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RationalWiki:Annotated Qur'an/Repentance

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Annotated Qur'an
Sura 9: Repentance
Word-by-word translation
Alternate translations and related tafsirs
Alternate translations
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Qur'an 9:1[edit]

A declaration of immunity from God and His Messenger to the polytheists with whom you had made a treaty.

Qur'an 9:1 Notes[edit]

This is a confusing verse on its face. Muhammad made some sort of covenant with polytheists, but this verse is apparently Allah saying that the covenant isn't legally binding any more.

Qur'an 9:2[edit]

So travel the land for four months, and know that you cannot escape God, and that God will disgrace the disbelievers.

Qur'an 9:2 Notes[edit]

This translation doesn't make it clear, but this verse addresses the disbelievers. This is telling them to leave and travel for four months... for some reason...

Qur'an 9:3[edit]

And a proclamation from God and His Messenger to the people on the day of the Greater Pilgrimage, that God has disowned the polytheists, and so did His Messenger. If you repent, it will be better for you. But if you turn away, know that you cannot escape God. And announce to those who disbelieve a painful punishment.

Qur'an 9:3 Notes[edit]

Allah realizes that the disbelievers... don't believe that Allah will get them because they don't believe in Allah... right? They would be right to fear Muhammad and his army of followers, but this verse isn't talking about them.

Qur'an 9:4[edit]

Except for those among the polytheists with whom you had made a treaty, and did not violate any of its terms, nor aided anyone against you. So fulfill the treaty with them to the end of its term. God loves the righteous.

Qur'an 9:4 Notes[edit]

Where in the Quran can people find out about this treaty? What are the details of this treaty? How can people reading this book go and verify that such a treaty was ever in effect?

Qur'an 9:5[edit]

When the Sacred Months have passed, kill the polytheists wherever you find them. And capture them, and besiege them, and lie in wait for them at every ambush. But if they repent, and perform the prayers, and pay the alms, then let them go their way. God is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Qur'an 9:5 Notes[edit]

Allah explicitly condones the death penalty for disbelievers. This is a horrific verse in an awful book because it really is that harmful.

Qur'an 9:6[edit]

And if anyone of the polytheists asks you for protection, give him protection so that he may hear the Word of God; then escort him to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know.

Qur'an 9:6 Notes[edit]

What is this? Disbelievers should, per this chapter, ask for forgiveness, listen to Muslims praising their god to avoid death, and pretend to actually believe any of this purely in an act of self-preservation.

Qur'an 9:7[edit]

How can there be a treaty with the polytheists on the part of God and His Messenger, except for those with whom you made a treaty at the Sacred Mosque? As long as they are upright with you, be upright with them. God loves the pious.

Qur'an 9:7 Notes[edit]

This is missing context that does not see to exist anywhere else in the Quran.

Qur'an 9:8[edit]

How? Whenever they overcome you, they respect neither kinship nor treaty with you. They satisfy you with lip service, but their hearts refuse, and most of them are immoral.

Qur'an 9:8 Notes[edit]

Is this verse talking about that specific incident? Is it meant to refer to disbelievers in general? Also, how can hearts "refuse" when the evidence laid out in the Quran simply doesn't convince most people that Allah even exists, much less that this book has an ounce of truth to it.

Qur'an 9:9[edit]

They traded away God's revelations for a cheap price, so they barred others from His path. How evil is what they did.

Qur'an 9:9 Notes[edit]

They didn't know that this was God's revelation in the first place. They see mountains of contradictory nonsense and dehumanizing threats in a book that took decades to compile. If not for the sheer number of people living by it, it would not be worth the time taken to read a single word from it.

Qur'an 9:10[edit]

Towards a believer they respect neither kinship nor treaty. These are the transgressors.

Qur'an 9:10 Notes[edit]

Is this another generalization? Blanket statements like this are demonstrably incorrect. People don't need to believe in some tall tales in order to respect "kinship" and "treaty" as this book states.

Qur'an 9:11[edit]

But if they repent, and perform the prayers, and give the obligatory charity, then they are your brethren in faith. We detail the revelations for a people who know.

Qur'an 9:11 Notes[edit]

What if they pretend to do all that while not actually believing? This book provides a clear incentive for disbelievers to pretend like they believe, as if sincere disbelief is something so shameful and vile that disbelievers need to repent.

Qur'an 9:12[edit]

But if they violate their oaths after their pledge, and attack your religion, then fight the leaders of disbelief—they have no faith—so that they may desist.

Qur'an 9:12 Notes[edit]

This religion is frankly worth attacking because of the sheer harm that it causes worldwide. Obviously, most Muslims are good people who don't deserve to be attacked for their faith. Nobody deserves to be attacked purely because of their beliefs. However, criticism of these beliefs does not constitute an attack. Also, who are the "leaders of disbelief" mentioned here?

Qur'an 9:13[edit]

Will you not fight a people who violated their oaths, and planned to exile the Messenger, and initiated hostilities against you? Do you fear them? It is God you should fear, if you are believers.

Qur'an 9:13 Notes[edit]

Is this verse explicitly endorsing disproportional violence against disbelievers? That being said, it is not the nonexistent god to be feared but those willing to commit atrocities in this god's name. Again, the majority of Muslims are not like this, but enough people are willing to commit atrocities without even seeing them as atrocities because of their religion.

Qur'an 9:14[edit]

Fight them. God will punish them at your hands, and humiliate them, and help you against them, and heal the hearts of a believing people.

Qur'an 9:14 Notes[edit]

This is another call to violence that causes real harm and should be assailed for that reason.

