'Verse of the sword'

[Visionary]

Salaam,

I'm not sure if this has been posted already sorry if it has.

Many non- Muslims use the 'Verse of the Sword' as a rebuttal when Muslims proclaim their peacefulness and Muslims state that this is contextual.


Chapter 9, verse 5:

"Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the jizya (a tax for non-Muslims), then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."

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From Quranic analysis, how is this verse interpreted?

Regards,

[Joseph Islam]

Salamun Alaikum brother,

The following article and illustration have been written to tackle this subject from a Quranic perspective. I trust that this helps in some small way, God willing.

A MESSAGE OF PEACE OR TO LIVE BY THE SWORD
http://quransmessage.com/articles/a%20message%20of%20peace%20or%20to%20live%20by%20the%20sword%20FM3.htm

UNDERSTANDING SURAH TAUBA (CHAPTER 9) AND THE INFAMOUS KILLING VERSES
http://quransmessage.com/articles/surah%20tauba%20FM3.htm

Regards,
Joseph.