54. War should not be waged to convert people.

The verses (2:193, 8:39) of the Quran say “Fight until there is no rebellion (against monotheism) and the way of worship is only for Allah. In these verses the word ‘Dheen’ is translated as a ‘way of life’. 

This translation implies forcible conversions but verses 54, 55, 76, 89, 197, 198, 199, 203, 359 say no one should be forced to convert from one religion to another.

When this is the case, the translation as ‘fight until the conversion is done’ cannot be taken into consideration.

Moreover, during the rule of Prophet Muhammad Jews and Christians lived as Jews and Christians. They were not forcibly converted. Taking this also into consideration we can come to understand the translation wrong. If we look at the latter part of these two verses, we will come to know the translation in that context is wrong.

When they excuse themselves from war there should not be any transgression (leave them alone).

We can conclude that the word ‘Dheen’ in this verse does not mean religion. 

The Arabic word ‘Dheen’ has more than one meaning as religion, wages, gift, judgement, power etc. 

In the two verses the apt translation of the Arabic word ‘Dheen’ is power. The meaning of the phrase is ‘In a war one should keep fighting until power reaches his hand’. This is a simple motto for all countries of the world. 

Please refer explanation points 53, 55, 76, 89, 197, 198, 199, 203, 359 to know more about war, terrorism, Jihad. Please refer explanation points