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Declaration of war Quote by Robert Spencer

“But even if that were true, the key phrase “begin not hostilities” doesn’t necessarily mean what many Westerners assume or hope it means. The command to fight until “there prevail justice and faith in Allah” suggests there is an aspect to the warfare that is not purely defensive: Muslims must…” quote by Robert Spencer
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““But even if that were true, the key phrase “begin not hostilities” doesn’t necessarily mean what many Westerners assume or hope it means. The command to fight until “there prevail justice and faith in Allah” suggests there is an aspect to the warfare that is not purely defensive: Muslims must continue the war until Allah’s law prevails over the world, which implies a conflict without end. The passage concludes, “And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah” (2:193). Ibn Ishaq explains that this means that Muslims must fight against unbelievers “until God alone is worshipped.”11 Ibn Kathir also contends that the verse instructs Muslims to fight “so that the religion of Allah becomes dominant above all other religions.”12 Bulandshahri puts it in starker terms: “The worst of sins are Infidelity (Kufr) and Polytheism (shirk) which constitute rebellion against Allah, The Creator. To eradicate these, Muslims are required to wage war until there exists none of it in the world, and the only religion is that of Allah.”13 That bears repeating. “The worst of sins are Infidelity (Kufr) and Polytheism (shirk) which constitute rebellion against Allah, The Creator. To eradicate these, Muslims are required to wage war until there exists none of it in the world, and the only religion is that of Allah.” That’s an open-ended declaration of war against every non-Muslim, in all times and in all places.””

Robert Spencer

About This Quote

The passage interprets a religious verse as mandating perpetual war until only one faith dominates, suggesting an endless conflict against non‑believers.

In simple terms: It claims a scripture calls for endless war to enforce a single religion.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how interpretations can fuel extremist ideologies.

Themes

religion conflict extremism interpretation politics

Mood

critical analytical

Type

theoretical political

When to use this quote

  • interfaith dialogue
  • policy making
  • academic research
  • peacebuilding
  • counter‑radicalization

Key Concepts

theology jurisprudence political ideology militant jihad

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this interpretation affect Muslim‑non‑Muslim relations?
  • What alternative readings exist within the tradition?
A Different Perspective

Such readings ignore historical context and diverse scholarly views that emphasize peace and coexistence.

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