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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