December 23, 2009
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jihad
A post that many may not expect from me. I read something today where someone was talking about “horrible Muslims and their call for Jihad.”
Jihad seems to be a very misunderstood word.
Jihād is a noun meaning “struggle.”
Jihad appears frequently in the Qur’an and common usage as the idiomatic expression “striving in the way of Allah (al-jihad fi sabil Allah)”
“Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad) “.Sahih al-Bukhari 4:52:41
“O you who believe! Choose not your fathers nor your brethren for protectors if they love disbelief over belief; whoever of you takes them for protectors, such are wrong-doers. Say: if your fathers, and your children, and your brethren, and your spouses, and your tribe, and the wealth you have acquired, and business for which you fear shrinkage, and houses you are pleased with are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His way: then wait till Allah brings His command to pass. Allah does not guide disobedient folk.”
(Quran 9:23, 24)Mahatma Gandhi’s struggle for Indian independence is called a “jihad” in Modern Standard Arabic.
Granted Jihad can mean violence but it does not always mean violence.
“And strive (Jadihu) for Allah with the endeavor (Jihadihi) which is His right. He has chosen you and has not laid upon you in the deen (religion) any hardship…”
(Quran, 22:78)Jihad of the heart (jihad bil qalb/nafs) is concerned with combating the devil and in the attempt to escape his persuasion to evil. This type of Jihad is regarded as the greater jihad (al-jihad al-akbar).
Jihad by the tongue (jihad bil lisan) is concerned with speaking the truth and spreading the word of Islam with one’s tongue.Jihad by the hand (jihad bil yad) refers to choosing to do what is right and to combat injustice and what is wrong with action.
Jihad by the sword (jihad bis saif) refers to qital fi sabilillah (armed fighting in the way of God, or holy war), the most common usage by Salafi Muslims and offshoots of the Muslim Brotherhood.When faced with two competing interests, it becomes jihad to choose the right one
“Aisha, wife of the Prophet asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, we see jihad as the best of deeds, so shouldn’t we join it?’ He replied, ‘But the best of jihad is a perfect Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah).’”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, No. 2784)The Qur’an permits fighting to defend the religion of Islam and the Muslims. This permission includes fighting in self-defense and for the protection of family and property.
Islam never tolerates unprovoked aggression from its own side; Muslims are commanded in the Qur’an not to begin hostilities, embark on any act of aggression, violate the rights of others, or harm the innocent. Even hurting or destroying animals or trees is forbidden. War is waged only to defend the religious community against oppression and persecution, because the Qur’an says that “persecution is worse than slaughter” and “let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression” (Qur’an 2:190-193). Therefore, if non-Muslims are peaceful or indifferent to Islam, there is no justified reason to declare war on them.
The Qur’an also says, “Let there be no compulsion in religion” (2:256). Forcing someone at the point of a sword to choose death or Islam is an idea that is foreign to Islam in spirit and in historical practice.
I really hope this helps clear up the whole thing with Islam, war and Jihad. Any Questions? comments? Anything to add?
Comments (38)
Its hard to believe a war on terrorism when the us sold sadam and these “terrorists” the weapons they now use on us. The russians also didnt help much when they tried to take over in the 80′s i think it was. Its a corprate millitary, there is a reason bush used the reserves to fight this war. Then its not a “war” just a millitary conflict and he wont need to draft. You have somebody come in your house at night stick guns in your face and do horrible things to your family if you give a wrong answer and tell me your fighting for you religion or country?
@modern_mans_hustle20 - not exactly sure what your comment has to do with my post as I did not speak of any war or terrorism. Care to explain?
Well terrorists according to the government have put a “jihad” on north america, thats why. But its has been warped by the media into something terrible.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6:13-17)
Peace
@modern_mans_hustle20 - Yup…the media seems to love to talk about “terrorists and jihad”
Terrorists this and terrorists that. And they make all followers of Islam out to be crazy and so many people buy into it and then you have women being attack on the street, verbally assaulted and being spit at or having their hijab ripped off when they have not done anything wrong.
@AOK4WAY - care to expound on that?
Hugs brother
@Kristenmomof3 - Well its like I said, somebody comes into my house puts a gun in my face and rapes my mother im not gonna think twice. Your in fatigues your dead cuz my AK says so.
its not about anything but survival.
