"As far as Islam is concerned, it categorically rejects and condemns every form of terrorism. It does not provide any cover or justification for any act of violence, be it committed by an individual, a group or a government...I most strongly condemn all acts and forms of terrorism because it is my deeply rooted belief that not only Islam but also no true religion, whatever its name, can sanction violence and bloodshed of innocent men, women and children in the name of God."

Murder in the Name of Allah by Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, fourth successor to the promised messiah.

From Al Islam, "It is unfortunate that Islam, the religion of peace, hope, harmony, goodwill and brotherhood had been badly tarnished by the perpetrators of various terrorists acts and barbarism as seen on September 11, 2001."

Al Islam's above treatment on terrorism and Jihad ("a misunderstood concept"), here, leaves a bit to be hopeful about. There are Muslims (the Ahmadiyya, for example) who are, apparently, somehow able to look past the clear and unmistakable calls for violence against apostates and those who refuse to convert, past the primitive institution of dhimmitude, and come up with a loving and peaceful approach to the divine.

Good for them.

The next step would be for these good ones to more actively denounce those who commit violence with the full backing of the Qur' an. Beyond that, there is need of an Islamic Reformation. Despite the heroic efforts of good, non-violent Muslims to recast their religion as peaceful (to those outside its membership), it is difficult to read much of the Qur'an without accepting it as a call to the faithful for violence.

The Qur'an demands it. Those who object to this conclusion will counter by saying it is the result of reading the Qur'an out of context.  How much nuance of meaning can be successfully heaped around instruction to smite others in the neck and cut off their digits?

Surah 8:12: "I will instill terror into the hearts of the unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them."

Other than a preceding phrase like, "Just kidding here:" what context can modify this call to terror and murder?

For a substantial list of similar "misunderstood" sentiments in the Qur'an, see here. We are all thankful that there are Muslims who honor God and abhor violence. But they are able to do this only by either ignoring or repudiating much of their holy book.