Let me establish a baseline before I begin discussing Islam so you understand my perspective. I am a Catholic, 20-year Vet (USAF) and a 20-year employee from JPMC. I retired from both organizations, so I am not exactly young, but I have been around for a long time and have witnessed many events.
Please understand that I am not in any way an expert in Catholicism, Christianity, Islam or Judaism. However, I love doing research that helps others gain a deeper understanding of world events. Understanding is not approval or agreement, but knowledge for discussions. Islam is a sensitive topic when it comes to the news media, and my intent is in no way to degrade Islam but to provide an overview from my perspective. One primary reason I am writing this piece is that Americans in general are clueless about Islam and place all Muslims in the same bucket. That would be like putting Catholics and Protestants in the same bucket, but that won’t happen because of the difference in beliefs. I’m here to open a window for you to gain a deeper understanding of Islam. If I offend any Muslim or anyone, for that matter, please let me know and why, so if necessary, I can update this article.
This article presents my opinion, based on my research; however, it is essential to note that when it comes to religion, there are numerous disputes about history and conflicting information from experts. Some facts will never be agreed upon, so people must make their own decisions about which research to believe.
This article intends to inform others so they can decide what they believe, not what Mainstream Media presents from their leftist view. I hope you enjoy this. If there are any factual errors, not just opinion disputes, please let me know. But I will not argue over one resource versus another. Finally, my view of the world is based on Christianity, Patriotism and Family.
Let us begin with a look at the origins of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the three major religions. I am not including many other religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, because they don’t generally believe in the God of these three major religions. At least that is my impression based on the research I conducted. In addition, there are variations in timelines for all the religions, except the Big Three, displayed below, which are pretty standard in history. The only purpose of this chart is to provide you with an understanding of the timeline of the three major religions. Notice, though, that Islam is very late in the timeline compared to Judaism and Christianity. I’m not sure that means anything except that Judaism and Christianity were well established before Islam showed up. Does that matter? I’m not sure.
https://darbymatt.medium.com/the-abrahamic-western-religions-d8ff1d74b2ae
To add some perspective, I find the following chart quite informative. Notice that all three of these religions trace their origins back to Abraham. How many of you knew that? I’m only asking because I’ve learned a lot from this research. The break between religions appears to be between Isaac and Ishmael, both of whom are discussed in the Bible, Torah, and Koran. There are similarities between all three of these religions, but the differences are where all the issues begin. If we focused on similarities rather than differences, perhaps we could live in peace. But that is a dream for now.
https://darbymatt.medium.com/the-abrahamic-western-religions-d8ff1d74b2ae
Now, let’s get started with the meat of this article - Islam. According to PBS “Islam is believed to have started in 610 CE when the Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation in Mecca. The religion rapidly spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond after Muhammad's death in 632 CE.”
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/teach/muslims/timeline.html
Over time, Islam evolved just like Christianity and Judaism. The religion split into factions, a topic that warrants a lengthy discussion for another article. I am only providing an overview so that people understand the distinction between good and bad Islam (IMO), just like there is good and bad Christianity and Judaism, otherwise known as extremists. So, what am I talking about when it comes to Islam?
Over time, Islam split into Sunnis and Shias, which I will be discussing at a high level. However, it is worth noting that there are many similarities between these two sects, and just like Christianity, they coexist with no issues most of the time. It is the extremist sect of Islam that I will be talking about, and they primarily live in Iran. If you want to learn more, you will have to find a book to explain Islam; it is very complicated, but it has a very interesting history. I am keeping this at a high level for you with the expectation that you will research more if you have questions.
The image below is a summary of the major differences between Sunnis and Shias. The significant difference lies with the Imam, which is comparable to the Pope or perhaps the Cardinals, for Sunnis. However, for Shias, the Imam is the sole leader over all aspects, including the military and government. However, Imams hold considerable power for both sects. The difference is that Sunnis don’t think the Imam is infallible. In contrast, Shia Muslims believe the Imam is beyond question, the leader, and that every decision is holy and needs to be followed. The following three images provide an overview of Imam and show the differences between the sects.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/01/ca/1f/01ca1f2bbbbc05f4d08e2a182ccf9f8d.jpg
Let’s take this a bit further by looking at how complicated Islam is for non-Muslims like me. The charts below from Information is Beautiful provide an overview of the split between Sunni (green) and Shia (red), and as you can see, it branches out quite significantly. If you look at the two other charts, you will see that the Sunnis predominate by location, but it seems there is no defining line by country. Only that Shia is almost all in Iran and spread thin to other countries. You can also notice that Christianity by population is 2,100M, Islam is 1,600M, and Jews are 20M. My question from this information is, why is Islam picking on Jews that have such low numbers? I’ll get into that. These charts are a bit difficult to see because of all the information they contain, but you can get the message:
https://informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/islamic-sects-schools-branches-movements/
Enough for the history overview. Let’s get into the major differences between Sunni and Shia. Realize they coexist throughout the Muslim world just like Protestants, Catholics, and Jews.
