The Verse That Changed Everything
Quran 9:5 is often called "The Sword Verse" (Ayat al-Sayf) in Islamic scholarship. It represents one of the most controversial and consequential verses in the Quran, with profound implications for understanding Islamic theology and practice.
"And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." — Quran 9:5
The Arabic Text and Translation
The Arabic word used is uqtulū (اقْتُلُوا), which literally means "kill" or "slay." There is no ambiguity in the translation — this is a direct command to kill polytheists (mushrikūn).
The verse specifies four actions:
- Kill them wherever you find them
- Capture them (take them as prisoners)
- Besiege them (surround and blockade)
- Lie in wait for them at every place of ambush
Classical Scholarly Interpretation
Ibn Kathir's Commentary
The renowned Islamic scholar Ibn Kathir (d. 1373 CE) wrote extensively about this verse in his famous Tafsir (Quranic exegesis). He stated that this verse abrogated all peaceful verses that came before it, commanding Muslims to fight polytheists without exception once the sacred months had passed.
Ibn Kathir explicitly noted that this verse "abrogated every peace treaty between the Prophet and any idolater, every pact, and every term." According to his interpretation, Muslims are commanded to fight idolaters wherever they are found, unless they convert to Islam.
Al-Tabari's View
Al-Tabari (d. 923 CE), one of the most authoritative early Quranic commentators, confirmed that this verse commands the killing of polytheists who refuse to accept Islam. He explained that the "sacred months" referred to a four-month grace period after which warfare was to resume.
The Doctrine of Abrogation (Naskh)
Many classical scholars believe this verse abrogates (cancels) approximately 124 earlier peaceful verses in the Quran. The principle of abrogation is established in Quran 2:106:
"We do not abrogate a verse or cause it to be forgotten except that We bring forth [one] better than it or similar to it. Do you not know that Allah is over all things competent?" — Quran 2:106
Since Surah 9 (At-Tawbah) was one of the last surahs revealed chronologically, its commands take precedence over earlier, more peaceful verses like "There is no compulsion in religion" (Quran 2:256).
The Context Argument
Some modern Muslims argue that this verse must be understood "in context" and only applied to specific 7th-century Arabian polytheists. However, this interpretation faces several challenges:
- Classical scholars didn't limit it: The unanimous classical interpretation applied this verse universally, not just to 7th-century Arabia.
- The text doesn't specify: The verse says "kill the polytheists wherever you find them" without geographic or temporal limitations.
- Historical application: Islamic empires expanded for centuries using this verse as justification for conquest.
- Modern application: Extremist groups today cite this verse as justification for violence, following classical interpretations.
The Condition for Mercy
The verse does provide one escape clause: polytheists can avoid death if they "repent, establish prayer, and give zakah" — in other words, if they convert to Islam and practice it. This is conversion under threat of death, not freely chosen faith.
Comparison with Biblical Teaching
Jesus Christ taught a radically different approach to enemies:
"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven." — Matthew 5:44-45
The contrast is stark: Muhammad commanded killing those who reject Islam, while Jesus commanded loving those who persecute His followers. For more on Jesus's teachings, see our Prophets section.
Historical Application
This verse was used to justify:
- The early Islamic conquests across Arabia, Persia, North Africa, and Spain
- The destruction of pagan temples and forced conversions
- Ongoing conflicts between Muslims and polytheists (Hindus, Buddhists, etc.)
- Modern terrorism by groups claiming to follow authentic Islamic texts
Questions to Consider
- If this verse is only for 7th-century Arabia, why didn't Allah make that clear in the text?
- If classical scholars universally understood this as a general command, who has the authority to reinterpret it today?
- How can a religion of peace contain an unqualified command to kill those who believe differently?
- What does it mean that Muhammad is called "the perfect example" (Quran 33:21) when he commanded such violence?
Conclusion
The Sword Verse represents a fundamental challenge to claims that Islam is inherently peaceful. While some modern Muslims attempt to contextualize or limit its application, classical Islamic scholarship understood it as a permanent, general command that abrogated earlier peaceful verses.
For those investigating Islam, this verse raises serious theological and moral questions about the nature of Allah, the example of Muhammad, and whether Islam truly promotes peace or conquest.
To explore more about violence in Islamic texts, see our articles on Fighting Christians and Jews Until They Submit and The True Meaning of Jihad.