A Misunderstood Concept

Islam?! Terrorism?! Jihad?!

Jihad is an Arabic word. It literally means to struggle or to strive.

In the Islamic context the word ‘’Jihad’’ means the strive or struggle to do good on Earth for the sake of God [Allah] according to the rules of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah- (the teachings and practices that are established by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)).

• Jihad is NOT a Holy War
• Jihad is NOT killing others just because they are not Muslims

Jihad can take many forms. For instance, it can take the form of verbal jihad, which means to offer advice to those who need it or jihad with strength and service, as in performing community service for the less fortunate.

Or armed jihad which allows Muslims to fight back those who had waged war against them and driven them out of their homes.

Armed jihad is obviously a permission for armed self defence

                                                                                                                  

Hence, armed jihad is just one of many forms of jihad in Islam and not the only one.

(There are many other forms of jihad, the above are just some of them)

And there are ethics and laws with regards to armed jihad:

1. Having an objective sanctioned by the Qur’an.The correct objective of jihad is for self-defence against enemy attacks and aggression, defending those who are oppressed or persecuted, confronting rebels and those who cause havoc, chaos and destruction acts which threaten human lives and properties through violent and extreme means, (not mere acts of discrimination and corruption) are the acts that legitimizes the use of armed jihad.

 2. Armed jihad is forbidden if the intention is to seek revenge, seize the properties of others or for pride and power.

In addition the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) commanded the following rules which must be strictly followed in the battlefield:

•  Do not commit treachery, or deviate from the right path.
•  Do not mutilate dead bodies.
•  Neither kill a child, nor a woman, nor the elderly.
•  Bring no harm to the trees, nor burn them with fire, especially those which are fruitful.
• Do not harm animals.

Terrorism

Terrorism is usually defined as ideologically motivated indiscriminate violence that targets civilians, with the intention of inspiring terror in order to achieve economic gains or to serve political ends.

The term "terrorism" does not exist in the Qur’an or the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Can Jihad be compared with terrorism?

• Terrorism is often fuelled by materialistic goals whereas jihad is the struggle in the path of God [Allah] and has no other goal apart from this.

• Terrorism is always directed towards the killing of innocent civilians while jihad is not permitted against innocent.

In conclusion I would like to say that some people fail to realise or ignore the fact that an act committed by a particular group or sects of a community cannot be levelled against the whole innocent community.

And in light of these and other Islamic texts, the act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenceless civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam and the Muslims. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent events some have associated with Muslims.  If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.

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Think, search and find answers

Why Islam?

Despite the fact that Muslims comprise approximately one-fourth of the world's population, biased media smears Islam with such horrible slanders that few non-Muslims view the religion in a positive light. Hence, it is normally the last religion seekers investigate.

Sure, previous religions have been corrupted, and that is why we have a chain of revelation. Ask yourself: why would God send another revelation if the preceding scriptures were still pure?

(Islam is the final revelation to mankind from our Creator, Allah)

 

How can you disbelieve in Allah when you were lifeless and He brought you to life; then He will cause you to die, then He will bring you [back] to life, and then to Him you will be returned.
[The Noble Qur'an-Surat Al-Baqarah 2:28]

Watch this video and perhaps you can find the answer within the heart and mind of yourself. 

(contact details: observeyourthoughts@gmail.com)

Understanding your real purpose on Earth

The Meaning of Life!

Since the dawn of time, the ultimate questions have been asked in a number of ways.

Why are we here? Do we serve a greater purpose beyond the pleasure or satisfaction we get from our daily activities–however mundane or heroic they may be? What is life all about?  And what is the purpose of existence? WHAT IS THE MEANING OF MY LIFE?

You might be amazed to learn, that Islam is providing clear and concise answers for these questions.

Most of those who reflect or think about life in any detail will consider and ponder these questions. Some would claim that the purpose of life was to acquire wealth. Yet suppose they were to acquire millions of dollars, what then would they state is their purpose after becoming rich?

