It is felt by some that the Quran has very strong language that is very intimidating and sounds cruel. This is actually due to a misunderstanding of the purpose of the Quran. The Quran is not a diplomatic document meant to use false pretences to lure people into the faith. In fact, if the Quran had used such language, it may have been accused of hypocrisy and falsehood and no one would have accepted it. On the contrary, the Quran uses straightforward, transparent language so that the truth is conveyed as openly and clearly as possible. It does not mince words. What needs to be stated is stated with absolute clarity.

It may sound offensive to some but the Quran does not shy away from stating what it is presenting as truth. The Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad^(as), explains this in light of the incident when the same question was put to the Holy Prophet Muhammad^(sa). When the Quran was being revealed in the early days and straightforward, truthful statements were being made about the false idols of the Quraish, they were offended and came to the Prophet’s^(sa) uncle, Abu Talib, to pass on their demand to the Prophet^(sa) that he change his language.

Abu Talib then called the Holy Prophet^(sa) and told him that the people are offended by his language, and may even be enraged enough to try to kill him, and advised him to tone down his language, and refrain from using words that offend others. The Holy Prophet^(sa) responded by saying that it is not abusive language that he is using. Instead, the language is a clear expression of truth, and stating of facts at the appropriate time, and this is precisely in accordance with his mission. The fear of death will not prevent him from stating what is true.^[i]

In other words, the intention of the Quran is not to sound intimidating, harsh, or cruel. The Quran is filled with very beautiful passages and prayers, and reminders of how Allah blessed nations in the past. However, when it comes to evil, and Satanic thoughts and actions, the Quran makes its stance clear, and expresses its revulsion. What is more is that the clear language is meant to motivate individuals to act for their own betterment. If the Quran had not been clear on sin, many may have taken it lightly and may have suffered immensely by not taking a vile thing like sin seriously.

In the very beginning of the Quran however, Allah made it clear that He is the Rabb—One Who provides sustenance and cares for the well-being of His creation; Rahman—One Who provides for His creation even without any action from the Creation; and Rahim—One Who rewards those who do good. Hence, the Quran makes it clear that God is a loving God who cares for His creation, and it is in fact an expression of His love that He is also clear about sin and other things that are harmful and destructive to humans.

References:

[i]. Izala-e-Awham, Ruhani Khaza’in, vol. 3, p. 110-111