Qur'an 9:15[edit]

And He will remove the anger of their hearts. God redeems whomever He wills. God is Knowledgeable and Wise.

Qur'an 9:15 Notes[edit]

This verse implies that disbelievers are just angry at this particular god for whatever reason. The one who claims to have created this world and know everything about it should at least know why people sincerely disbelieve.

Qur'an 9:16[edit]

Or do you think that you will be left alone, without God identifying which of you will strive, and take no supporters apart from God, His Messenger, and the believers? God is well Aware of what you do.

Qur'an 9:16 Notes[edit]

God is completely unaware of what disbelievers think or do, and he claims to be the one who deliberately led them astray and kept them in the darkness.

Qur'an 9:17[edit]

It is not for the polytheists to attend God’s places of worship while professing their disbelief. These—their works are in vain, and in the Fire they will abide.

Qur'an 9:17 Notes[edit]

Again, these threats do nothing to those who already disbelieve.

Qur'an 9:18[edit]

The only people to attend God’s places of worship are those who believe in God and the Last Day, and pray regularly, and practice regular charity, and fear none but God. These are most likely to be guided.

Qur'an 9:18 Notes[edit]

What is this guidance? Are the people who believe in this religion and practice it not already guided?

Qur'an 9:19[edit]

Do you consider giving water to pilgrims and maintaining the Sacred Mosque the same as believing in God and the Last Day and striving in God’s path? They are not equal in God’s sight. God does not guide the unjust people.

Qur'an 9:19 Notes[edit]

Are they unjust because God doesn't guide them or does God refuse to guide them because they are somehow already unjust? Either way, God is directly responsible for their supposed injustice and misguidance.

Qur'an 9:20[edit]

Those who believe, and emigrate, and strive in God’s path with their possessions and their persons, are of a higher rank with God. These are the winners.

Qur'an 9:20 Notes[edit]

Of course, believers have to feel good about believing the truth so that they can keep believing. This validation is nothing more than just that.

Qur'an 9:21[edit]

Their Lord announces to them good news of mercy from Him, and acceptance, and gardens wherein they will have lasting bliss.

Qur'an 9:21 Notes[edit]

He frequently refers to himself as "the Most Merciful" in this book, so why would he limit this mercy to just a select few? Keep in mind that Allah chose to guide this select few when he could have guided all of humanity without exception.

Qur'an 9:22[edit]

Abiding therein forever. With God is a great reward.

Qur'an 9:22 Notes[edit]

Heaven would be great, but... forever? Would people not eventually find this reward tiresome and boring?

Qur'an 9:23[edit]

O you who believe! Do not ally yourselves with your parents and your siblings if they prefer disbelief to belief. Whoever of you allies himself with them—these are the wrongdoers.

Qur'an 9:23 Notes[edit]

This verse has torn several families apart for no good reason. Also, disbelievers don't prefer disbelief to belief. They are simply unconvinced of the claims in this book.

Qur'an 9:24[edit]

Say, “If your parents, and your children, and your siblings, and your spouses, and your relatives, and the wealth you have acquired, and a business you worry about, and homes you love, are more dear to you than God, and His Messenger, and the struggle in His cause, then wait until God executes His judgment.” God does not guide the sinful people.

Qur'an 9:24 Notes[edit]

Again, are they sinful because God misguides them or does God misguide them because they were already predestined (by God) to sin? Either way, this makes little sense.

Qur'an 9:25[edit]

God has given you victory in numerous regions; but on the day of Hunayn, your great number impressed you, but it availed you nothing; and the land, as spacious as it was, narrowed for you; and you turned your backs in retreat.

Qur'an 9:25 Notes[edit]

Which external sources could people consult centuries or even millennia later to verify this verse?

Qur'an 9:26[edit]

Then God sent down His serenity upon His Messenger, and upon the believers; and He sent down troops you did not see; and He punished those who disbelieved. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers.

Qur'an 9:26 Notes[edit]

What a loving and forgiving god...

Qur'an 9:27[edit]

Then, after that, God will relent towards whomever He wills. God is Forgiving and Merciful.

Qur'an 9:27 Notes[edit]

God deliberately predestines wicked sinners to damage his ego, misguides them, and punishes them infinitely. How is that "Forgiving and Merciful" in any way?

Qur'an 9:28[edit]

O you who believe! The polytheists are polluted, so let them not approach the Sacred Mosque after this year of theirs. And if you fear poverty, God will enrich you from His grace, if He wills. God is Aware and Wise.

Qur'an 9:28 Notes[edit]

Apparently, challenging this faith is considered "pollution" and has no place in a religious site that was used by these polytheists long before Muhammad entered the scene.

Qur'an 9:29[edit]

Fight those who do not believe in God, nor in the Last Day, nor forbid what God and His Messenger have forbidden, nor abide by the religion of truth—from among those who received the Scripture—until they pay the due tax, willingly or unwillingly.

Qur'an 9:29 Notes[edit]

This is yet another command to subjugate disbelievers. Taxation may be a more merciful punishment than death, but it is still a form of subjugation.

Qur'an 9:30[edit]

The Jews said, “Ezra is the son of God,” and the Christians said, “The Messiah is the son of God.” These are their statements, out of their mouths. They emulate the statements of those who blasphemed before. May God assail them! How deceived they are!

Qur'an 9:30 Notes[edit]

May God not assail them but instead just guide them to the truth so that they end up not deserving any sort of punishment.

