Why Muslims Behead People (second attempt)

[Digital Guerrilla]

some scholars classify animism as an "informal" world religion, for all animistic beliefs share similar concepts and can be categorized similarly, although there is no universal doctrine, however the practices have universal themes

That is what Edric said you only said it with different words.

[emprworm]

in full context:

SURA1 47.

[Digital Guerrilla]

What event(s) took place to inspire the writing of this Sura? Once you have found that information you will understand what it truly ment by the words as this is apparent with all religious texts.

In other words what battle was taking place and who are the enemies that are being talked about.

[danielsh]

I think the reason is more emotional.

[nemafakei]

The version of S.47 (I don't know what your XCVI is doing!) I found runs:

[47.1] (As for) those who disbelieve and turn away from Allah's way, He shall render their works ineffective.

[47.2] And (as for) those who believe and do good, and believe in what has been revealed to Muhammad, and it is the very truth from their Lord, He will remove their evil from them and improve their condition.

[47.3] That is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood, and have given them their dowries, taking (them) in marriage, not fornicating nor taking them for paramours in secret; and whoever denies faith, his work indeed is of no account, and in the hereafter he shall be one of the losers.

[47.4] So when you meet in battle those who disbelieve, then smite the necks until when you have overcome them, then make (them) prisoners, and afterwards either set them free as a favor or let them ransom (themselves) until the war terminates

[47.5] He will guide them and improve their condition.

[47.6] And cause them to enter the garden which He has made known to them.

[47.7] O you who believe ! if you help (the cause of) Allah, He will help you and make firm your feet.

[47.8] And (as for) those who disbelieve, for them is destruction and He has made their deeds ineffective.

[47.9] That is because they hated what Allah revealed, so He rendered their deeds null.

[47.10] Have they not then journeyed in the land and seen how was the end of those before them: Allah brought down destruction upon them, and the unbelievers shall have the like of it.

[47.11] That is because Allah is the Protector of those who believe, and because the unbelievers shall have no protector for them.

[47.12] Surely Allah will make those who believe and do good enter gardens beneath which rivers flow; and those who disbelieve enjoy themselves and eat as the beasts eat, and the fire is their abode.

The message of this passage certainly advocates killing non-muslims while in combat (and also, it seems, a certain degree of prisoner-taking and subsequent mercy).

In other sections, muslims are banned from killing other muslims outright. When viewed together, this could mean that it is justifiable to kill non-muslims you are fighting, but that it is wrong to fight those of your own religion.

However, it is unclear whether the passage you have quoted suggests actually starting the fight with non-muslims, or refers to allowing muslims to kill if the fight is the only option. The nuance here requires a deeper understanding of arabic.

[emprworm]

Surah 9

1.

[nemafakei]

This one seems much clearer, and does indeed support your point E.