Template:Pictorial-Islam-options

This article analyzes the apologetic claim that Surat al-Kafiroon (the Disbelievers, Atheists) advocates religious tolerance and freedom. When read in context, like many other verses misinterpreted for apologetic purposes, Surat al-Kafiroon advocates the opposite of what is sometimes claimed. This surah is not a proclamation on religious tolerance and freedom or a recognition of religious pluralism. In fact, this surah unequivocally forbids inter-faith dialogue and advocates an "us versus them" mentality between Muslims and disbelievers. This is how the surah is understood by mainstream Islam and the majority of its classical and contemporary scholars. Furthermore, if the historical context were to be ignored, it would still remain an abrogated verse superseded by "the verses of fighting". (read more)