Selected and introduced by Dr Alan C. Clifford, Pastor, Norwich Reformed

Church (www.geocities.com/nrchurch)

revised edition, 1974; reprinted 1986).

English translator, A. J. Arberry states candidly: 'I have called my version an

interpretation' (p. xii). However, in his introduction, Baghdad-born N. J.

Dawood states that he was careful to avoid 'turning the text into an

interpretation rather than a translation' (p. 11).

Those who wish to assert that Islam is a tolerant religion, committed to

peaceful methods of propagation, should reflect carefully on the following

quotations. Unlike their less hostile brethren, it is obvious that militant

Muslims are more consistent with their 'holy book'. While the justlycondemned

violence and persecuting activities of so-called Christians - past

and present - are emphatically condemned by the Bible (see Matthew 5: 43-5;

26: 52; Romans 13: 10; 2 Corinthians 10: 4-5; Ephesians 6: 12), the Qur'an

positively teaches the use of force. The highly contrasting depictions of the

character of God in the Bible and the Qur'an and their consequent impact on

personal behaviour are too obvious to miss. It is indeed chilling to note N. J.

Dawood's reminder that, apart from the opening verses and a few passages in

the Qur'an, 'the speaker throughout is God' (p. 9):

'Fight for the sake of Allah those that fight against you, but do not attack them first.

Allah does not love the aggressors. Kill them wherever you find them...if they attack

you put them to the sword...Fight against them until idolatry is no more and Allah's

'Those that deny Our revelations We will burn in Hellfire...As for those that have

faith and do good works, We shall admit them to gardens watered by running

streams, where, wedded to chaste virgins, they shall abide for ever...the believers

who do good works, whether men or women, shall enter the gardens of Paradise'

'The true believers fight for the cause of Allah, but the infidels fight for idols. Fight

Allah has given those that fight with their goods and their persons a higher rank

than those who stay at home. He has promised all a good reward; but far richer is

'When the sacred months are over, slay the idolaters wherever you find them. Arrest

'...the Christians say the Messiah is the son of Allah. Such are their assertions, by

which they imitate the infidels of old. Allah confound them! How perverse they are!

They worship...the Messiah the son of Mary, as gods besides Allah; though they were

ordered to serve one God only. There is no god but Him. Exalted be He above those

whom they deify beside Him!...It is He who has sent forth His apostle with guidance

and the true faith to make it triumphant over all religions, however much the

'Proclaim a woeful punishment to those that hoard up gold and silver and do not

spend it in Allah's cause. The day will surely come when their treasures shall be

'Whether unarmed or well-equipped, march on and fight for the cause of Allah, with

'Prophet, make war on the unbelievers and the hypocrites and deal rigorously with