[iwar] [fc:Jihad.Explained]

From: Fred Cohen (fc@all.net)
Date: 2002-01-13 09:49:38
Next message: Fred Cohen: "[iwar] [fc:Can.Technology.Find.Terrorists?]"
Previous message: Fred Cohen: "[iwar] [fc:A.New.Antisemitic.Myth.in.the.Arab.Press:.The.September.11.Attacks.Were.Perpetrated.by.the.Jews.(MEMRI)]"
Messages sorted by: [ date ] [ thread ] [ subject ] [ author ] [ attachment ]
Message-Id: <200201131749.g0DHncg21644@red.all.net>
To: iwar@onelist.com (Information Warfare Mailing List)
Organization: I'm not allowed to say
From: Fred Cohen <fc@all.net>
Mailing-List: list iwar@yahoogroups.com; contact iwar-owner@yahoogroups.com
Precedence: bulk
Date: Sun, 13 Jan 2002 09:49:38 -0800 (PST)
Subject: [iwar] [fc:Jihad.Explained]
Reply-To: iwar@yahoogroups.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

Jihad Explained 

By M. Amir Ali, Ph.D., Published by The Institute of Islamic Information &amp; Education

  In the linguistic sense, the Arabic word "jihad" means struggling or
striving and applies to any effort exerted by anyone.  In this sense, a
student struggles and strives to get an education and pass course work;
an employee strives to fulfill his/her job and maintain good relations
with his/her employer; a politician strives to maintain or increase
his(1) popularity with his constituents and so on.  The term strive or
struggle may be used for/by Muslims as well as non-Muslims; for example,
Allah, the One and Only True God says in the Qur'an:
  "We have enjoined on people kindness to parents; but if they strive
(Jahadaka) to make you ascribe partners with Me that of which you have
no knowledge, then obey them not..." (The Holy Quran, 29:8; also see
31:15)

  In the above two verses of the Qur'an , it is non-Muslim parents who
strive (jahadaka) to convert their Muslim child back to their religion. 
In the West, "jihad" is generally translated as "holy war," a usage the
media has popularized.  According to Islamic teachings, it is unholy to
instigate or start war; however, some wars are inevitable and
justifiable. 

  If we translate the words "holy war" back into Arabic, we find "harbun
muqaddasatu," or for "the holy war," "al-harbu al-muqaddasatu." We
challenge any researcher or scholar to find the meaning of "jihad" as
holy war in the Qur'an or authentic Hadith collections or in early
Islamic literature.  Unfortunately, some Muslim writers and translators
of the Qur'an, the Hadith and other Islamic literature translate the
term "jihad" as "holy war," due to the influence of centuries-old
Western propaganda. 


  This could be a reflection of the Christian use of the term "Holy War"
to refer to the Crusades of a thousand years ago.  However, the Arabic
words for "war" are "harb" or "qital," which are found in the Qur'an and
Hadith. 

  For Muslims the term Jihad is applied to all forms of striving and has
developed some special meanings over time.  The sources of this
development are the Qur'an (the Word of God revealed to Prophet
Muhammad(S) [(S) denotes Sall-Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam, meaning peace
and blessings of Allah be upon him].  The Qur'an and the Hadith use the
word "jihad" in several different contexts which are given below:

  1.  RECOGNIZING THE CREATOR AND LOVING HIM MOST:

  It is human nature to love what is seen with the eyes and felt with
the senses more than the unseen reality.  The Creator of the Universe
and the One God is Allah.  He is the Unseen Reality which we tend to
ignore and not recognize.  The Qur'an addresses those who claim to be
believers:

  "O you who believe! Choose not your fathers nor your brethren for
protectors if they love disbelief over belief; whoever of you takes them
for protectors, such are wrong-doers.  Say: if your fathers, and your
children, and your brethren, and your spouses, and your tribe, and the
wealth you have acquired, and business for which you fear shrinkage, and
houses you are pleased with are dearer to you than Allah and His
Messenger and striving in His way: then wait till Allah brings His
command to pass.  Allah does not guide disobedient folk." (The Holy
Quran 9:23, 24)

  It is indeed a struggle to put Allah ahead of our loved ones, our
wealth, our worldly ambitions and our own lives.  Especially for a
non-Muslim who embraces Islam, it may be a tough struggle due to the
opposition of his family, peers and society. 


