In a piece on the film Fitna, a documentary on Islam just released by Dutch politician Geert Wilders, ABC news relied upon an Islamic scholar linked to the U.S. Muslim Brotherhood. According to the report, ABC News spoke to Mohammad Al-Hayek, described only as a “Quran expert”, to investigate what the verses in Wilders’ film meant. A sample of Al-Hayek’s translations are as follows:
Verse from Fitna: (Chapter 8; Verse 6) Prepare for them whatever force and cavalry ye are able of gathering to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies of Allah and your enemies.
Al-Hayek: The purpose of this verse is to urge Muslim governments to be militarily strong in order to intimidate its enemies. Building up power is meant to serve as a deterrent to those wanting to attack Muslims. This chapter was revealed about the major Battle of Badr that took place between the Muslims and the Quraish tribe of Mecca in the second year of the established Muslim state. The verse immediately after it says, “but if the enemy inclines toward peace, do thou also incline toward peace.” Muslims are commanded to halt war immediately if the enemy shows signs of peace. Even in war, Muslims are instructed in the Quran to adhere to strict rules of engagement.
Verse from Fitna: (Chapter 47, Verse 4) Therefore, when ye meet the unbelievers, smite at their necks and when ye have caused a bloodbath among them, bring a bond firmly on them.
Al-Hayek: Chapter 47 of the Quran is also called the Chapter of War. The chapter mainly outlines Muslim rules while in combat. Most of the translations of this verse reads, “when ye meet the unbelievers (in fight)…” This verse calls for Muslims to fight fiercely while in battle. The verse concludes “until the war lays down its burden.”
Verse from Fitna: (Chapter 8, Verse 39) Fight them until there is no dissension and the religion is entirely Allah’s.
Al-Hayek: This chapter is about the Battle of Badr. “Dissension” should actually be translated in this verse as “persecution.” This verse refers to the persecution the Muslims in Mecca faced as the minority. Verse 39 is a commandment from God to the Muslims to fight their oppressors.
Mohammad Al-Hayek is likely the same individual who is listed as a Lecturer of Quranic Studies at the Islamic American University chaired by Youssef Qaradawi, the head of the global Muslim Brotherhood. He is also listed as a member of the Shari’ah Scholars Association of North America whose members also include many individuals who are part of the U.S. Brotherhood. In April 2007, Al-Hayek complained to a visiting class of West Point cadets that the U.S. had destabilized the Mideast by supporting governments that were not based on Islam. As a recent post has discussed, deception about the nature of Jihad and Islamist violence is part of the strategy adopted by the global Muslim Brotherhood in order to justify such violence. Al-Hayak’s translations could be seen to be consistent with that strategy and point to the dangers involved for the media and others when relying upon “experts” without a proper vetting of their background.