If the purpose of life is to become wealthy, there would be no purpose after becoming wealthy.

When we hear of millionaires or members of their families committing suicide, how could we consider the purpose of life would be to gain great wealth?

Disbelievers

For a disbeliever the purpose of this life is to collect and amass great wealth, power and position. Over indulging in eating, drinking, drugs and gambling are a high priority to them. But all of this will not avail them anything good in the grave, on the Day of Judgment or in the Next Life. Eventually he will be faced with the questions:
Now what? 
What's Next?
Where am I going?
What will happen to me?

He will come to know. For sure he will come to know. But then what will the knowledge avail him on the day of Judgment?

Muslims

However for Muslims (followers of the religion Islam) whether he is a child, adolescent, adult or aged person, he is seeking after the Will of the Almighty in all these stages.
His life here on earth although short, is full of purpose and is totally meaningful within the complete framework of total submission (Islam)

*The word for total surrender, submission, obedience, purity of heart and peace in the Arabic language is called Islam*

Worship of the One True Almighty God of the Universe [Allah in Arabic] as a primary goal or aim in life provides a believer with everything he needs to succeed in both this life and the NEXT LIFE.

To a Muslim the whole purpose of life is to worship the One True Almighty God on Terms and under his Conditions.
Islam teaches that this life is only a test or trial for the individual to show him his true nature, and Muslims accept death as not an ending to everything but more as a beginning of the final and lasting life in the Hereafter.

So in the teachings of the True Surrender, Submission, Obedience, In Sincerity and Peace to the Almighty One God [Islam], the line of life and its purpose is logical, clear and simple:

1.The first life is a test

2.The life in the grave is a resting or waiting place before the Day of Judgment

3.The Day of Judgment brings about the clear understanding of what will now happen to the individual based on his own desires and actions

4.The Permanent or Afterlife will either be spend in luxurious splendour or miserable punishment .

Following this clear understanding of life, the Muslim's purpose is clear

First of all, he has no doubt in his mind that:

·        he is only created by Allah 

·        he is going to spend a period of time in this material world

·        he knows he will die 

·        he knows he will spend time in the grave, either pleasant or difficult depending on his own choice of attitude and actions 

·        he knows he will be resurrected for the Day of Judgment 

·        he knows he will be judged according to the most fair of standards by Allah the Almighty

*This life is very meaningful and purposeful to the Believing Muslim, as he realizes that it will determine his outcome and permanent position in the Next Life*

The orders of Allah in His Book-the Holy Quran and His final Messenger-Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him is as follows:

·        Believing and declaring that "There is no god throughout all the Creation of Allah that is worthy of worship, all worship is due only to Allah, alone and He has no partners or helpers nor does He share His Lordship with any of His creations. And Muhammad (PBUH),is the last and final messenger and servant of Almighty Allah, and is the culmination in a long line of prophets sent to mankind throughout man's history, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus Christ, may Almighty Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon them all." 

·        Establishing the regular five times ritualistic prayer in the stated times

·        Paying the charity tax [about 2.5% of one's holdings - Not his income, annually]

·        Fasting the month of Ramadan

·        Pilgrimage to the House of Allah in Makkah at least once in the life of the person, provided he has the ability and the way is safe

Look how Islam solves the mystery of the puzzle of life. It provides the answers to the questions and concerns of the human beings on all levels and in every aspect. It is really quite simple.


We must come to know our Creator and Ultimate Judge. We must learn to believe in Him, thank Him, praise Him, honour Him and worship Him, alone without any partners from His Creation. We must learn about His Messengers and Prophets, peace be upon them, and the message with which they were all sent. We must learn the Word of God as was directly revealed, preserved and memorized and passed down by memory throughout all the generations of Muslims to the present day.

Those who are in search of truth, having open minds and hearts will recognize this as a message in truth and sincerity. Open your heart and your mind now and ask the Almighty God of the Universe [Allah] to guide you now to His True Way. And then be ready to accept your true purpose in life.

                         

(contact details: observeyourthoughts@gmail.com)