Jihad verse explained

Certain verses (āyāt) from the Qur'an have been a subject of controversy among scholars.The 216th verse of the Surah, Al-Baqara (The Cow) is about Jihad in the way of God.

Transliteration:

"Kutiba ʿalaykumu l-qitālu wahuwa kurhun lakum waʿasā ʾan takrahū šayʾan wahuwa ḫayrun lakum waʿasā ʾan tuḥibbū šayʾan wahuwa šarrun llakum w-Allāhu yaʿlamu wāʾantum lā taʿlāmūna."

Translations and commentary

Sahih International

Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.

Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Criticisms and response

Abdul Majid Daryabadi also explains the historical context of this verse:

Further reading