Question for Dr. Pipes on Ayas & Jennifer King's Assertion
Reader comment on item: Harvard Debates Islam

Submitted by Ira Katz (United States), Dec 30, 2005 at 00:27

Regarding Jennifer King's argument that "Islam is in fact the real inspiration of the terrorist regime that threatens the world today." It would seem, if the representation below is accurate, her assertion might have some merit/basis. I really would like to know if what she quotes in transaltion is accurate. You, Dr. Pipes', did say you disagree with her. Can you confirm or deny the accuracy of a commentor to an earlier newsletter of yours on "Anti-Muslim Racism?" A reader stated on Nov. 22nd 2005:

What do you expect when they recite the following ayas day and night.

Disbelievers are diseased (2.10)
Allah is the enemy of disbelievers (2.88)
Disbelievers are evil people (2.99) perverts(63.4) wicked(80.40-42)
Disbelievers are deaf dumb and blind (2.171), losers (2.121),your enemies (4.101)
Jews and christians are losers(5.53),evil(5.59) perverts(9.30)
Disbelievers are worst beasts(8.55), dirty (9.28) liars(16.39) lowest creatures(58.20)

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Daniel Pipes replies:

The Koran has dozens of what are sometimes called the "war ayats." There are pious Muslims who do not take these literally.