Jihad - dispelling the myths surrounding the most misunderstood aspect of Islam:

[Serious Spamurai]

A summary:

“Lo! those who believe, and those who emigrate (to escape the persecution) and strive in the way of Allah, these have hope of Allah's mercy. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”
- Al-Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah, Aya 218

Jihad, a noun meaning “struggle” in Arabic, coming from the verb “Jaahada” meaning “to struggle/strive”, is probably the most misunderstood aspect of Islam today, and across history, by both Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. This word occurs as a noun only 4 times in the Qur’an, none of these times does it refer specifically to fighting, Qitaal. In it’s verb form, Jaahada, it appears 29 times, yet again, none of these uses are specifically referring to Qitaal. Jihad is usually defined as “striving in the way of Allah” this phrase appears in the Qur’an as “al-jihad fi sabil Allah”. This striving can occur on both the Physical and Spiritual plane, as I shall show you below.


Jihad al-Nafs:

"We have returned from Jihad al-Asgar(Lesser Jihad – Battle/Qitaal) to Jihad al-Akbar(Greater Jihad - Jihad of the Soul)."
- A saying commonly attributed to the Prophet Muhammed, its origin was contested by the late Imam Abdullah Azzam who claimed it was a saying of Ibrahim Ibn Abi `Abalah.


Some of you may be familiar with this aspect of Jihad already, Striving, in the way of Allah, to improve oneself, it occurs in Islam and in other faiths as well. Whilst Jihad al-Nafs is not as misunderstood as Jihad bis Sayf, there is still a common myth that surrounds it, this being the idea that it is the sole and only meaning of the word. Whilst it is a core part of Jihad, it is still only a part of it, not the full multi-levelled Jihad lain down in the Qur’an.



Physical Jihad sans Qitaal - Jihad bil Lisan and Jihad of the Hand :

“The highest form of Jihad is to speak the truth in the face of an unjust ruler”
- A well known saying of the Prophet Muhammed


As I have said before, Jihad is not solely a Striving in the name of Allah on the Spritual level, to improve oneself. It also has a physical, a material level, this section shall be about “Jihad bil Lisan” (Jihad of the tongue) and Jihad of the Hand (Arabic?). Jihad of the Hand is a phrase that refers to struggling fi sabilillah (in the cause/path of Allah) against evil. This is done through one’s actions or with one’s wealth, taking care of elderly parents, political activity for furthering the cause of Islam, charity, providing funding and support for Jihad bis Sayf and Mujahidin Combatants(Jihad bis Sayf, or Qital fi Sabillah falls into this category also, but it warrants it’s own section). Jihad bil Lisan (Jihad of the Tongue) refers to Al-Jihad fi Sabillah (striving in the way of Allah) against evil through writing and speech, such as through Sermons (Khutbas), speeches/rallies, and political or military propaganda.


Jihad bis Sayf, Qitaal fi Sabillah:


"You may fight in the cause of GOD those who fight you, but do not aggress. GOD does not love the aggressors.”
- Al-Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqayah, Aya 190


The most misunderstood aspect of Islam, Jihad bis Sayf (Jihad of the Sword) and Qitaal fi Sabillah (armed fighting in the cause/path of Allah) is featured frequently in current media and portrayed as violent attacks against “Infidels/Kufaar” with essentially a “no holds barred” approach. This could not be further from the truth. Whilst the Qur’an does permit the use of Qitaal fi Sabillah, it is only to be used in self defence of Mu’min (believers) against oppressors. It is only permitted when an enemy aggresses against you with Qitaal. This is shown, in part, in the above verse. The below verse is often used to claim Islam is a violent, war-mongering religion.

"And kill them where you find them, and evict them whence they evicted you. Oppression is worse than killing. Do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque, unless they fight you therein. If they fight you, you may kill them. This is the just retribution for those who disbelieve.”
- Al-Qur’an, Surah 2, Aya 191

In conjunction with the first verse I quoted, of which it is a direct continuation, it only permits Muslims, when they are subjected to Qitaal, to drive the enemy back and force back their invading armies in order to reclaim your lost land. The idea being that otherwise the Muslim inhabitants of the area would be oppressed and forced away from their faith, with dire consequences.

“And they will not cease from fighting against you till they have made you renegades from your religion, if they can. And he who becomes renegade and dies in his disbelief: such are they whose works have fallen both in the world and the Hereafter. Such are rightful owners of the Fire: they will abide therein.”
- Al-Qur’an, Surah 2, Aya 217

It is also permitted to prevent other Muslims being oppressed, not just you.

"...As for those who believe, but do not emigrate with you, you do not owe them any support, until they do emigrate. However, if they seek your help, as brethren in faith, you shall help them, except against people with whom you have signed a peace treaty. GOD is Seer of everything you do.”
- Al-Qur'an, Surah 8, Aya 72

"And why should you not fight in the cause of God and the weak and oppressed among men, women, and children who say, "Our Lord rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors. And give us from You, a protector. And give us from You, a helper"
- Al-Qur'an, Surah 4, Aya 75

The Qur’an suggests the use of deterrents to prevent Muslims having to resort to Qitaal fi Sabillah. It talks of displaying your forces openly and letting people know of your strength.

