The Truth About Jihad 

Holy War or Holy Struggle?

Understanding the Concept of Jihad

Western peoples fear the word "Jihad." They learned to fear it because it has historically been characterized by fanaticism and war. It appears to be irrational and unstoppable save by any means but total military defeat. It is the perception of the Western mind that Islam is militant and relentless. Modern Islamic terrorists give much credence to this perception, and a careful examination of history will show that this perception is a valid one.

Nevertheless, Muslims today attempt to alleviate this fear of Islam by saying that Westerners do not really understand the Islamic concept of Jihad. They will assert that Jihad is really the personal and individual struggle to overcome those things in one's life that Allah would have eliminated from their life. This assertion is true, but it is not the exclusive use of the term Jihad.

Jihad as Personal Struggle

In the Qur'an, Jihad is used to describe the personal struggle to purify one's own nature.

Surah 29:68-69 (Al-Ankabut) introduces the idea that the Muslim will encounter many who are practitioners of error, and it is their duty to be alert to error and not succumb to it.

"And those who strive (Jihad) in Our (Cause), We will certainly guide them to Our Paths: for verily God is with those who do right." (29:69)

While the term "Jihad" or "struggle" is used in this sense, it is not so used very often.

Jihad as Intellectual Struggle

Jihad is also used to describe an intellectual struggle with unbelievers.

In Surah 25:51-52 (Al-Furqan), Muslims are instructed to "struggle" against unbelievers with the Qur'an. This places the struggle in the realm of an intellectual struggle.

"Therefore listen not to the Unbelievers, but strive (Jihad) against them with the utmost strenuousness, with the (Qur'an)." (25:52)

Jihad as Warfare

The most common use of Jihad in the Qur'an is to indicate literal warfare. But before we analyze this aspect of Jihad, it is important to understand what Muslims believe about evangelism by Christians.

Evangelistic activity by Christians is considered aggression against Muslims and Islam. This is demonstrated by Ahmed Deedat in his book, Crucifixion or Crucifiction:

"In the battle for the hearts and minds of mankind, 'cruci-FICTION' is the only card the Christian holds. Free him from his infatuation and you will have freed the Muslim world from missionary aggression and harassment." (Ahmed Deedat, Crucifixion or Crucifiction, 1984, p.9)

The Call to Armed Jihad in the Qur'an

Surah 61 (As-Saff - The Battle Array)

"O ye who believe! shall I lead you to a bargain that will save you from a grievous Penalty?- That ye believe in God and His Apostle, and that ye strive (Jihad) in the Cause of God, with your property and your persons: that will be best for you, if ye but knew!" (61:10-11)

Surah 9 (At-Taubah)

"Those who believe, and suffer exile and strive with might and main, in God's cause, with their goods and their persons, have the highest rank in the sight of God: They are the people who will achieve (salvation)." (9:20)

"Fight those who believe not in God nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by God and His apostle, nor acknowledge the religion of truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued." (9:29)

The Quranic Command to Fight Until Islam Prevails

Surah 2 (Al-Baqarah)

"Fight in the cause of God, those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loveth not transgressors. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out: For tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; But fight them not at the sacred Mosque unless they first fight you there; But if they fight you, Slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith." (2:190-191)

"Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But God knoweth, and ye know not." (2:216)

Surah 47 (Muhammad)

"Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are ye commanded): but if it had been God's Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the Way of God, - He will never let their deeds be lost." (47:4)

Surah 8 (Al-Anfal)

"Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies, of God and your enemies, and others besides, whom ye may not know, but whom God doth know." (8:60)

"O apostle! rouse the believers to the fight. If there are twenty amongst you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred: if a hundred, they will vanquish a thousand of the unbelievers: for these are a people without understanding." (8:65)

Conclusion

What Westerners do not understand, and it is imperative that they do so, is that absolutely any attempt to turn a Muslim away from Islam is considered aggression against them, and thus justifies a militant and physical response.

"They ask thee concerning fighting in the Prohibited Month. Say 'Fighting therein is a grave offense; But graver is it in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path of Allah, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its members. Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith if they can.'" (2:217)

Remember, evangelistic activity by Christians is considered aggression against Muslims and Islam, and in Islamic states, it is illegal. The doctrine of Jihad is not just about personal struggle—it is a call to expand Islam through all available means, including violence and warfare. Understanding this reality is crucial in responding effectively to the challenges posed by Islamic militancy. 

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