JIHAD (HOLY WAR)

JIHAD (HOLY WAR)


"Jihad" is an Arabic word which means "struggle."

Jihad can mean striving to be a better Muslim. The most common meaning, however, is fighting for Allah. In this sense Jihad is the struggle for the cause of spreading Islam, using all means available to Muslims, including force. This kind of Jihad is often referred to as "Holy War."

In resorting to force, Muslims do not have a problem finding passages in the Quran and Hadith that will not only condone violence, but also demand it.

In the Quran, Allah orders Muslims to terrorize non-Muslims in His behalf:

"Strike terror (into the hearts of) the enemies of Allah and your enemies." Surah 8:60

"Fight (kill) them (non Muslims) and Allah will punish (torment) them by your hands, cover them with shame." Surah 9:14

"I will instil terror into the hearts of the unbelievers, smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them. It is not ye who slew them; it was Allah." Surah 8:12-17

"O ye who believe! Fight the unbelievers...let them find firmness (harshness) in you and know that Allah is with those who fear Him." Surah 9:123

In the Hadith (Mohammed's sayings), Mohammed also urges Muslims to practice Jihad.

Mohammed once was asked: what is the best deed for the Muslim next to believing in Allah and His Apostle? His answer was: "To participate in Jihad in Allah's cause."Al-Bukhari vol 1:25

Mohammed was also quoted as saying: "I have been ordered to fight with the people till they say, none has the right to be worshipped but Allah." Al-Bukhari vol 4:196

It is worth noting here that the words "fight" and "kill" have appeared in the Quran more frequently than the word "pray."

Islam teaches that people are divided into two different camps; Dar al Harb (The abode of war), and Dar al Islam (The abode of Islam). Those who belong to Dar al Islam are the Muslims who are in a constant state of war with Dar al Harb who are the non-Muslims, until such time the non-Muslims convert to Islam. In other words, Muslims can never peacefully co-exist with non-muslims