Qur'an 9:31[edit]

They have taken their rabbis and their priests as lords instead of God, as well as the Messiah son of Mary. Although they were commanded to worship none but The One God. There is no god except He. Glory be to Him; High above what they associate with Him.

Qur'an 9:31 Notes[edit]

Who? Who worships a rabbi or a priest in place of God? In what way is it any closer to worship than a Muslim's reverence for Muhammad. The Quran explicitly commands Muslims to obey every single command from Muhammad and trust him fully.

Qur'an 9:32[edit]

They want to extinguish God’s light with their mouths, but God refuses except to complete His light, even though the disbelievers dislike it.

Qur'an 9:32 Notes[edit]

There is no "God's light" to extinguish. Some disbelievers, and not all, want simply to stop dangerous beliefs that lead to immense harm.

Qur'an 9:33[edit]

It is He who sent His Messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, in order to make it prevail over all religions, even though the idolaters dislike it.

Qur'an 9:33 Notes[edit]

Islam wasn't the dominant religion worldwide when Muhammad was alive. At the moment of this annotation, Christianity prevails over Islam, though both religions are losing adherents at astonishing rates.

Qur'an 9:34[edit]

O you who believe! Many of the rabbis and priests consume people's wealth illicitly, and hinder from God’s path. Those who hoard gold and silver, and do not spend them in God’s cause, inform them of a painful punishment.

Qur'an 9:34 Notes[edit]

Muhammad has done that as well according to various sources. Imams today have been caught doing that as well.

Qur'an 9:35[edit]

On the Day when they will be heated in the Fire of Hell, then their foreheads, and their sides, and their backs will be branded with them: “This is what you hoarded for yourselves; so taste what you used to hoard.”

Qur'an 9:35 Notes[edit]

Even more fiery threats?

Qur'an 9:36[edit]

The number of months, according to God, is twelve months—in the decree of God—since the Day He created the heavens and the earth, of which four are sacred. This is the correct religion. So do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight the polytheists collectively, as they fight you collectively, and know that God is with the righteous.

Qur'an 9:36 Notes[edit]

There are roughly 12 lunar cycles in a solar year, as people have observed without divine revelation, but why are they not exactly 12 months of equal length fitting neatly in these solar years? That is more interesting than the repeated calls to violence at least.

Qur'an 9:37[edit]

Postponement is an increase in disbelief—by which those who disbelieve are led astray. They allow it one year, and forbid it another year, in order to conform to the number made sacred by God, thus permitting what God has forbidden. The evil of their deeds seems good to them. God does not guide the disbelieving people.

Qur'an 9:37 Notes[edit]

Who are you talking about? What are you talking about? Also, again, does God refuse guide them because they already disbelieve or do they disbelieve because God refuses to guide them?

Qur'an 9:38[edit]

O you who believe! What is the matter with you, when it is said to you, “Mobilize in the cause of God,” you cling heavily to the earth? Do you prefer the present life to the Hereafter? The enjoyment of the present life, compared to the Hereafter, is only a little.

Qur'an 9:38 Notes[edit]

Some people hesitate when mobilizing for war in the name of a merciful deity. Is that a surprise? Does that make them bad people?

Qur'an 9:39[edit]

Unless you mobilize, He will punish you most painfully, and will replace you with another people, and you will not harm Him at all. God has power over all things.

Qur'an 9:39 Notes[edit]

This book is downright sociopathic.

Qur'an 9:40[edit]

If you do not help him, God has already helped him, when those who disbelieved expelled him, and he was the second of two in the cave. He said to his friend, “Do not worry, God is with us.” And God made His tranquility descend upon him, and supported him with forces you did not see, and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowest, while the Word of God is the Highest. God is Mighty and Wise.

Qur'an 9:40 Notes[edit]

Can this narcissistic tyrant stop tooting his own horn already?

Qur'an 9:41[edit]

Mobilize, light or heavy, and strive with your possessions and your lives in the cause of God. That is better for you, if you only knew.

Qur'an 9:41 Notes[edit]

Can this narcissistic tyrant also stop these repetitive calls to violence?

Qur'an 9:42[edit]

Had the gain been immediate, and the journey shorter, they would have followed you; but the distance seemed too long for them. Still they swear by God: “Had we been able, we would have marched out with you.” They damn their own souls, and God knows that they are lying.

Qur'an 9:42 Notes[edit]

God predestines people to do and say everything that they do and say, so how do they damn their own souls when God forced this fate upon them?

Qur'an 9:43[edit]

May God pardon you! Why did you give them permission before it became clear to you who are the truthful ones, and who are the liars?

Qur'an 9:43 Notes[edit]

For many people, this never became clear. Also, may the "Merciful" and "Forgiving" despot actually be merciful and forgiving.

Qur'an 9:44[edit]

Those who believe in God and the Last Day do not ask you for exemption from striving with their possessions and their lives. God is fully aware of the righteous.

Qur'an 9:44 Notes[edit]

God is fully unaware of anything.

Qur'an 9:45[edit]

Only those who do not believe in God and the Last Day ask you for exemption. Their hearts are full of doubts, so they waver in their doubts.

Qur'an 9:45 Notes[edit]

God filled their hearts with doubts according to this book. Also, many people would sincerely believe in this God and still hesitate out of fear.

Qur'an 9:46[edit]

Had they wanted to mobilize, they would have made preparations for it; but God disliked their participation, so he held them back, and it was said, “Stay behind with those who stay behind.”

Qur'an 9:46 Notes[edit]

Why does God even need men to fight his bloody battles for him? Does he just want to see people struggle with the throes of war and die brutal deaths for his own amusement?