@Kristenmomof3 - These are all articles of warfare! All but one are protective items, one is a weapon. We too are engaged in “jihad”
@modern_mans_hustle20 - I liked your comment.
Thanks for doing this post, Kristen.
In short, Islaam has this concept of greater and lesser Jihaad. What people (most shamefully, Muslims) fail to understand is that Jihaad does not always equate to fighting.
In a country like the UK or America, the greater Jihaad would be the inner struggle. We are surrounded by things that make being a good Muslim difficult, and so the bigger struggle is staying “pure” on the inside. If someone attacks you, yes, fight back, and that is the lesser Jihaad, but only when you are attacked. You don’t go out to fight.
In an oppressed Muslim country, or a place where you or your land are being insulted, then the lesser Jihaad is being a good person, because usually there is much less temptation and things that go against your religious beliefs, therefore it is much easier to be a Muslim the way you want to be. There, the greater Jihaad would be fighting; and that is attacking only as much as you were attacked (“and transgressors will be punished”) in order to defend yourself, your family and your land and religion.
@OhItWontBeForever - I hope so too
You look like an urban ninja in your profile pic.
I love it.
“Let there be no compulsion in religion” This applies not just in compelling others by sword to convert. It implies forcing any law upon Muslims too. Understand.. there is no conservativesm or orthodoxy in Islam. Islam is a religion of absolute liberalism through which people almost choose their way in submitting to God’s way. The Salafi groups and modern day politics are very material oriented world. It won’t go hand in hand with absolute spirituality. It is just in Islam in every religion of spirituality which of course is there in every religion, there is a conflict. The problem here is Al-Qaeda used the materialistic part in the most violent way. See they are in conflict within Islam by banishing movements like Sufism within Islam itself. The solution is in Islam itself, just take things back to the spirituality. Simple as that.
The Signature Of A True Human Is The Smile He/She Brings On The Face Of Others.
LonelyPoet
There are violent people, and there are nonviolent people. There are people who thirst for war and love to pick a fight. Whichever religion they were raised in, they will use something in it to justify their thirst for violence.
@methodElevated - It was cold outside lol
@OhItWontBeForever - so reasonable force would be the greater? so total demolition of the United states and to forcfully take whats not yours in resources and women would be considered reasonable force. That is to say that to do exactly what those who do evil against you is justified.
@modern_mans_hustle20 - I never saw it as that. That would not be reasonable force because at the end of the day you would then be killing innocent civilians, and yes, that’s what America did to us, but at the same time, we are taught “to kill one innocent life is to kill the whole of mankind, and to save one innocent life is to save the whole of mankind.” I would think that if you were personally attacked to a certain extent, you would have the right, and the duty to fight as much as you had to to defend yourself and your own. I don’t think that is done by attacking a country. It’s done by attacking your attacker.
.@OhItWontBeForever - lol, so long range sniper and go find bush, cheny, powell and rumsfeld. Im sorry but I would remove a culture from the globe that believes its ok to kill inocent lives because they are in the wrong place. Its a disease that is sread to some offspring.
@modern_mans_hustle20 - I would have no problem wiping out the likes of those people. But would you include the American citizens in your list?
@OhItWontBeForever - I include those that support the decimation of another culture. We were disgusted with the jews in world war 2 we were outraged during rewanda and even at the hight of the catholic prodstant war in the uk but we do nothing but watch now? this is the fourth reich and nobody wants to admit it. all those involved on the german side with world war 2 were exicutied by courts or thier own people.
@modern_mans_hustle20 - Very much agreed. Maybe I am too naive, but I would always wish that killing was never the answer.
@OhItWontBeForever - If nobody bothered anybody or intruded on their land we would have no problem…… if religion could agree with one another too.
EXCELLENT! thanks for teaching me more about this..i did not know the true meaning, and definitely agree with you here.
That’s a great post, Kristen. I totally understand. There are extremists in just about every religion, and there have been many atrocities committed in the name of Christ too.
@OhItWontBeForever - I agree, I don’t think violence is the answer. I used to think it would help, but have had a change of heart this year.
