President Obama quoted the Koran during his speech in Cairo, and Jamie Jeffords, of Eye of Polyphemus thinks maybe he was a wee bit disingenuous. From EOP:
Here is what he said in his speech:
“As the Holy Koran tells us, “Be conscious of God and speak always the truth.” That is what I will try to do – to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.
Just on the face of it, that verse does not appear to have anything to do with coming together in spite of one’s differences. But Obama did not translate it very well, either. he was quoting 9:119, which is more accurately translated:
“O ye who believe! Be careful of your duty to Allah, and be with the truthful.”
The quotation is part of a passage in which Muslims who refused to accompany Muhammad in a battle against the Byzantines are scolded for their lack of devotion in battling infidels. The passage goes on to state Allah will grant favor to any Muslim who angers nonbelievers. allah insists Muslims deal with infidels brutally.
I appreciate Jamie giving us the more in-depth explanation. Many times, I’ve thought about reading the Koran myself, just to see for myself exactly what it says, and whether people are taking things out of context.
But, y’know, the Koran is pretty long, and I have enough trouble keeping up with regular Bible reading.
Plus, I read the Bible in the bathroom*, and I’m afraid I’d be subject to Jihad if any actual Muslims found out I was reading the Koran in there.
* Yes, in the bathroom. This is related to that sign from God I mentioned a few weeks ago.