Qur'an 9:47[edit]

Had they mobilized with you, they would have added only to your difficulties, and they would have spread rumors in your midst, trying to sow discord among you. Some of you are avid listeners to them. God is Aware of the wrongdoers.

Qur'an 9:47 Notes[edit]

These rumors would only spread because God is such a poor communicator that the "truth" is unclear even to devout Muslims.

Qur'an 9:48[edit]

They tried to cause conflict before, and they hatched plots against you, until the truth prevailed, and the command of God became evident—in spite of their dislike.

Qur'an 9:48 Notes[edit]

Again, this chapter paints disbelievers in a wholly inaccurate light. People don't believe or disbelieve purely what they want. That can play a factor to be sure, but even then, people won't believe something of which they are not sincerely convinced no matter what they want to believe.

Qur'an 9:49[edit]

Among them is he who says, “Excuse me, and do not trouble me.” In fact, they sunk into trouble. In fact, Hell will engulf the disbelievers.

Qur'an 9:49 Notes[edit]

How do such people deserve eternal punishment again? How would God dare to call himself Merciful while promising to punish people infinitely for finite transgressions that aren't even real transgressions?

Qur'an 9:50[edit]

If something good happens to you, it upsets them; and if a calamity befalls you, they say, “We took our precautions in advance,” and they depart, happy.

Qur'an 9:50 Notes[edit]

Fun fact: Allah may have led so many people to disbelief, but he didn't make all of us, or even a majority of us, spiteful enough to enjoy the misfortune of Muslims or despise their good fortunes.

Qur'an 9:51[edit]

Say, “Nothing will happen to us except what God has ordained for us; He is our Protector.” In God let the faithful put their trust.

Qur'an 9:51 Notes[edit]

Say that while still feebly assuming that this god even exists.

Qur'an 9:52[edit]

Say, “Are you expecting for us anything other than one of the two excellences? As for us: we are expecting that God will afflict you with a punishment from Himself, or at our hands. So wait, we are waiting with you.”

Qur'an 9:52 Notes[edit]

What exactly are these "two excellences" supposed to be?

Qur'an 9:53[edit]

Say, “Whether you spend willingly or unwillingly, it will not be accepted from you. You are evil people.”

Qur'an 9:53 Notes[edit]

God made us evil according to his holy book.

Qur'an 9:54[edit]

What prevents the acceptance of their contributions is nothing but the fact that they disbelieved in God and His Messenger, and that they do not approach the prayer except lazily, and that they do not spend except grudgingly.

Qur'an 9:54 Notes[edit]

God is described atrociously in this atrociously-written book that fails to demonstrate his existence. His messenger acts and speaks like any other narcissistic cult leader.

Qur'an 9:55[edit]

Let neither their possessions nor their children impress you. God intends to torment them through them in this worldly life, and that their souls depart while they are disbelievers.

Qur'an 9:55 Notes[edit]

God specifically plans on letting countless people die as disbelievers after tormenting them in their finite lives.

Qur'an 9:56[edit]

They swear by God that they are of you. But they are not of you. They are divisive people.

Qur'an 9:56 Notes[edit]

So... many disbelievers lie about believing in God. First of all, what would anybody expect from a religion that dehumanizes disbelievers and calls for their destruction? Second of all, how are people supposed to tell who sincerely believes and who doesn't when the consequences for disbelief are literally life or death?

Qur'an 9:57[edit]

Were they to find a shelter, or a cave, or a hideout, they would go to it, rushing.

Qur'an 9:57 Notes[edit]

Oh wait, is this talking about the aforementioned people who don't want to fight in holy wars, hiding to avoid the action?

Qur'an 9:58[edit]

And among them are those who criticize you in regard to charities. If they are given some of it, they become pleased; but if they are not given any, they grow resentful.

Qur'an 9:58 Notes[edit]

This could be interpreted multiple ways, and not all of them make these bogeymen out to be greedy.

Qur'an 9:59[edit]

If only they were content with what God and His Messenger have given them, and said, “God is sufficient for us; God will give us of His bounty, and so will His Messenger; to God we eagerly turn.”

Qur'an 9:59 Notes[edit]

Tell that to people who barely have enough to eat, let alone feed their families. Tell that to people living under brutal dictators who yearn for basic human rights.

Qur'an 9:60[edit]

Charities are for the poor, and the destitute, and those who administer them, and for reconciling hearts, and for freeing slaves, and for those in debt, and in the path of God, and for the traveler in need—an obligation from God. God is All-Knowing, Most Wise.

Qur'an 9:60 Notes[edit]

At the very least, freeing slaves is considered a good thing here.

Qur'an 9:61[edit]

And among them are those who insult the Prophet, and say, “He is all ears.” Say, “He listens for your own good. He believes in God, and trusts the believers, and is mercy for those of you who believe.” Those who insult the Messenger of God will have a painful penalty.

Qur'an 9:61 Notes[edit]

The prophet somehow was the only one to get divine revelation that even insulting him is evil. Again, he seems like a cult leader and not like an actual messenger.

Qur'an 9:62[edit]

They swear to you by God to please you. But it is more proper for them to please God and His Messenger, if they are believers.

Qur'an 9:62 Notes[edit]

Then again, this "Messenger" constantly lumps himself in with the all-powerful all-knowing creator of the universe, even when not dehumanizing disbelievers.

Qur'an 9:63[edit]

Do they not know that whoever opposes God and His Messenger, will have the Fire of Hell, abiding in it forever? That is the supreme disgrace.