  2.  RESISTING PRESSURE OF PARENTS, PEERS, AND SOCIETY:

  Once a person has made up his mind to put the Creator of the Universe
above all else, he often comes under intense pressures.  It is not easy
to resist such pressures and strive to maintain dedication and love of
Allah over all else.  A person who has turned to Islam from another
religion may be subjected to pressures designed to turn him back to the
religion of the family.  We read in the Qur'an:

  "So obey not the rejecters of faith, but strive (jahidhum) against
them by it (the Qur'an) with a great endeavor." (The Holy Quran, 25:52)

  3.  STAYING ON THE STRAIGHT PATH STEADFASTLY:

  Allah says in the Qur'an:

  "And strive (Jadihu) for Allah with the endeavor (Jihadihi) which is
His right.  He has chosen you and has not laid upon you in the deen
(religion) any hardship..." (The Holy Quran, 22:78)

  "And whosoever strives (Jahada), strives (yujahidu) only for himself,
for lo! Allah is altogether independent of the universe." (The Holy
Quran, 29:6)

  As for those who strive and struggle to live as true Muslims whose
lives are made difficult due to persecution by their opponents, they are
advised to migrate to a more peaceful and tolerant land and continue
with their struggle in the cause of Allah.  Allah says in the Qur'an:

  "Lo! As for those whom the angels take (in death) while they wronged
themselves, (the angels) will ask: 'In what you were engaged?' They will
way: 'We were oppressed in the land.' (The angels) will say: 'Was not
Allah's earth spacious that you could have migrated therein?'" (The Holy
Quran, 4:97)

  "Lo! Those who believe, and those who emigrate (to escape persecution)
and strive (Jahadu) in the way of Allah, these have hope of Allah's
mercy..." (The Holy Quran, 2:218)

  Allah tests the believers in their faith and their steadfastness:

  "Or did you think that you would enter Paradise while yet Allah knows
not those of you who really strive (Jahadu), nor knows those (of you)
who are steadfast." (The Holy Quran, 3:142)

  "And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and
loss of wealth and lives and fruits; but give tidings to the
steadfast."(The Holy Quran, 2:155)


  We find that the Prophet Muhammad(S) and his clan were boycotted
socially and economically for three years to force him to stop his
message and compromise with the pagans but he resisted and realized a
moral victory(2). 

  4.  STRIVING FOR RIGHTEOUS DEEDS:

  Allah declares in the Qur'an:

  "As for those who strive (Jahadu) in Us (the cause of Allah), We
surely guide them to Our paths, and lo! Allah is with the good doers."
(The Holy Quran, 29:69)


  When we are faced with two competing interests, it becomes jihad to
choose the right one, as the following Hadith exemplify:

  "Aisha, wife of the Prophet(S) asked, 'O Messenger of Allah, we see
jihad as the best of deeds, so shouldn't we join it?' He replied, 'But
the best of jihad is a perfect Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah).'" (Sahih
Al-Bukhari, No.  2784)

  At another occasion, a man asked the Prophet Muhammad(S):

  "'Should I join the jihad?' He asked, 'Do you have parents?' The man
said, 'Yes!' The Prophet(S) said, 'Then strive by serving them!'" (Sahih
Al-Bukhari, No.  5972)


  Yet another man asked the Messenger of Allah(S):

  "'What kind of jihad is better?' He replied, 'A word of truth in front
of an oppressive ruler!'" (Sunan Al-Nasa'i , No.  4209)

  The Messenger of Allah(S) said:

  "...the Mujahid (one who carries out jihad) is he who strives against
himself for the sake of Allah, and the Muhajir (one who emigrates) is he
who abandons evil deeds and sin." (Sahih Ibn Hibbanm, No.  4862)

  5.  HAVING COURAGE AND STEADFASTNESS TO CONVEY THE MESSAGE OF ISLAM:

  The Qur'an narrates the experiences of a large number of Prophets and
good people who suffered a great deal trying to convey the message of
Allah to mankind.  For examples, see the Qur'an 26:1-190, 36:13-32.  In
the Qur'an, Allah specifically praises those who strive to convey His
message:

  "Who is better in speech than one who calls (other people) to Allah,
works righteous, and declares that he is from the Muslims." (The Holy
Quran, 41:33)

  Under adverse conditions it takes great courage to remain a Muslim,
declare oneself to be a Muslim and call others to Islam.  We read in the
Qur'an:

  "The (true) believers are only those who believe in Allah and his
messenger and afterward doubt not, but strive with their wealth and
their selves for the cause of Allah.  Such are the truthful." (The Holy
Quran, 49:15)

  6.  DEFENDING ISLAM AND THE COMMUNITY:

  Allah declares in the Qur'an:

