Someone Said The Qur’an Teaches Violence, How Do I Reply?

Wa alykum as-salaam,

The fact that The Qur’an constantly and always discusses violence within the framework of self-defense, and that any other violence is evil, I think the structure of The Qur’an, itself, is the ultimate proof.

However, I’m assuming that if someone says that The Qur’an teaches violence, I doubt that they would take the time to even take a look at The Qur’an, and thus, I would give you a simple quote to show them:

“if anyone slays a human being – unless it be [in punishment] for murder or for spreading corruption on earth – it shall be as though he had slain all mankind; whereas, if anyone saves a life, it shall be as though he had saved the lives of all mankind.” [5:32] Muhammad Asad

Look at the significance of that simple concept. To kill someone is as if you have killed all of humanity, and to save a life, it is as if you have saved all of humanity. That is a massive statement, you do not need my analysis to understand how clear and forceful that is.

Now, does The Qur’an allow the use of violence? Yes, it does, but again, the only time you can use violence is in self-defense, and I don’t know how that could be considered “proof” that The Qur’an teaches violence. If someone attacks you or your family, you are going to defend them, right? The Qur’an simply affirms this conception.

If you would like greater detail, please ask, but from what you are asking me, I am inclined to give you as short of an answer as possible, because I doubt someone who thinks that about The Qur’an has read The Qur’an, and I doubt they would be open to reading it. Therefore, I think that ayah might be the best for you.

Insha Allah, I hope this answers your question, and if you, or anyone else, has a question on this, or any other topic, please do not hesitate to ask.