Qur'an 9:63 Notes[edit]

Of course the many people who sincerely don't believe that this god even exists to delegate a human as a "prophet" wouldn't believe that this nonexistent god would punish people forever.

Qur'an 9:64[edit]

The hypocrites worry lest a chapter may be revealed about them, informing them of what is in their hearts. Say, “Go on mocking; God will bring out what you fear.”

Qur'an 9:64 Notes[edit]

Fun fact: people who sincerely disbelieve in this god don't actually fear a being whom they know deep down to not exist.

Qur'an 9:65[edit]

If you ask them, they will say, “We were just joking and playing.” Say, “Were you making jokes about God, His revelations, and His Messenger?”

Qur'an 9:65 Notes[edit]

This entire book is a cosmic joke. What kind of all-powerful all-knowing being would have skin too thin to handle jokes. An egomaniac like Muhammad would find such jokes offensive, but an all-powerful all-knowing god?

Qur'an 9:66[edit]

Do not apologize. You have disbelieved after your belief. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others, because they are guilty.

Qur'an 9:66 Notes[edit]

Guilty of what? Disbelief has never been and will never be immoral.

Qur'an 9:67[edit]

The hypocrite men and hypocrite women are of one another. They advocate evil, and prohibit righteousness, and withhold their hands. They forgot God, so He forgot them. The hypocrites are the sinners.

Qur'an 9:67 Notes[edit]

This book advocates for the dehumanization, subjugation, and mass slaughter of disbelievers. How is that not advocating evil?

Qur'an 9:68[edit]

God has promised the hypocrite men and hypocrite women, and the disbelievers, the Fire of Hell, abiding therein forever. It is their due. And God has cursed them. They will have a lasting punishment.

Qur'an 9:68 Notes[edit]

Again, these horrifying threats only work on people who sincerely believe that this book has an ounce of truth to it.

Qur'an 9:69[edit]

Like those before you. They were more powerful than you, and had more wealth and children. They enjoyed their share, and you enjoyed your share, as those before you enjoyed their share. And you indulged, as they indulged. It is they whose works will fail in this world and in the Hereafter. It is they who are the losers.

Qur'an 9:69 Notes[edit]

God has yet to prove that any civilization ever has fallen specifically because they disobeyed a command from him.

Qur'an 9:70[edit]

Have they not heard the stories of those before them? The people of Noah, and Aad, and Thamood; and the people of Abraham, and the inhabitants of Median, and the Overturned Cities? Their messengers came to them with the clear proofs. God never wronged them, but they used to wrong their own selves.

Qur'an 9:70 Notes[edit]

What evidence does anyone have that they existed as described in this book, much less that they met their end because they disobeyed God? Noah's story specifically fails because of the overwhelming evidence against any worldwide flood at any point in human history.

Qur'an 9:71[edit]

The believing men and believing women are friends of one another. They advocate virtue, forbid evil, perform the prayers, practice charity, and obey God and His Messenger. These—God will have mercy on them. God is Noble and Wise.

Qur'an 9:71 Notes[edit]

Tell that to many people who hate each other over petty differences despite worshiping the same God in the same way and living by the same holy book.

Qur'an 9:72[edit]

God promises the believers, men and women, gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding therein forever, and fine homes in the Gardens of Eden. But approval from God is even greater. That is the supreme achievement.

Qur'an 9:72 Notes[edit]

A promise from God means nothing considering how wrong this book has proven him to be.

Qur'an 9:73[edit]

O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be stern with them. Their abode is Hell—what a miserable destination!

Qur'an 9:73 Notes[edit]

Yet another call to violence...

Qur'an 9:74[edit]

They swear by God that they said nothing; but they did utter the word of blasphemy, and they renounced faith after their submission. And they plotted what they could not attain. They were resentful only because God and His Messenger have enriched them out of His grace. If they repent, it would be best for them; but if they turn away, God will afflict them with a painful punishment—in this life and in the Hereafter—and they will have on earth no protector and no savior.

Qur'an 9:74 Notes[edit]

Maybe people renounce their faith because they understand this religion and the character of Muhammad enough to see past the nonsense. These repetitive threats don't help. Why do they have to be so repetitive? Were they not clear enough in the 73 verses before this one?

Qur'an 9:75[edit]

Among them are those who promised God: “If He gives us of His bounty, we will donate and be among the upright.”

Qur'an 9:75 Notes[edit]

Charity is good, though just telling individuals to donate is not enough.

Qur'an 9:76[edit]

But when He has given them of His bounty, they became stingy with it, and turned away in aversion.

Qur'an 9:76 Notes[edit]

Many people, believers or otherwise, still remain charitable with their wealth.

Qur'an 9:77[edit]

So He penalized them with hypocrisy in their hearts, until the Day they face Him—because they broke their promise to God, and because they used to lie.

Qur'an 9:77 Notes[edit]

Some people became stingy when they got rich and were thus punished with hypocrisy in their hearts? God made them hypocrites because they were immoral before? What sense does this even make?

Qur'an 9:78[edit]

Do they not know that God knows their secrets and their conspiracies? And that God is the Knower of the unseen?

Qur'an 9:78 Notes[edit]

With the sheer lack of evidence, no, most people do not know. Even believers have to take it on faith to fill the gaps in knowledge.

Qur'an 9:79[edit]

Those who criticize the believers who give charity voluntarily, and ridicule those who find nothing to give except their own efforts—God ridicules them. They will have a painful punishment.

