Islam’s moderates and extremists

Darius Assemi’s article (Jan. 24) rightly identifies a significant source of radical Islam in our world today: Wahhabism. Any oil bought from Saudi Arabia only supports the king’s arrangement with the Wahhabis to fund for export radical Islam.

But isn’t their interpretation of the Quran based on a more widely-held belief in the Doctrine of Abrogation? The oft-quoted Surah 2 verse, “There shall be no compulsion in religion” was received in the first year of Muhammed’s revelations, while he was trying to gain acceptance among Jews and Christians.

The violent verses against Jews and Christians, however, in Surah 9 are thought by many Islamic scholars to supersede or abrogate the earlier peaceful verses: “Fight those who do not believe in Allah ... the People of the Book until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.” Numerous times Muslims are urged to “fight and strive with their goods and their persons.” These verses were received in the last year of Muhammed’s life after he had conquered.

How does a moderate Muslim deal with the Doctrine of Abrogation? Is there one level of Islam practiced when Muslims are in the minority and another level of Islam practiced when Muslims assume power?

This story was originally published February 13, 2016 at 5:14 AM with the headline "Islam’s moderates and extremists."