By InterFaith Works of Central New York
on June 03, 2016 at 6:00 AM, updated June 03, 2016 at 6:02 AM
This feature is coordinated by The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com and InterFaith Works of CNY. Follow this theme and author posted Sunday through Saturday.

Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal
InterFaith Works of Central New York
True Islam teaches that every verse of the Holy Quran is valid and that there are no superfluous or contradictory verses. Extremists, attempting to exploit Islam, argue that so-called “violent” verses abrogate any Quranic verses advocating peace. For example, they argue that verse 9:5, “And when the forbidden months have passed, kill the idolaters wherever you find them…and lie in wait for them at every place of ambush…” abrogates verse 2:257 “There is no compulsion in religion.” However, 9:5 refers to actions Muslims are permitted to take in self-defense while 2:257 says that Muslims are never allowed to compel their faith on others. Tomorrow, True Islam and leadership.
Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal is President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Syracuse chapter. A Radiation Oncologist, he formerly practiced in Auburn. Dr. Iqbal is currently Medical Director of Buffalo Medical Group, Buffalo, New York.