"You shall prepare for them all the power you can muster, and all the equipment you can mobilize, that you may frighten the enemies of GOD, your enemies, as well as others who are not known to you; GOD knows them. Whatever you spend in the cause of GOD will be repaid to you generously, without the least injustice.”
- Al-Qur’an, Surah 8, Aya 60


Rounding up:

In conclusion, I hope that this has helped to dispel some common Myths and Misconceptions about Jihad, and helped to improve your understanding, or at least to provide a moderately interesting read. Feel free to comment.

[Heinz Guderian]

Great post, and worth referring people to. Especially those who believe it is a muslim's duty to kill non-believers. . rep+

[Icefrisco]

Good post!

[PurpleScotch]

Masha'allah! Great post! +rep

[AngryTitusPullo]

In Islam the most important thing is the niat or intention. Combined with the correct or lawful (according to the Qur'an) the struggle to better oneself for the cause of God are Jihad.

In jihad of arms the definition is simple. You can fight, not with the intention of killing your enemy but with the intention of protection your way of life (including yourself, family and country). Yet the method must be according to rules, sets more than a thousand years ago before the Geneva Convention.

"Do not harm the non-combatants, the women, children and the elderly, and those who seeks refuge in places of worship".

When Osama was fighting against the Soviet occupation in Afghanistan, his actions can be considered Jihad but the attacks of the civillian like the 9/11 are against the basic principles of warfare in Islam.

[Zenith Darksea]

This is very interesting, and I think that it is necessary to clear this issue up, both for non-Muslims and Muslims alike. I fear that it can be easily misunderstood, and not just by kufir. For example,

"...As for those who believe, but do not emigrate with you, you do not owe them any support, until they do emigrate. However, if they seek your help, as brethren in faith, you shall help them, except against people with whom you have signed a peace treaty. GOD is Seer of everything you do.”
- Al-Qur'an, Surah 8, Aya 72

"And why should you not fight in the cause of God and the weak and oppressed among men, women, and children who say, "Our Lord rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors. And give us from You, a protector. And give us from You, a helper"
- Al-Qur'an, Surah 4, Aya 75

Verses like these could very easily be twisted and blown way out of proportion. For example, the Israelis have been oppressing the Palestinians (not all of whom are Muslim, of course; Christian Palestinians are oppressed just as badly), and so since the USA supplies Israel with weapons, and since the government of the USA represents the American people, somebody from Saudi Arabia might decide that this is a good pretext on which to kill American civilians. It's faulty logic, but you can see that people with suspect motives could easily take advantage of it.

[boofhead]

It's faulty logic, but you can see that people with suspect motives could easily take advantage of it.

Those who get it wrong are all muslims, so it isn't the kufir or anyone else who need re-education. It is muslims. Non-muslims cannot be blamed for their justifiable interpretation of the spiritual sickness inside some Islamic communities.

I recently read on a Christian site: "Christian martyrs die for what they believe in. Muslim martyrs make you die for what they believe in."

Now, this may be incorrect logic according to the most common interpretations of Islam, but the fact is homicide bombings by "martyrs", "shahid"(sp?) have been happening on an almost daily basis for years now, so it will take a little more than a few quotes to change the opinion of the non-muslim world, especially when 1 in 55 verses in the Koran call for making war on unbelievers.

I bet you the next mass killing of innocents by a "Jihadi" will take place today or tomorrow, either in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Israel.

[Serious Spamurai]

This is very interesting, and I think that it is necessary to clear this issue up, both for non-Muslims and Muslims alike. I fear that it can be easily misunderstood, and not just by kufir. For example,



Verses like these could very easily be twisted and blown way out of proportion. For example, the Israelis have been oppressing the Palestinians (not all of whom are Muslim, of course; Christian Palestinians are oppressed just as badly), and so since the USA supplies Israel with weapons, and since the government of the USA represents the American people, somebody from Saudi Arabia might decide that this is a good pretext on which to kill American civilians. It's faulty logic, but you can see that people with suspect motives could easily take advantage of it.

Except for the fact that killing civilians, or even captured enemy combatants, is not permitted in Islam, neither is using a scorched earth policy on the enemies land by uprooting trees etc.

As for the Audience, everyone. It is supposed to give people a better picture of what jihad is and get rid of certain myths that jihad is only al-nafs or bis-sayf.

[green tea]

As for the Audience, everyone. It is supposed to give people a better picture of what jihad is and get rid of certain myths that jihad is only al-nafs or bis-sayf.

