THE VIOLENT VERSES – PART THREE
HJS
While the apparent threat of beheading and other mutilations in the following fragment are quite chilling, the original theme actually has nothing to do with either, despite the wording. Of course, some of the radicals may not know this.
I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore, strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them. [8:12]
The verse fragment 8:12 is taken from Sura 8, which in general reviews the Battle of Badr, March 624, and discusses the rules for dividing the spoils of the battle. In addition, according to Maududi’s Introduction to Sura 8,
“It has been impressed upon them that the victory was
due to the success of Allah rather -than to their own valor and bravery so that the Muslims should learn to rely on Him and obey Allah and His Messenger alone.”
Original Theme
Lo! You were praying unto your Sustainer for aid, whereupon He thus responded to you: “I shall, verily, aid you with a thousand angels following one upon another.[1] [9]
And God ordained this only as a glad tiding, and that your hearts should thereby be set at rest – since no succour can come from any save God: verily, God is almighty, wise. [10]
[Remember how it was] when He caused inner calm to enfold you,[2] is an assurance from Him, and sent down upon you water from the skies, so that He might purify you thereby and free you from Satan’s unclean whisperings[3] and strengthen your hearts and thus make firm your steps. [11]
Lo! Thy Sustainer inspired the angels [to convey this message to the believers]: “I am with you.”
[And He commanded the angels]: “And give firmness unto those who have attained to faith [with these words from Me][4]: “I shall cast terror into the hearts of those who are bent on denying the truth: strike, then, their necks, [O believers], and strike off every one of their finger-tips!”[5] [12] This because they have cut themselves off from God and His Apostle: and as for him who cuts himself off from God and His Apostle -- verily, God is severe in retribution. [6] This [for you, O enemies of God]! Taste it, then, and [know] that suffering through fire awaits those who deny the truth.
[1] The Prophet’s allusion to God’s aiding the believers with thousands of angels signifies, metaphorically, a strengthening of the believers’ hearts through spiritual forces coming from God. [the note is to Sura 3, but also mentions this Sura]. The Message of the Qur’an, Muhammad Asad, note 93, page 102.
[2] Before the battle of Badr…it refers to the spiritual quiet and self-confidence of the believers in the face of overwhelming odds. Ibid, note 11, page 272
[3] Immediately before the beginning of the battle, the Meccan army poisoned the wells of Badr, thus depriving the Muslims of water; and under the influence of thirst, some of the latter fell prey to utter despair (here symbolized by “Satan’s unclean whisperings”) – when, suddenly, abundant rain fell and enabled them to satisfy their thirst (Tabari on authority of Ibn ‘Abbas). Ibid, note 12, page 272.
[4] Verse 10 of this Sura [above] makes it clear that the aid of the angels was purely spiritual in nature; and there is no evidence anywhere in the Qur’an that they did, or were meant to participate in the battle in a physical sense. Ibid, note 14, page 272.
[5] I.e., “destroy them utterly. Ibid, note 15, page 272. [a period idiom, similar to today’s “sick the dogs on them.”]
[6] hjs note: “Deniers of the Truth” was another epithet for the unbelievers of Mecca.
HJS comment: As you can see, the verse is really not so violent and was never directed toward the West. It simply reminded the believers, as Mawdudi said, that they were feeling down and out before Allah answered their prayers, gave them water, and encouraged them to fight for Him, thus winning the engagement. It was not expected that the fighters would literally behead every one of the enemy and then remove their fingertips. Some of their "enemy" were old friends or even family members.
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