Nowadays,the world suffers from terrorist acts everywhere. Muslims all over the world are accused of being terrorists , because Islam calls for “Jihad”. But actually the world’s concept about Islamic Jihad is totally wrong. Before making any judgement, you have first to ask yourself : What is the meaning of Jihad? What are the kinds of Jihad? What are the purposes of Jihad? Against whom do Muslims practice Jihad? What are the rules of Jihad? What are the differences between Jihad and terrorism?
If you have responses to all of these questions , things must be clear .
Jihad, what does that mean?!
First , you can find simply the meaning of Jihad in an ordinary dictionary of the Arabic language , so that you can avoid any misconceptions . “Jihad” in Arabic means ‘the exerting of one’s utmost power’.
What are the kinds of Jihad ?
There are three kinds : Jihad against visible enemy, against devil’s temptations, and against one’s own passion and desires. Actually, a very important misconception prevails in the west regarding the islamic injunction of Jihad; many think that spreading Islam is by swords , because they totally misunderstand the meaning of Jihad against enemy.
What are the purposes of Jihad ?
Qur’an has mentioned the cases of Jihad. One of these verses shows the reason behind allowing fight against enemies , as Allah says “Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory. [They are] those who have been evicted from their homes without right – only because they say,” Our Lord is Allah . ” And were it not that Allah checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned. And Allah will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might”. (quran.com/20/39–quran.com/20/40)
Another verse shows against whom muslims should fight ; Allah says “And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but transgress not the limits . truly , Allah likes not the transgressors”. (quran.com/2/190)
Against whom do Muslims practice Jihad?
Allah also has recommended Muslims to deal with people who don’t assault them kindly , as Allah says “Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes .verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity”. (quran.com/60/8)
In Islam, making peace is recommended to protect people’s lives and to end bloodshed, as Allah says “But if they incline to peace, you also incline to it, and (put your) trust in Allah. Verily, He is the the All-Hearer, All-Knower.” (quran.com/8/61)
The previous verses sum up the true meaning of “Islamic Jihad“. Where it just calls to defend one’s self against whoever starts to attack. So, what do you think about a religion that calls for accepting peace deals and ending of wars?! Does this religion really call for violence ?!
What are the rules of Jihad?
Islam does provide guidelines in war that muslims should adhere to. In those guidelines, the killing of women, children, the old and the weak is expressly forbidden. Even destruction of a standing tree or crop is not allowed, as Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (the first Caliph), instructed Islamic armies . This is based on the prophet’s saying: “I instruct you in ten matters: Do not kill women, children, the old, or the infirm; do not cut down fruit-bearing trees; do not destroy any town… ”
The Prophet also instructed that no non-combatant can be killed by the Muslim army under any circumstances. “Do not kill any old person, any child or any woman”
What are the differences between Jihad and terrorism ?
The real face of Terrorism!
On the other hand, terrorism, in fact, is completely the opposite of Jihad. Any act of violence that instills fear in the minds and hearts of innocent people is an act of terrorism, particularly when this fear is not justified as a way of punishment to a wrong action or a crime committed, not that it is OK to terrorise a wrongdoer or criminal in Islam; on the contrary. Instead, it is a fear from the powerful who wishes to become more powerful. Terrorism is often fueled by materialistic or territorial goals generally with no regard to religion, whereas Jihad is the struggle on the righteous path to God and has no other goal apart from this.
Terrorism is always directed towards the killing of innocent civilians and may be by ways of explosions, attacks, etc , while Jihad is not permitted against innocents.
To conclude
Jihad is a term used to describe one’s duty towards Islam while terrorism is an act committed to instill fear in people’s hearts.
Jihad need not always be violent however, terrorism is always violent.
Jihad is always performed for God, while terrorism always has materialistic goals. Terrorism is always directed to harm innocent civilians while Jihad does not permit this.
