He said, “Would you then not fight, if fighting was commanded of you?” They said, “Why should we not fight in the Cause of Allah while we have been driven out of our homes, and (deprived) of our children?” But when they were commanded to fight, they turned away, except a few of them: And Allah knows fully the ungodly.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30

8. What happened in the great Battle between the Muhammadans the Muslim persecutors (at Badr in 624)
(The following verses tell of the Battle between the Muslims from Medina and a much larger group of hedonistic Meccans in March, 624 at the oasis of Badr, west of Medina.)
Sura 3:121 And (remember) when you left early morning from your household to post the believers at their stations to fight (kill with weapons); and Allah is all-hearing and all-knowing.
Sura 8:17 You did not kill them, but Allah killed them. And you did not throw (the weapon), but it was Allah who threw (it); that he might test the believers by a gracious trial from himself. Truly, Allah is all-hearing, all-knowing.
Sura 3:13 There has already been a sign in two armies that met (in battle): One army fought (killed with weapons) in the Cause of Allah, but the other were unbelievers. They (believers) saw twice as many (unbelievers) with their own eyes (although they were three times their number). And Allah supports with his victory whom he wills. Truly, in this is a lesson for those who understanding.

9. Allah’s call to arms during an Islamic civil war
Sura 49:9 And if two parties of the believers begin fighting (with weapons), then make peace between them. And if the one of them descends unexpectedly against the other, then fight (with weapons) against that one which descended unexpectedly, until they comply to the judgement of Allah. And if they comply, make peace between them justly and be equitable. Truly, Allah loves the equitable.
Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes! - Matthew 18:7

Offenses relating to religion: Pakistan Penal code 295-B
Defiling, etc, of copy of Holy Quran. Whoever will fully defiles, damages or desecrates a copy of the Holy Quran or of an extract therefrom or uses it in any derogatory manner or for any unlawful purpose shall be punishable for imprisonment for life.

295-C
Use of derogatory remarks, etc; in respect of the Holy Prophet. Whoever by words, either spoken or written or by visible representation, or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.

298-A
Use of derogatory remarks, etc..., in respect of holy personages. Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation, or by any imputation, innuendo or insinuation, directly or indirectly defiles a sacred name of any wife (Ummul Mumineen), or members of the family (Ahle-bait), of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), or any of the righteous caliphs (Khulafa-e-Rashideen) or companions (Sahaaba) of the Holy Prophet description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

298-B
Misuse of epithet, descriptions and titles, etc. Reserved for certain holy personages or places. Any person of the Qadiani group or the Lahori group (who call themselves Ahmadis or by any other name) who by words, either spoken or written or by visible representation: refers to or addresses, any person, other than a Caliph or companion of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), as "Ameerul Momneen", "Khalifat-ul-Momneen", "Khalifat-ul-Muslimeen", "Sahaabi" or "Razi Allah Anho"; Refers to or addresses, any person, other than a wife of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), as Ummul-Mumineen; refers to, or addresses, any person, other than a member of the family (Ahle-Bait) of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), as Ahle-Bait; or refers to, or names, or calls, his place of worship as Masjid; shall be punished with imprisonment or either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine. Any person of the Qadiani group or Lahore group, (who call themselves Ahmadis or by any other names), who by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representations, refers to the mode or from of call to prayers followed by his faith as "Azan" or redites Azan as used by the Muslims, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine.

298-C
Persons of Qadiani group, etc, calling himself a Muslim or preaching or propagating his faith. Any person of the Qadiani group or the Lahori group (who call themselves Ahmadis or any other name), who directly or indirectly, posses himself as a Muslim, or calls, or refers to, his faith as Islam, or preaches or propagates his faith, or invites others to accept his faith, by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation or in any manner whatsoever outrages the religious feelings of Muslims, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine.

DailyNew Karachi : June 7. (PR) Kalimatullah Fellowship & Evangelism Ministry on Friday asked the government to acknowledge the sanctity of matrimonial sacrament, which could only be solemnized by a man ordained by the church and not one who has been licensed by the Home Department.

The Kalimatullah Fellowship & Evangelism Ministry Director Asia pronounced the Christian Marriage Act of 1872 contrary to the spirit of Christianity, which considers marriage purely a sanctified relation. "It can only be tied in the presence of a person who has received Episcopal ordination and not acquired certificate from the civil authority."

Azali and the Kalimatullah Fellowship & Evangelism Ministry of Pakistan remarked that the Christian Marriage Act of 1872 was a 'dagger' causing shame besides wounds to Christians. Citing many verses from the books of John, Mark and Mathew, he augmented his opposition to certifying persons of varying knowledge to solemnise marriages.

Quoting from the book of Mathew, Azali said that both husband and wife once united in the bond of marriage could not be separated by anyone, including even the one who had earlier solemnized their marriage. "... So they are no longer two but one, therefore, what God has joined together let man not separate."

Rev .Azali explained that his divine task of solemnizing marriages had been protected in Section 5/1 of the Christian Marriage Act whereas the fundamental rights enshrined in Article 8 of the Constitution provided ample religious freedom to everybody. "We find Section 5 of the act and Article 8 of the Constitution enough for us."

Aziz ur Reham, a jurist, said that the 129-year-old Christian Marriage Act must be repealed except its Section 5 Clause 1. The section, dealing with the 'persons by whom marriages may be solemnized in Pakistan, he said, states that any person who has received Episcopal ordination. ". Provided that the marriage be solemnized according to the rules, rites, ceremonies and customs of the church of which he is a minister," he quoted Section 5. "Anything else in the law does not fall in! Harmony with the teachings and practice of our faith."