About the audience: Your post was great, but there is this saying of "preaching to deaf ears" in my language. There are not only muslims and non-muslims in this world (or on TWC). There are moderate and fanatics here and in the RL. The normal, somewhat educated/intelligent/tolerant people can talk with each other. It does not matter if muslim or not. And the fanatics: You will not reach them with things like arguments. A stupid, fanatic muslim will tell you that you are a liar, and a stupid, fanatic anti-muslim will not believe you. I believe that the fanatic muslim has more in common with a fanatic (insert western-imperialistic ideology) than with a moderate muslim.

[Heinz Guderian]

Then i guess this thread is part of the struggle for hearts and minds of muslims. And the chance that it makes a muslim reinterpret his view on making war on the infidel (especially civillians) makes it worthwhile. There is also the chance that a muslim-hater (who may or may not have posted on this thread) sees that Islam does (NOT) belong solely to "those muslims who blow **** up".

This thread may upset those who want to reinforce there views that Islam is for crazy rag-heads.

[green tea]

. There is also the chance that a muslim-hater (who may or may not have posted on this thread) sees that Islam does belong solely to "those muslims who blow **** up".

You meant that Islam does NOT belong (solely) to the exploding kind of fanatics, I assume.

This thread may upset those who want to reinforce there views that Islam is for crazy rag-heads.

I have a strong feeling that the moderate tone of this thread and the absence of muslim-fanatics discouraged the anti-muslim-fanatics from posting. As I said: the fanatics from both sides have more in common than they think, and the moderates from both sides have no problem with each other (or if they have, they talk).

Perhaps I should now start to bash Islam and "ragheads", to encourage some people to get in here? People bashing and flaming is simply more interesting than peace (how boring!).

edit: the in most parts moderate ton, I meant.

[Ramashan]

I have to agree with Zenith Darksea. Although the original intent may be one thing, the translation via the imams and the clerics is quite different. Taken to an extreme, and thus the term, extremist, it can be used to justifiably attack or harm anyone who you feel has played any role in you precieved oppression. Thus the reasoning behind most of the attacks against non-muslim nations.

By giving the individual clerics the right and ability to translate it as they see fit, you create the opportunity for extremism.

I don't believe all Mislims believe nor follow the extreme line of thinking. But those that do and use the same versuses in the qur'an to justify it give the rest of the Islamic word a bad wrap.

So no matter how much you lay out the 'truth' of the words, how much less dead does it make the people who are killed by the twisting of those same words?

[removeduser_426582376423734]

Pretty unnecessary post in a thread trying to explain how wrong those people are, boof. Especially unnecessary when you give no scriptural evidence and one quote from a quite biased site.

[Zenith Darksea]

If you need Scriptural references to back up the view that Christians are called to die for what they believe in then you can't have read the Scriptures very well. It pervades the Old and New Testaments. But this is off-topic.

[removeduser_426582376423734]

Scriptural references for misled Muslims, not for straight-and-narrow Christians.

[Ramashan]

What I'm trying to understand is, who are you trying to get your message across to? Those of us who are not Muslim and only have our experiences to go by? Or those of us who are muslim and are misrepresenting the words in the Qur'an?

Because there is of course the greater number of Muslims that follow the meaning of the words as you present them. But for those who do not they have an affect on the opinions of non-muslims and directly increase the amount of oppression and misunderstanding of Islam as a whole.

Oh, and I think your post was really great by the way Serious Spamurai but just want to know who your audiance is.

[boofhead]

My point was that most non-muslims don't need re-education, because non-mulsims don't do that garbage in the first place. I have known of the "Greater" and "Lesser" Jihads for some years now. This fight belongs within the mosques and maddrassas.

What did I say that requires scriptural evidence? I was only stating that the view of non-muslims regarding jihad is not incorrect at all, when the only evidence required is that which you can see with your eyes. There are muslims plotting and blowing the crap out of themselves and innocents across the globe. So how meaningless is this talk of definitions to me? And what evidence is required? A look at any news channel? Almost every single day?

If muslims were not blowing people up to attain martyrdom, and non-believers still thought Jihad was violent, then fair enough, educate us.

[removeduser_426582376423734]

Because jihad is a misunderstood aspect of Islam. Fundamentalist Muslims and Islam are two very different things. Taking the first as an example for a stellar reading of the second is just silly. Spamurai seems to merely be correcting the view of Islam that has grown out of using extremists as a synopsis for it.

[boofhead]

Because jihad is a misunderstood aspect of Islam.

Yes, and primarily by muslims. The world suffers by their so-called misunderstanding far more than it does by some non-muslim with a "misunderstanding" going about his daily business on the other side of the globe.

And how "misunderstood" is it, when he sees it every day.

[removeduser_426582376423734]

Yes, and primarily by muslims. The world suffers by their so-called misunderstanding far more than it does by some non-muslim with a "misunderstanding" going about his daily business on the other side of the globe.

And how "misunderstood" is it, when he sees it every day.

It is truly tragic, boof. But that doesn't mean that their version is correct, which most think it is - leading to the demonization of non-extremist Muslims. I think that's the point of the thread.