In the name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful.

The photograph in the album is one of the proofs of the divinity of the Holy Quran. Read about this miracle in item 5 in this blog published on February 16, 2006. You might visit the URL http://www.bilal-prayer.com/Quran_en.html

You are invited to read – 13. Allah exists – A proof; and 14. Evidence that the Holy Quran supersedes the Holy Torah and the Holy Bible – in this blog. As of now, only one religion is approved by God Almighty – Islam.

The translation of Verse 5 of Chapter 9 of the Holy Quran by four translators – Yusuf Ali, Shakir, Pickthal, and M. Khan – could be found in http://www.searchtruth.com/chapter_display_all.php?chapter=9&from_verse=5&to_verse=5&mac=&translation_setting=1&show_transliteration=1&show_yusufali=1&show_shakir=1&show_pickthal=1&show_mkhan=1

For our discussion we use the translation given by Yusuf Ali. Quoting we have:

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But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

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Our intention is to establish peace. By itself this Verse indicates peace during the four months, the four forbidden months the 1^st, 7^th, 11^th and 12^th months of the Islamic calendar. Notice that three months are continuous and one month stands alone. Whatever be the provocation by the enemy, moment any of the forbidden months has started, there is no fighting. Accordingly, in these four months peace exists; no war.

What about the remaining eight months? Verse 5 of Chapter 9 of the Holy Quran by itself permits war on the Pagans unless they become Muslims. This is the worst coercion possible: either become a Muslim or die!

The Holy Quran is a consistent book. That means our interpretation of any part of the Holy Quran should not contradict any other part of the Holy Quran. What does Verse 4 of Chapter 9 say?

The translations could be seen at http://www.searchtruth.com/chapter_display_all.php?chapter=9&from_verse=4&to_verse=4&mac=&translation_setting=1&show_transliteration=1&show_yusufali=1&show_shakir=1&show_pickthal=1&show_mkhan=1

We consider the translation by Yusuf Ali below:

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

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The (peace) treaties are to be observed for the full term for all except those who have violated the (peace) treaty. The (peace) treaty is abrogated if the other party has failed to observe the terms of the treaty. Naturally, the enemy has broken the (peace) treaty and thus the Muslims also break the treaty to ensure a level playing field. What if a group aids the enemy against the Muslims? The act of aiding the enemy itself is a hostile act by the other party and thus the other party has violated the (peace) treaty. All that Verse 4 of Chapter 9 implies is that the Muslims need not cling to a (peace) treaty once the other side has broken the treaty explicitly or implicitly.

Verses 4 and 5 of Chapter 9 imply that Muslims should maintain the peace treaties that are maintained by the other party for the full term; even those who violate the peace treaty shall not be attacked during the four forbidden months.