Answer
Salam (Peace) Dear Questioner,
Thank you for for contacting About Islam with your question.
Please find part one of the answer to your question at the link here and part two below. Look for the third part tomorrow.
Now for your claim (which was edited out of your question for the sake of brevity), “Recent bomb blasts in churches killing Christians, including innocent women and children, confirm the weird belief of Islamic terrorists”.
I disagree. I could understand this if you simply said, “confirms the weird belief of terrorists”.
If I were to say, the Spanish Inquisition confirms the weird belief of Catholic terrorists, would you agree? Or, if I were to say the near annihilation of the Inca’s by the Spanish Conquistadors confirm the weird belief of Catholic terrorists, would you agree?
In fact, if I were to generalize and say, whenever a conquering force has practically annihilated or reduced to second class status the indigenous population, would you agree?
This would imply in the case of Australia the Christians were terrorists; in the case of New Zealand and the Maoris, the Christians were the terrorists; in the case of America and the Red Indians, the “Founding Fathers”, English, and French Christians were terrorists?
In the case of Palestinians, Judaism confirms the weird belief of Jewish terrorists; in the case of Myanmar (Burma) and the Rohingya, the Buddhists are terrorists; in the case of Sri Lanka the Tamils are terrorists because of their religion; and in modern times the US, UK, EU, etc … are confirmed as Christian terrorists because of their attacks on Iraq (Bush actually called it a crusade), Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, etc. …?
It is just possible you might agree in one or two of these instances, but I say to you in all seriousness, in my opinion these people do not know their religion or, if they do, they are twisting it to suit their own ends.
And, this is the case for people who try to use religion to justify their own ends, as well as for leaders who try to “play god”.
Islam has crystal clear rules and provisions that forbids:
– Killing non-combatants
– Killing innocent persons: the elderly, women, & children
– Killing or pursuit of fleeing persons and those who have surrendered
– injuring prisoners, or mutilating the bodies of the dead
– destroying vegetation, livestock, structures, or buildings that have no connection with combat.
Let us consider a passage from the Quran:
{But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever you 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.} (Quran 9:5)
This is the verse of the sword or so those who hate Islam call it. But these people often forget to read the next verse:
{If one among the Pagans asks you for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah. And then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge.} (Quran 9:6)
These two verses should be read together with the verses 9:1-4, then the picture becomes clearer.
{A (declaration) of immunity from Allah and His Messenger, to those of the Pagans with whom you have contracted mutual alliances: Go you, then, for four months, backwards and forwards, (as you will), throughout the land, but know you cannot frustrate Allah (by your falsehood) but that Allah will cover with shame those who reject Him.
And an announcement from Allah and His Messenger, to the people (assembled) on the day of the Great Pilgrimage, that Allah and His Messenger dissolve (treaty) obligations with the Pagans. If, then, you repent, it were best for you; but if you turn away, know that you cannot frustrate Allah.
And proclaim a grievous penalty to those who reject faith. (But the treaties are) not dissolved with those Pagans with whom you have entered into alliance and who have not subsequently failed you in anything, nor aided any one against you. So, fulfill your engagements with them to the end of their term; for Allah loves the righteous.} (Quran 9:1-4)
Note also that all treaties were to end at a specific time – when the forbidden months had passed, there was a grace period, and it was not instantaneous.
The rest of your question will be answered over the next few days.
Salam (Peace).
Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:
Is It A Muslim’s Duty to Kill Infidels? (Part 1)
Did Islam Grow by Killing Non-Believers?
Defining the Kafirs (Infidels)?
Can Muslims Befriend People of Other Faiths?
Does Islam Promote Killing Innocent People?
Confusion Over The Fighting Verses