Background: I recently had a cordial conversation with a Muslim friend who told me that they have read through the Quran 10 times and that they know of no Quranic verses that refer to violence.
To be honest as an American Westerner and Christian Apologist that answer came as a surprise.
I promised my friend a response to the topic, and here is a look from Muslim, former Muslim and non-Muslim sources.
How do Muslims see this topic:
Video Title: Violence in the Name of Islam | Dr. Shabir Ally
Source: Let the Quran Speak
Description: Does Islam promote terrorism and violence? Are acts of terrorism misinterpretations of Islamic law?
Video Time: 12:25
Video Title: Is Islam A Religion Of Peace?
Source: One Minute Apologist
Description: Jay Smith talks about whether or not Islam is a religion of peace.
Video Time: 3:27
Who is Nabeel Qureshi?
https://www.nabeelqureshi.com/about
The following is an extended view on the topic by a former Muslim who has converted to Christianity as taught at Biola University:
Topic: Understanding the Violence in Islam – Apologetics to Islam
Author: Nabeel Qureshi
Video Length: 1:01:47
Video Chapters:
0:00 Introduction and caveats
3:40 The concept of abrogation
5:58 Stages of Islamic dominance
8:37 Violence in the final stage
16:06 Salafi movement and sources
21:02 Violence toward unbelievers
25:27 The meaning of Jihad
31:08 Violence toward apostates
38:06 Violence toward critics
42:43 Violence toward women
51:49 Punishments for sinners
56:49 Summary and response
Here is a list of verses and associated commentary that refer to the topic:
https://www.answering-islam.org/Terrorism/islam_and_violence.html
BOA Questions:
1. What was your initial reaction to the question, Is Islam a religion of peace?
2. What personal experiences, if any, do you have with the religion of Islam?
3. What is the evangelical and apologetic significance of this topic?
4. After watching the videos above and reading the list of verses, what have you learned about this topic?
5. How is the love of Christ, his Deity, and his Gospel best communicated to those of the Islamic faith?