Overall, Islam is a strict religion and their source is the Koran (Quran), the equivalent of our Bible, but with some interesting things to know.
“The Quran is the holy book of the Islamic world. Collected over a 23-year period during the seventh century C.E., the Quran is said to consist of Allah's revelations to the prophet Muhammad, transmitted through the angel Gabriel. Those revelations were written down by scribes as Muhammad pronounced them during his ministry, and his followers continued to recite them after his death. At the behest of the Caliph Abu Bakr, the chapters and verses were collected into a book in 632 C.E.; that version of the book, written in Arabic, has been the holy book of Islam for over 13 centuries. Islam is an Abrahamic religion, meaning that, like Christianity and Judaism, it reveres the biblical patriarch Abraham and his descendants and followers.”
https://www.learnreligions.com/quran-2004556
Notice that all three of the big religions revere Abraham, as well as many others from the Bible and Torah, which are shared. But the execution of Islam and interpretations from God are significantly different. That is where the issue begins—interpretations, which is an issue with all the big three religions.
One other quick point is that the Koran was written by Muhammad, the Prophet, through his visions over time, and he is parallel to our Jesus in Christianity. Notice what I stated, the Koran is the creation of one person - Muhammad. Muhammad had many visions that were recorded in the Quran over time and put together by others. Additionally, Islam holds Muhammad as the person who talked to God and passed on what he was told. For Judaism, from what I could find, there is no direct equivalent of Jesus and Muhammad; however, some of my research mentioned that Moses is credited with writing the Torah in certain situations. However, others say multiple authors wrote the Torah. For the Bible, most know it was written by many over a period of time. Research varies when looking at any religion, as well as opinions, and this article comes from what I found and may not be your opinion, but then there is Google and AI if you want to dispute my findings.
Interpretations: The information surrounding interpretations of the Quran is very complex, so I ended up using GrokX AI to summarize it for me. AI surprised me and actually performed quite well in this research. The following information from AI focuses on the extremist interpretations that support the killing of Jews and the conversion of everyone to Islam. This way, you will know where the extremists are using the Koran for their purposes through interpretations of scripture in the Quran.
JEWS AND THE KORAN
The following comes from GrokX:
“Quranic Verses Often Cited for Violence or Hostility Toward Jews
The following verses are sometimes referenced in discussions of violence or negative attitudes toward Jews.
Surah 2:191 (Al-Baqarah):
Text: “And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah is worse than killing…” (Yusuf Ali translation).
Context: This verse was revealed in Medina during conflicts with the Quraysh tribe and others who opposed the Muslim community. It addresses defensive fighting against those who persecute Muslims.
Interpretation: Critics, including some X posts, cite this verse as a call to kill non-Muslims, including Jews. However, scholars like Khaled Abou El Fadl argue it’s about self-defense in a specific context, not a general command to kill Jews or others. The term “them” refers to aggressors, not a religious group.
Note: The verse is part of a broader passage (2:190–193) emphasizing fighting only those who fight you and ceasing if they desist.
Surah 5:51 (Al-Ma’idah):
Text: “O you who believe! Do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them…”
Context: Revealed in Medina, this verse likely addressed political alliances during tensions with some Jewish and Christian tribes who opposed the Muslim community.
Interpretation: Some interpret this as a blanket prohibition against befriending Jews, fueling hostility. Extremists may use it to justify social or violent exclusion. However, scholars note that the Arabic term awliya (translated as “friends”) often means “allies” or “protectors” in a political sense, not personal friendships. Other verses, like 60:8, encourage kind treatment of non-aggressors.
Note: This verse is balanced by 5:82, which praises Christians for being closest in affection to Muslims, though it notes enmity from some Jews and polytheists.
Surah 5:33 (Al-Ma’idah):
Text: “The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His apostle and strive to make mischief in the land is only this, that they should or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides or they should be imprisoned…”
Context: This verse addresses those who actively fight against the Muslim community or cause corruption. It’s not explicitly about Jews but is sometimes applied broadly.
Interpretation: Critics may cite this as evidence of harsh punishments for opponents, including Jews, in historical conflicts. However, mainstream scholars limit its application to specific acts of rebellion or treason, not a general call for violence.
Note: The preceding verse (5:32) praises the sanctity of life, stating that killing one person is like killing all humanity, a principle derived from Jewish tradition.
Surah 9:30 (At-Tawbah):
Text: “And the Jews say: Uzair is the son of Allah; and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah… may Allah destroy them; how they are turned away!”
Context: This verse criticizes theological claims by some Jews and Christians that were seen as deviating from monotheism. The reference to Jews calling Uzair (Ezra) the son of God is debated, as it’s not a widely recognized Jewish belief.
Interpretation: The phrase “may Allah destroy them” is harsh and has been used to justify hostility. However, scholars argue it’s a rhetorical condemnation of specific theological errors, not a call for physical violence.