Qur'an 9:79 Notes[edit]

This chapter is painfully repetitive. Is this message that important? Does it need to be repeated this much?

Qur'an 9:80[edit]

Whether you ask forgiveness for them, or do not ask forgiveness for them—even if you ask forgiveness for them seventy times, God will not forgive them. That is because they disbelieved in God and His Messenger. God does not guide the immoral people.

Qur'an 9:80 Notes[edit]

God chooses to screw people over, people who need guidance more than those who already have it.

Qur'an 9:81[edit]

Those who stayed behind rejoiced at their staying behind the Messenger of God. And they hated to strive with their wealth and their lives in God’s way. And they said, “Do not venture out in the heat.” Say, “The Fire of Hell is much hotter, if they only understood.”

Qur'an 9:81 Notes[edit]

If only the evidence for this God or his brutal Hell were actually solid in any way.

Qur'an 9:82[edit]

Let them laugh a little, and weep much; in recompense for what they used to earn.

Qur'an 9:82 Notes[edit]

Disbelief does not deserve punishment.

Qur'an 9:83[edit]

If God brings you back to a party of them, and they ask your permission to go out, say, “You will not go out with me, ever, nor will you ever fight an enemy with me. You were content to sit back the first time, so sit back with those who stay behind.”

Qur'an 9:83 Notes[edit]

What? What is this verse on about?

Qur'an 9:84[edit]

You are never to pray over anyone of them who dies, nor are you to stand at his graveside. They rejected God and His Messenger, and died while they were sinners.

Qur'an 9:84 Notes[edit]

What about those who died while believing but were mistaken for disbelievers by those still living?

Qur'an 9:85[edit]

Do not let their possessions and their children impress you. God desires to torment them through them in this world, and their souls expire while they are disbelievers.

Qur'an 9:85 Notes[edit]

Didn't God already say this same thing 30 verses ago? This book has no reason to repeat itself this much. It's poorly written with or without this repetition, and repeating a claim doesn't make it any less false.

Qur'an 9:86[edit]

When a chapter is revealed, stating: “Believe in God and strive with His Messenger,” the prominent among them ask you for exemption. They say, “Allow us to stay with those who stay behind.”

Qur'an 9:86 Notes[edit]

Yeah, the repetition is getting out of hand. Or it would be if was ever not out of hand.

Qur'an 9:87[edit]

They prefer to be with those who stay behind. Their hearts were sealed, so they do not understand.

Qur'an 9:87 Notes[edit]

Their hearts were sealed by God.

Qur'an 9:88[edit]

But the Messenger and those who believe with him struggle with their possessions and their lives. These have deserved the good things. These are the successful.

Qur'an 9:88 Notes[edit]

Translation: Obey the Messenger and sacrifice your selves and your possessions for him. Good people do that.

Qur'an 9:89[edit]

God has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great victory.

Qur'an 9:89 Notes[edit]

This reward seems underwhelming, especially since most people would likely grow bored after millions of years of the same gardens.

Qur'an 9:90[edit]

Some of the Desert-Arabs came to make excuses, asking to be granted exemption, while those who were untrue to God and His Messenger stayed behind. A painful punishment will afflict those among them who disbelieved.

Qur'an 9:90 Notes[edit]

Why does this chapter need to be so repetitive? WHY?

Qur'an 9:91[edit]

There is no blame on the weak, nor on the sick, nor on those who have nothing to give, provided they are true to God and His Messenger. In no way can the righteous be blamed. God is Forgiving and Merciful.

Qur'an 9:91 Notes[edit]

God needs to repeat this lie so often because most of this book makes him look unforgiving and merciless.

Qur'an 9:92[edit]

Nor on those who approach you, wishing to ride with you, and you said, “I have nothing to carry you on.” So they went away, with their eyes overflowing with tears, sorrowing for not finding the means to spend.

Qur'an 9:92 Notes[edit]

People have to be so enthusiastic to fight in the name of this violent deity that they have to cry for not having the means to join the fight? Really? This is an incredibly dangerous message for reasons that should be obvious by now.

Qur'an 9:93[edit]

But blame is on those who ask you for exemption, although they are rich. They are content to be with those who stay behind. God has sealed their hearts, so they do not know.

Qur'an 9:93 Notes[edit]

God sealed their hearts. Satan didn't seal their hearts. They didn't seal their own hearts. God was the one to seal their hearts. Given that they don't know, why are they being held accountable by an all-powerful all-knowing despotic deity for a decision made by said deity without their knowledge or consent?

Qur'an 9:94[edit]

They present excuses to you when you return to them. Say, “Do not offer excuses; we do not trust you; God has informed us of you. And God will watch your actions, and so will the Messenger; then you will be returned to the Knower of the Invisible and the Visible, and He will inform you of what you used to do.”

Qur'an 9:94 Notes[edit]

God has shown himself to not know anything that the people of the time didn't know already. Even then, he seems to know way less than the average joe of the time.

Qur'an 9:95[edit]

They will swear to you by God, when you return to them, that you may leave them alone. So leave them alone. They are a disgrace, and their destiny is Hell; a reward for what they used to earn.

Qur'an 9:95 Notes[edit]

Only a divine dictator would ascribe hell as a suitable punishment for the noncrimes listed in this chapter thus far, not that any crimes would ever be enough to deserve infinite punishment with no hope of redemption.

Qur'an 9:96[edit]

They will swear to you that you may accept them. But even if you accept them, God does not accept the wicked people.

Qur'an 9:96 Notes[edit]

God made them wicked in the first place.