I read Shane Claiborne’s books The Irresistible Revolution and Jesus for President…and I realize that if I am to live my life as a follower of Jesus, then I should be willing to love my enemies…now that doesn’t mean I approve of what they do…but love does so much more than killing others. Violence only leads to more violence.
nothing to add…. well, maybe just adding some footprints… XD
Thank you for writing this. I feel that if nonMuslims understand the concepts of Islam…it is easier for other nonMuslims to understand, as well. Most of the time, anyways. I really appreciate your post. Thanks again! <3
http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/Quran/023-violence.htm
Link to interesting quotes from the Quran.
I understand that the word “jihad” can mean different things. I don’t, however, believe that Islam is a peaceful faith. The Quran dictates that its followers not be friends with those of other faiths and that violence against them is just fine and desirable.
The Quran also has verses that contradict this, because it has many massive internal contradictions.
Some who follow Islam are peaceful people, but I don’t believe the faith itself promotes peace. Look at Sharia law, as well as numerous other examples.I have nothing against people’s right to practice Islam, and I love them, but I believe it is a faith of violence.
That you so much for explaining what Jihad really means and it is nothing like I thought it was. I am going to sub to you if it is alright. I would like to come back here and learn more.
I agree with maniac. Nothing to add, this post is well written and informative. Great job and thank you
@stixandstonz2009 - That is fine
@teeraljannah - I just hope it helps people understand
@Aaliyaan - Thank you for the nice comment
Thx for this.
A clarification much needed! thank you so much for posting this. this truly put a smile on my face! so thank you again.
@Pickwick12 - the Qur’an may command muslims to not be friends with non-muslims, but it does not command them to act unkindly towards them. the Qur’an commands muslims to respect people from all faiths, and be good to them, and interact with them in a nice manner. as for why muslims are not allowed to be friends with non-muslims, that’s because as humans, we are influenced by our friends. Non-muslims have different beliefs and a different lifestyle, and hence could influence us to change. a good way to judge one’s character is by the character of his friends. but please note that this does not in any way imply that muslims are to treat non-muslims in a poor manner.
btw, the link that you posted is an anti-islamic website. the content on that website is written and revised by muslim-haters. a lot of the verses that they attribute to the Qur’an do not even exist. on that website, many of the Qur’anic meanings have been distorted and twisted. if you want an authentic website, i suggest you go to a website that is written and revised by muslims.
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/http://english.islamweb.net/emainpage/index.php
@tkmuskrat - Agreed. I would rather spend my time spreading love than violence. Love is so much stronger, and I mean that.
@Pickwick12 - It doesn’t say not friends period. It says not friends over the Muslims. We’re not to take, trust and depend on non-Muslims over our own brethren. To me, that makes sense. But I have more non-Muslim friends than Muslim friends. I talk to them about all sorts of things that I don’t think my Muslim friends would understand. But at the end of the day, the more you have in common with someone on a certain level, the closer you are able to get.
Honestly, the Shari’ah Law makes so much sense. Yes, if you steal, you should get your hand cut off, but why should anybody be stealing in the first place? To me, these punishments are a deterrent rather than a punishment. I am not one of the people who continuously campagin here in the UK to have Shari’ah Law imposed as national law, but in my eyes, Shari’ah Law should work well to avoid a lot of things that cause this world so much trouble.
Awesome post. Not sure if this was said in the comments or if I missed in the post but Islam is a complete way of life, a complete package of counsel from our Creator Himself. And a part of this–a part–includes when you should fight and the limitations of fighting. I would much rather follow these guidelines than arbitrary ones that aren’t even enforced. Jihad is a beautiful term that anyone who strives to improve themselves be it in the home or an athlete for sport can sympathize and empathize with, it is not the property of the media or the perverse practices they enshrine.
@Pickwick12 - The term used in the verse of the Qur’an you are referring to does not mean friends esp. not as ambiguous that term might be in English. I am not qualified at all to elaborate nor interpret what is said but what I do recall in the context of being told it doesn’t mean friends is that it meant something along the lines of protector. There is no doubt in the Qur’an, it’s free of error. There is no justification for ill-treatment, Muslims are commanded in the very same Qur’an you say justifies ill-treatment of non-Muslims to stand up for injustice regardless of the age, sex, and religion of the ill-treated.