Note: This verse is part of a surah addressing a specific conflict with groups violating treaties, not a universal directive.
Hadith Often Cited for Violence Against Jews
While not Quranic, a specific Hadith is frequently referenced in discussions of violence against Jews:
Text: “Judgment Day will not come until the Muslims fight the Jews, and the Jews will hide behind rocks and trees, and the rocks and trees will say: O Muslim, O servant of Allah, there is a Jew behind me, come and kill him—except for the gharqad tree, which is one of the trees of the Jews.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 41, Hadith 6985)
Context: This Hadith, attributed to Muhammad, is eschatological, describing events at the end of times. It’s cited in sermons and texts to incite anti-Jewish sentiment, as seen in examples from imams in the U.S., Canada, and Jerusalem.
Interpretation: Some Muslims, especially extremists, treat this as a prophecy justifying violence. However, its authenticity is debated, and scholars note it lacks multiple chains of transmission, weakening its reliability. Mainstream scholars argue it’s not a command for present-day action but a prediction of future events, and some denounce its use in hate sermons.
Note: This Hadith has been controversial, with groups like Wasatia calling for Muslims to reject its use in advocating genocide.
DOES EVERYONE HAVE TO BE A MUSLIM PER THE KORAN?
Quranic Verses Cited for Universal Islam
The following verses are often referenced in discussions about Islam being the religion for all humanity:
Surah 3:19 (Al-Imran):
Text: “Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam…” (Sahih International translation).
Context: Revealed in Medina, this verse addresses theological disputes with Jews, Christians, and others, asserting that true submission (islam in Arabic) is the essence of God’s religion.
Interpretation: Some interpret this as declaring Islam the only valid faith, suggesting everyone should adopt it. However, scholars like Yusuf Ali note that “Islam” here refers to submission to God, not necessarily the formalized religion. The verse doesn’t explicitly call for forced conversion. Critics on platforms like X may cite it to argue Islam claims exclusivity.
Note: The next verse (3:20) instructs Muhammad to invite others to Islam but doesn’t mandate coercion.
Surah 3:85 (Al-Imran):
Text: “And whoever desires other than Islam as religion—never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.”
Context: Also Medinan, this verse follows discussions about People of the Book (Jews and Christians) and their beliefs.
Interpretation: This is often cited to argue that only Islam is acceptable to God, implying everyone should convert. However, scholars like Seyyed Hossein Nasr (in The Study Quran) argue it refers to those who knowingly reject truth after receiving it, not a blanket condemnation of other faiths. The term “Islam” may again mean submission to God broadly. Extremists use this to justify intolerance, while moderates pair it with 2:62 (below) to show inclusivity.
Note: No mention of enforcing conversion in this verse.
Surah 2:193 (Al-Baqarah):
Text: “Fight them until there is no [more] fitnah and [until] religion is [acknowledged to be] for Allah…”
Context: Revealed during conflicts with Meccan polytheists, this verse addresses defensive warfare against those who oppressed Muslims.
Interpretation: Some extremists interpret “religion is for Allah” as a call to make Islam universal through fighting. However, mainstream scholars, like those in Tafsir al-Jalalayn, clarify that “fitnah” means persecution, and the verse calls for ending oppression, not forcing Islam on everyone. The passage ends with “if they cease, let there be no hostility” (2:193), emphasizing peace over coercion.
Note: This verse is often misquoted out of context on X to suggest Islam demands global conversion.
Surah 61:9 (As-Saff):
Text: “It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, although those who associate others with Allah may dislike it.”
Context: A Medinan verse, it speaks of Islam’s triumph over falsehood.
Interpretation: Some see this as a prophecy that Islam will eventually dominate all religions, potentially implying everyone should become Muslim. Scholars like Ibn Kathir interpret it as Islam’s spiritual or moral superiority, not a mandate for forced conversion. Extremists may use it to justify expansionist views, but it lacks explicit commands to convert others.
Note: Similar phrasing appears in 9:33 and 48:28, reinforcing the idea of Islam’s ultimate prevalence.”
GrokX did a good job in summarizing all this information, and without AI, it would have taken a lot longer to put this together. So, if you have made it this far through the article, you should have a feel for how violence and Jew hatred can come from the Quran by interpretations from extremist Imams, considered infallible. Nobody questions these Imams (Shia), mostly from Iran. One thing is for sure, and that is that it is easy for an Imam to sell his view by his interpretations of what is in the Quran, to the people. And remember, the Shia Imam cannot be questioned.
I am pretty sure that religious figures from Christianity and Judaism have scripture that could be used for violence or other disgusting acts, but over time, these religions have matured. Islam is in the process of maturing and one day will merge into one peaceful religion. Of course, that is in my opinion, and I am a nobody trying to inform others.
I hope you enjoyed this article, and my purpose was only to provide you with a summary of Islam so you do not lump all Muslims as terrorists. That would be wrong. If our media did their job, I would not have to write this article. We all need to learn to live together!
Thanks, Charley