Many Moslems in the United States and around the world may be truly peace loving people and wish to live in harmony with their non-Muslim neigbors.  But many may not really know everything the Qu'ran (Koran) truly has to say, with respect to those who do not believe as they do.  However, this is the basis for much of the radical Islamic violence against non-believers and other even Moslems who don't hold as strict a view of the Qu'ran as they believe is mandatory. 

For more information from a converted Muslim, see http://www.answering-islam.org/index.html

This Issue of "Abrogation"

A very important concept with respect to the Qu'ran is "abrogation".  This is a legal term meaning to cancel or annul something.  The importance of this concept in understanding the Qu'ran cannot be understated. This is a principle from the Qu'ran as found in Sura 2:106 "None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar; knowest thou not that Allah hath power over all things"  This may result in the more peaceful parts of the Qu'ran being superceded by the more violent parts that came later or "abrogated" the earlier parts.  For much more see http://www.answering-islam.org/Authors/Farooq_Ibrahim/abrogation.htm

For example, Sura 2:256 says "Let there be no compulsion in religion", which sounds "tolerant" and peaceful enough.  Yet Sura 9:5 makes it clear to "fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them" (see verse below), which abrogates Sura 2:256.

Violent Directives in the Qu'ran

The following are several verses from the Qu'ran that provides not only a basis but a mandate for Islamic violence against non-believers.

(Note: a "Sura" is a chapter in the Qu'ran)

Sura 9:5

But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful

Sura 2:191

And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.

Sura 9:29

Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger nor, acknowledge the Religion of Truth from among the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission and feel themselves subdued. (29) The Jews call Uzayr a son of Allah and the Christians call Christ the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouths; (in this) they but imitate what the Unbelievers of old used to say. Allah's curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the Truth

Note: Jizya is a per capita tax levied on a section of an Islamic state's non-Muslim citizens (Wikipedia)

Sura 5:33

The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter

Sura 60:9

It is only as regards those who fought against you on account of religion, and have driven you out of your homes, and helped to drive you out, that Allâh forbids you to befriend them. And whosoever will befriend them, then such are the Zâlimûn (wrong-doers those who disobey Allâh). (Translation by Dr. Mohsin)

Sura 5:60

Say: "Shall I point out to you something much worse than this, (as judged) by the treatment it received from Allah? Those who incurred the curse of Allah and His wrath, those of whom some He transformed into apes and swine, those who worshipped Evil;― these are (many times) worse in rank and far more astray from the even Path!

Sura 47:4-5

Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; at length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): therefore (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are ye commanded): but if it had been Allah's Will, he could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the way of Allah he will never let their deeds be lost. (4) Soon will He guide them and improve their condition. (5) And admit them to the Garden which He has announced for them.

Historical Issues

The Qu'ran clearly claims that Jesus was not killed or crucified, yet this is well established historical fact.  Sura 4:157 says" That they said (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah";― but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not."

Quran pasages taken from translation by Yusuf Ali, www.quranexplorer.com