Qur'an 9:97[edit]

The Desert-Arabs are the most steeped in disbelief and hypocrisy, and the most likely to ignore the limits that God revealed to His Messenger. God is Knowing and Wise.

Qur'an 9:97 Notes[edit]

These people "are steeped in disbelief and hypocrisy" because God was the one who steeped them in it. Of course they would "ignore the limits that God revealed to His Messenger" when God refuses to let them believe that he even exists and that Muhammad was a divine messenger at all.

Qur'an 9:98[edit]

And among the Desert-Arabs are those who consider their contribution to be a fine. And they wait for a reversal of your fortunes. Upon them will fall the cycle of misfortune. God is Hearing and Knowing.

Qur'an 9:98 Notes[edit]

This book is more than enough misfortune on its own.

Qur'an 9:99[edit]

Yet among the Desert-Arabs are those who believe in God and the Last Day, and consider their contribution to be a means towards God, and the prayers of the Messenger. Surely it will draw them closer, and God will admit them into His mercy. God is Forgiving and Compassionate.

Qur'an 9:99 Notes[edit]

This is just jingoist language to try to convince Muhammad's followers that they're the enlightened ones in an otherwise despicable group. Cult leaders use this kind of language all the time.

Qur'an 9:100[edit]

The Pioneers—The first of the Migrants and the Supporters, and those who followed them in righteousness. God is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens beneath which rivers flow, where they will abide forever. That is the sublime triumph.

Qur'an 9:100 Notes[edit]

Do gardens with rivers not exist in this world? They might not last forever, but an everlasting reward would grow tiresome after a few trillion years, would it not.

Qur'an 9:101[edit]

Among the Desert-Arabs around you there are some hypocrites, and among the inhabitants of Medina too. They have become adamant in hypocrisy. You do not know them, but We know them. We will punish them twice; then they will be returned to a severe torment.

Qur'an 9:101 Notes[edit]

At the very least, this everlasting reward sounds infinitely preferable over any everlasting punishment.

Qur'an 9:102[edit]

Others have confessed their sins, having mixed good deeds with bad deeds. Perhaps God will redeem them. God is Forgiving and Merciful.

Qur'an 9:102 Notes[edit]

Perhaps? PERHAPS? A truly "Forgiving and Merciful" being would unquestioningly redeem everyone.

Qur'an 9:103[edit]

Receive contributions from their wealth, to purify them and sanctify them with it; and pray for them. Your prayer is comfort for them. God is Hearing and Knowing.

Qur'an 9:103 Notes[edit]

And yet God's ignorance is on full display in this book.

Qur'an 9:104[edit]

Do they not know that God accepts the repentance of His servants, and that He receives the contributions, and that God is the Acceptor of Repentance, the Merciful?

Qur'an 9:104 Notes[edit]

This book does not paint such a rosy picture.

Qur'an 9:105[edit]

Say, “Work. God will see your work, and so will His Messenger, and the believers. Then you will be returned to the Knower of secrets and declarations, and He will inform you of what you used to do.”

Qur'an 9:105 Notes[edit]

He is so ignorant and arrogant that he would just make things up and refuse to accept the mere possibility that anything he says could be false.

Qur'an 9:106[edit]

Others are held in suspense, awaiting God’s decree, as to whether He will punish them, or accept their repentance. God is Aware and Wise.

Qur'an 9:106 Notes[edit]

Hello? I have your order right here. Did you order a nothingburger with a side of curly lies?

Qur'an 9:107[edit]

Then there are those who establish a mosque to cause harm, and disbelief, and disunity among the believers, and as an outpost for those who fight God and His Messenger. They will swear: “Our intentions are nothing but good.” But God bears witness that they are liars.

Qur'an 9:107 Notes[edit]

God talks an awful lot about people pretending to be pious Muslims while secretly being wicked. He somehow fails to give believers a way to clearly discern true believers from hypocrites, leading to so many Muslims falling for grifters and so many honest Muslims being falsely accused of wickedness. This happens when God instills fear in people while not clarifying anything.

Qur'an 9:108[edit]

Do not stand in it, ever. A mosque founded upon piety from the first day is worthier of your standing in it. In it are men who love to be purified. God loves those who purify themselves.

Qur'an 9:108 Notes[edit]

Again, how can people tell which mosques are "founded upon piety from the first day" and which aren't?

Qur'an 9:109[edit]

Is he who founds his structure upon piety and acceptance from God better, or he who founds his structure on the brink of a cliff that is about to tumble, so it tumbles with him into the Fire of Hell? God does not guide the unjust people.

Qur'an 9:109 Notes[edit]

How can believers tell them apart clearly so as not to throw false accusations against people with pure intentions?

Qur'an 9:110[edit]

The structure which they built will remain questionable in their hearts, until their hearts are stopped. God is Knowing and Wise.

Qur'an 9:110 Notes[edit]

Fun fact: The thinking organ is the brain, not the heart. The all-knowing architect of human biology should know that.

Qur'an 9:111[edit]

God has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties in exchange for Paradise. They fight in God’s way, and they kill and get killed. It is a promise binding on Him in the Torah, and the Gospel, and the Quran. And who is more true to his promise than God? So rejoice in making such an exchange—that is the supreme triumph.

Qur'an 9:111 Notes[edit]

Again, this book uses the allure of an eternal reward to convince people so that "they kill and get killed" in the name of a being whose existence is entirely unclear.

Qur'an 9:112[edit]

Those who repent, those who worship, those who praise, those who journey, those who kneel, those who bow down, those who advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and those who keep God’s limits—give good news to the believers.

