Baronvonrort wrote on May 9
th, 2013 at 12:39pm:
The no compulsion in religion verse has been abrogated by the verse of the sword
No its not. Read the entire chapter.
The chapter is all about God offering the polytheists - who had all along tried to stamp out the small muslim nation - immunity and a chance to establish a treaty with the muslims:
9/1 (Shakir)
Quote:(This is a declaration of) immunity by Allah and His Messenger towards those of the idolaters with whom you made an agreement.
9/1 (Ghali)
Quote:An acquittal from Allah and His Messenger to the ones of the associators (Those who associate others with Allah) (with) whom you have covenanted.
Muslims are commanded to defend themselves if the polytheists break the treaty and resume hostilities. However the need to show mercy and protection to those polytheists who desist attacks and seek protection from the muslims - is spelled out very clearly:
9/6:
Quote:And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah . Then deliver him to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know.
9/7:
Quote:How can there be for the polytheists a treaty in the sight of Allah and with His Messenger, except for those with whom you made a treaty at al-Masjid al-Haram? So as long as they are upright toward you, be upright toward them. Indeed, Allah loves the righteous [who fear Him].
The Dr Ghali translation of 9/5 uses the word "stripped away" in place of "passed" in the sentence "and when the sacred months have passed" - indicating that the treaty was not a set period of time after which hostilities must resume - rather it will only end if the polytheists break it ("stripped away").
The muslim's obligation to adhere to the peace is clear in both 9/6 and 9/7
Subsequent verses give the rationale for waging war on those who break the treaty and do not show goodwill:
9/8:
Quote:How [can there be a treaty] while, if they gain dominance over you, they do not observe concerning you any pact of kinship or covenant of protection? They satisfy you with their mouths, but their hearts refuse [compliance], and most of them are defiantly disobedient.
9/10:
Quote:They do not observe toward a believer any pact of kinship or covenant of protection. And it is they who are the transgressors.
I'm not sure how more clearly the message "show goodwill to those who show goodwill to you, but defend yourselves against aggression and oppression" - can be.