Advocating jihad, not terrorism
Current mood: productive

I was reading the book that br. shakil sent me a week or so ago. He was right. I should have started it during spring break, because I just don't want to put the book down. I only read the preface but I'm drawn into it already. I love how he started off with an introduction that helps non muslims understand jihad. It's definately a belief that has instigated quite a controversy and has been twisted, warped, and propagandized in media. Don't we all just admire yellow journalism :-)

I won't be able to complete my thought on jihad in just one post since I have some newspaper editting to do. But let's start from here. Jihad means struggle. The struggle to strive for the best. It is commonly associated with holy war. To some extent, this term can have feasible relation to jihad, but jihad is a powerful subject, in its own entirety. The most misapprehended idea is that jihad is the fight against non-Muslims, infidels, etc and the only means of conquering such a struggle is through violence and the break out of war. But really, Jihad is in no means a holy war because anything holy must be in the name of God. And when you are fighting the agressors in the name of God, you are not killing them just for self defense. But rather, you are warning them that if peace is not possible, then they can only resort to war and that was very occasional during the life of Prophet Muhammad. The actual battles were fought in one day and he fought with all due respect towards his opponent.

I remember reading this hadith (recording of the Prophet's actions and beliefs) that there was a funeral for a Jewish soldier across from the Prophet and the sahabas (his companions). The prophet had stood up in respect of the soldier even though he fought against his own people. A sahaba asked him why he did such a thing, and he assured them that despite the fact that he was an enemy in war, he was nonetheless human, God's creature, and deserved the respect of a human.

There's also this verse in the Quran that mentions "If they turn away from you, know that We have not sent you to be there keeper. your only task is to deliver the message entrusted to you" 42:48.

This also broaches the subject of forcing Islam upon others. This of course is not allowed, so why even bother criticizing Muslims for imposing such a thing. I've heard the accusations.


Bck to the subject of jihad, persecution is known to be an even greater crime than killing. So basicall if one strips someon's rights and freedoms especiailly during war (oppressing the opponen'ts people for example), then they are creating even a graver sin.

This is not enough to suffice the understanding of jihad, but next time you hear such a term, try not associating it with terrorism. Because really kids, its no where close to that side of the spectrum.

I observe jihad everyday, and so may many of you. Life's a beautiful struggle.

Currently reading:
Muhammad: Man and Prophet : A Complete Study of the Life of the Prophet of Islam
By Adil Salahi
Release date: By 01 May, 1998