Violence and Hatred at the Root of Islam
Should the Koran be defined as “hate speech” under Canada’s hate crime legislation? Does the Koran incite hatred and violence against identifiable groups? Muslim apologists and religious “moderates” would have us believe that Islam is a “religion of peace” and dismiss criticism as mere “Islamophobia”. Such arguments are ridiculous and display stunning ignorance of the hatred and incitement to violence that litters the Koran. The word ‘Islam’ is properly translated as ‘submission’ not ‘peace’. The only ‘peace’ Islam offers unbelievers, pagans and apostates is the peace that Hitler offered the French in 1940 – the ‘peace’ of abject slavery.
But is the Koran hate speech? Section 318 and 319 of the criminal code of Canada bans the incitement of hatred against an “identifiable group,” defined in s. 318 as “any section of the public distinguished by colour, race, religion, ethnic origin or sexual orientation.”
“319. (1) Every one who, by communicating statements in any public place, incites hatred against any identifiable group where such incitement is likely to lead to a breach of the peace is guilty of” an offence.
Bearing this legal definition in mind lets see what the Koran actually says. Even a casual perusal reveals that the Koran is dripping with incitement of hatred and violence against Jews, Christians, pagans, women, atheists, apostates (former Muslims who have renounced the faith) and pretty well anyone else who is a non-Muslim. But don’t take my word, read from the Koran for yourself….
“This Book is not to be doubted. (2:1)
“Those that deny Our revelations We will burn in fire. No sooner will their skins be consumed than We shall give them other skins, so that they may truly taste the scourge. Surely Allah is mighty and wise. (4:56)
“Believers, do not choose the infidels rather than the faithful for your friends. (4:145)
“Believers, take neither the Jews nor the Christians for your friends. (5:51)
“You will find that the most implacable of men in their enmity to the faithful are the Jews and pagans. (5:82)
“The Jews say: ‘Allah’s hand is chained.’ May their own hands be chained! May they be cursed for what they say! (5:64)
“Had the People of the Book [Jews and Christians] accepted the Faith, it would surely have been better for them. Some are true believers, but most of them are evil-doers. (3:111)
“Men have a status above women. (2:228)
“Women are your fields: go, then, into your fields whence you please. (2:224)
“Men have authority over women because Allah has made the one superior to the other, and because they spend their wealth to maintain them. Good women are obedient. They guard their unseen parts because Allah has guarded them. As for those from whom you fear disobedience, admonish them, forsake them in beds apart, and beat them. Then if they obey you, take no further action against them. surely Allah is high, supreme. (4:34)
“Do not befriend [apostates] until they have fled their homes in the cause of Allah. If they desert you, seize them and put them to death wherever you find them. (4:90)
“The true believers fight for the cause of Allah, but the infidels fight for the devil. Fight then against the friends of Satan. (4:76)
“Allah is the enemy of the unbelievers. (2:98)
“Believers, make war on the infidels who dwell around you. (9:123)
“Fighting is obligatory for you, much as you may dislike it. (2:216)
“The unbelievers are your inveterate foe. (4:101)
“Idolatry is more grievous than bloodshed. (2:192)
“Fight against them until idolatry is no more and Allah’s religion reigns supreme. (2:193)
"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)"
Now, tell me again how Islam is the religion of "peace?" Casually open a copy of the Koran and randomly flip pages – I dare you. The only thing saving Muslim Mullahs from prison under Canadian hate laws is section 319(3) of the criminal code, a clause that specifically exempts religion as a hate crime. However this exemption does nothing to mitigate the obvious conclusion that if not for 319(3) the Koran would constitute hate speech.
But why is religion entitled to special status? Why is it illegal to incite hatred and violence against Jews or Women in a classroom (as with Keegstra) but perfectly legal in a Mosque? On what rational basis are the teachings of the Koran morally distinguishable from Mein Kampf or The Protocols of the Elders of Zion? Is it not time that rational men and women fight the intolerance and violence that oozes from the Koran and challenge Islam for the violent, racist, misogynist, dark-age savagery that it so obviously is?
Further Reading: the Koran; the Hadith; Infidel, by Ayaan Hirsi Ali; Why I Am Not A Muslim, by Ibn Warraq.
