Islam and Jihad

The Arabic word Jihad literally means “holy struggle”. It is not holy war. War is war. No war can be holy. The blood of humans is holy and sacred. The Quran says unjust killing of one man means the killing of the whole mankind. What is just killing and what is unjust killing. When some body kills a man without any reason or justification it is unjust killing. When the judge gives the capital punishment to this murderer and issues the order of his death, it is a just killing. Similarly, when a war is thrust upon you and you become the victim of persecution and aggression, you are permitted to defend yourselves and kill the invaders or perpetrators. There are some Muslims who believe in Jihad in the name of aversion and conversion. They have aggressive attitude. Such extremists divide the world in to two blocs. The House of Peace (Darus Salam) and the House of War (Darul Harab). Wherever there is no Islam as a code of system of life it is Hose of war and we should crusade for the enforcement of Islamic way of life and change it in to the House of peace. Such ideology has created immense problems for the Muslims world over.

In Islam Jihad is of three types. The struggle by Tongue; the struggle by Pen and the struggle by Sword. So far as religion is concerned the Quran time and again announces peaceful preaching through exhortation, love, logic, mercy and example. No where the Quran has said that the people of other faiths should be killed or forcibly converted. In Sura Al-Nahl in verse 125 the Quran says; “Invite (all) to the way of Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious; For thy Lord knoweth best, who has strayed from His path, and who receive guidance.” The Jihad by Tongue and Pen means that you preach your ideas and ideology with logic and love. Do not hurt others feelings. Do not sow the seeds of hatred and discord in the name of God. The Quran announces the whole of humankind as one community. We are the members of one human family. Believers are human beings. God sent prophets with books not with swords and guns. Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad gave us law and code of life. All preached brotherhood, justice, freedom, equality and peace. The prophets were the greatest champions of human rights. They boldly revolted against the tyrants, oppressors and aggressors.

Jihad by sword is only permissible when you