Qur'an 9:112 Notes[edit]

Would "those who advocate righteousness" go on to "kill and get killed" in such a callous manner as laid out here?

Qur'an 9:113[edit]

It is not for the Prophet and those who believe to ask forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they are near relatives, after it has become clear to them that they are people of Hellfire.

Qur'an 9:113 Notes[edit]

The problem is that it was never clear, though the blinders of faith can convince many people otherwise.

Qur'an 9:114[edit]

Abraham asked forgiveness for his father only because of a promise he had made to him. But when it became clear to him that he was an enemy of God, he disowned him. Abraham was kind and clement.

Qur'an 9:114 Notes[edit]

Again, this religion advocates for tearing families apart over religious differences by convincing believers that family members aren't worth keeping around if they disbelieve.

Qur'an 9:115[edit]

God would never lead a people astray, after He had guided them, until He makes clear to them what they should guard against. God has knowledge of all things.

Qur'an 9:115 Notes[edit]

Many people are guided by God only to be led astray. Were these people never truly guided even when they sincerely believed in the god of this religion and that they were being guided on the right path by him?

Qur'an 9:116[edit]

To God belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He gives life, and He causes death. And besides God, you have neither protector, nor supporter.

Qur'an 9:116 Notes[edit]

God keeps claiming this nonsense without evidence.

Qur'an 9:117[edit]

God has redeemed the Prophet, and the Emigrants, and the Supporters—those who followed him in the hour of difficulty—after the hearts of some of them almost swerved. Then He pardoned them. He is Kind towards them, Compassionate.

Qur'an 9:117 Notes[edit]

He could show this kindness and compassion to all of creation, but the Quran makes quite clear that this isn't that type of god.

Qur'an 9:118[edit]

Also towards the three who were left behind. Then, when the earth, as vast as it is, closed in on them, and their very souls closed in on them, and they realized that there was no refuge from God, except in Him, He redeemed them, so that they may repent. God is the Redeemer, the Merciful.

Qur'an 9:118 Notes[edit]

God could just redeem and show mercy to everyone.

Qur'an 9:119[edit]

O you who believe! Be conscious of God, and be with the sincere.

Qur'an 9:119 Notes[edit]

O you who asks for people to worship you! Make yourself known so that people can be conscious of your existence and not require fickle faith.

Qur'an 9:120[edit]

It is not for the inhabitants of Medina and the Desert-Arabs around them to stay behind the Messenger of God, nor to prefer themselves to him. That is because they never suffer any thirst, nor fatigue, nor hunger in the cause of God, nor do they take one step that enrages the disbelievers, nor do they gain anything from an enemy, but it is recorded to their credit as a righteous deed. God does not waste the reward of the righteous.

Qur'an 9:120 Notes[edit]

What is this even supposed to mean?

Qur'an 9:121[edit]

Nor do they spend any expenditure, small or large, nor do they cross any valley, but it is recorded to their credit. That God may reward them in accordance with the best of their deeds.

Qur'an 9:121 Notes[edit]

God would have to know good from bad, and this book convinces so many people that he does not.

Qur'an 9:122[edit]

It is not advisable for the believers to march out altogether. Of every division that marches out, let a group remain behind, to gain understanding of the religion, and to notify their people when they have returned to them, that they may beware.

Qur'an 9:122 Notes[edit]

What if people use this strategy as a way to stay behind while still pretending to contribute to a battle?

Qur'an 9:123[edit]

O you who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who attack you, and let them find severity in you, and know that God is with the righteous.

Qur'an 9:123 Notes[edit]

Stop with the calls to violence! So many Muslims sincerely believe that Islam is a religion of peace because a religion of peace would be vastly superior to this. This chapter in particular isn't helping. There may be some instances where fighting is necessary to minimize harm and bloodshed, but this chapter advocates for attacking people just for disbelieving and getting in the way of any Islamic hegemony.

Qur'an 9:124[edit]

Whenever a chapter is revealed, some of them say, “Which of you has this increased in faith?” As for those who believe: it increases them in faith, and they rejoice.

Qur'an 9:124 Notes[edit]

People need to already believe to have this "revelation" mean anything to them. That is telling.

Qur'an 9:125[edit]

But as for those in whose hearts is sickness: it adds disgrace to their disgrace, and they die as unbelievers.

Qur'an 9:125 Notes[edit]

How did that sickness get in their hearts? Hint: The one who created them made their hearts so sick.

Qur'an 9:126[edit]

Do they not see that they are tested once or twice every year? Yet they do not repent, and they do not learn.

Qur'an 9:126 Notes[edit]

They do not. Nothing in this religion is clear enough for that.

Qur'an 9:127[edit]

And whenever a chapter is revealed, they look at one another, “Does anyone see you?” Then they slip away. God has diverted their hearts, because they are a people who do not understand.

Qur'an 9:127 Notes[edit]

God is the reason why they fail to understand.

Qur'an 9:128[edit]

There has come to you a messenger from among yourselves, concerned over your suffering, anxious over you. Towards the believers, he is compassionate and merciful.

Qur'an 9:128 Notes[edit]

Why does this messenger seem so much like any other cult leader preaching lies to keep members entrenched in the cult?

Qur'an 9:129[edit]

If they turn away, say, “God is enough for me; there is no god except He; in Him I have put my trust; He is the Lord of the Sublime Throne.”

Qur'an 9:129 Notes[edit]

If they turn away, then they aren't really likely to be so easily convinced.