Advice on how to use words of the Quran:
It is unfortunate that many people use the Quran and its verses out of context. Here is a popular example:
Quran 9:5 Slay the pagans where you find them
Who is this verse referring to? What were the circumstances? What is the context of this verse?
People use this verse to jump all over Muslims as violent more than anyone else. A fair observer should read the surrounding verses that speak about the rights and obligations outlined in the treaties the people had at the time.
God describes the attitude of some of the opponents of the prophet Muhammad who were continually attacking the weaker Muslim community. “They do not observe toward a believer any pact of kinship or covenant of protection. And it is they who are the transgressors.”
So what is the result if a hostile group or nation refuses to abide by treaties and golden rules of human rights? All just states employ punitive measures. Many of the conflicts of the 20th century were to restore justice and fight oppression. It was a situation similar to this that the verse describes.
The surrounding verses also repeat many times the need for leniency and restoration of peaceful conditions.
What is the lesson? Understand the full context of the situation. Be just and fair in your assessment. Hold everyone accountable to the same standards.