Islam and violence

[Inspector Javert]

I don't consider myself an expert on Islam, I have done some light research into it but I would like a clearer picture of what the Quran says about violence. Here's my understanding of the issue along with some questions.

1. The Quran forbids killing in cold blood (taking one life is equal to killing all of humanity) does this apply to all human life or just the believers?

2. The Quran allows violence to be used against "enemies" (the infamous "verse of the sword") what makes one an enemy and what would constitute mending ones ways?

3. The Quran claims that Christians and Jews are to be protected in Muslim lands, however they must pay a special tax. Are there any other requirements with Dhimi status?

4. In one of my classes in college I heard that there is the possibility of continuing revelations form Allah. Is it possible that at some point a revelation could come about that advocates coexistence and peace. Assuming of course that the current interpretation of the Quran does not already advocate that.

5. Who exactly gets to decide what "spreading evil in the land" is?

I hope that I have phrased these questions in as friendly and non confrontational a manner as possible. I would like to hear from people who are learned in the Quran if possible and I look forward to what will hopefully be an enlightening discussion. I would also like to request that this receive a red diamond since this is an intense issue.

 

[Tahuti]

AFAIK, Islam has a special body of scholars called the Ulema. They get to decide how the Sharia and the Quran are interpreted. I think this more or less solves most of your questions. The freedoms and restrictions of dhimmitude are more or less strongly dependent on the opinions of the Ulema as well.