  "To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to defend
themselves), because they are wronged - and verily, Allah is Most
Powerful to give them victory - (they are) those who have been expelled
from their homes in defiance of right - (for no cause) except that they
say, 'Our Lord is Allah'..." (The Holy Quran, 22:39-40)


  The Qur'an permits fighting to defend the religion of Islam and the
Muslims.  This permission includes fighting in self-defense and for the
protection of family and property.  The early Muslims fought many
battles against their enemies under the leadership of the Prophet
Muhammad(S) or his representatives.  For example, when the pagans of
Quraysh brought armies against Prophet Muhammad(S), the Muslims fought
to defend their faith and community(3).  The Qur'an adds:

  "Fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you, but
do not transgress limits.  Lo! Allah loves not aggressors.  ...And fight
them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah.  But if
they desist, then let there be no hostility except against
transgressors." (The Holy Quran, 2:190, 193)

  7.  HELPING ALLIED PEOPLE WHO MAY NOT BE MUSLIM:

  In the late period of the Prophet Muhammad's(S) life, the tribe of
Banu Khuza'ah became his ally.  They were living near Makkah which was
under the rule of the pagan Quraysh, Prophet Muhammad's(S) own tribe. 
The tribe of Banu Bakr, an ally of Quraysh, with the help of some
elements of Quraysh, attacked Banu Khuza'ah invoked the treaty and
demanded Prophet Muhammad(S) to come to their help and punish Quraysh. 
The Prophet Muhammad(S) organized a campaign against Quraysh of Makkah
which resulted in the conquest of Makkah which occurred without any
battle(4). 

  8.  REMOVING TREACHEROUS PEOPLE FROM POWER:

  Allah orders the Muslims in the Qur'an:

  "If you fear treachery from any group, throw back (their treaty) to
them, (so as to be) on equal terms.  Lo! Allah loves not the
treacherous." (The Holy Quran, 8:58)

  Prophet Muhammad(S) undertook a number of armed campaigns to remove
treacherous people from power and their lodgings.  He had entered into
pacts with several tribes, however, some of them proved themselves
treacherous.  Prophet Muhammad(S) launched armed campaigns against these
tribes, defeated and exiled them from Medina and its surroundings(5). 

  9.  DEFENDING THROUGH PREEMPTIVE STRIKES:

  Indeed, it is difficult to mobilize people to fight when they see no
invaders in their territory; however, those who are charged with
responsibility see dangers ahead of time and must provide leadership. 
The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad(S), had the responsibility to protect
his people and the religion he established in Arabia.  Whenever he
received intelligence reports about enemies gathering near his borders
he carried out preemptive strikes, broke their power and dispersed
them(6).  Allah ordered Muslims in the Qur'an:

  "Fighting is prescribed upon you, and you dislike it.  But it may
happen that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and it may happen
that you love a thing which is bad for you.  And Allah knows and you
know not." (The Holy Quran, 2:216)

  10.  GAINING FREEDOM TO INFORM, EDUCATE AND CONVEY THE MESSAGE OF
ISLAM IN AN OPEN AND FREE ENVIRONMENT:

  Allah declares in the Qur'an:

  "They ask you (Muhammad) concerning fighting in the Sacred 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 inhabitants. 
Persecution is worse than killing.  Nor will they cease fighting you
until they turn you back from your faith, if they can..." (The Holy
Quran, 2:217)


  "And those who, when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, (are
not cowed but) fight back." (The Holy Quran, 42:39)

  To gain this freedom, Prophet Muhammad(S) said:

  "Strive (Jahidu) against the disbelievers with your hands and
tongues." (Sahih Ibn Hibban, No.  4708)

  The life of the Prophet Muhammad(S) was full of striving to gain the
freedom to inform and convey the message of Islam.  During his stay in
Makkah he used non-violent methods and after the establishment of his
government in Madinah, by the permission of Allah, he used armed
struggle against his enemies whenever he found it inevitable. 


  11.  FREEING PEOPLE FROM TYRANNY:

  Allah admonishes Muslims in the Qur'an:

  "And why should you not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who,
being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)? - Men, women, and children,
whose cry is: 'Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are
oppressors; and raise for us from You, one who will protect; and raise
for us from You, one who will help.'" (The Holy Quran, 4:75)

  The mission of the Prophet Muhammad(S) was to free people from tyranny
and exploitation by oppressive systems.  Once free, individuals in the
society were then free to chose Islam or not.  Prophet Muhammad's(S)
successors continued in his footsteps and went to help oppressed people. 
For example, after the repeated call by the oppressed people of Spain to
the Muslims for help, Spain was liberated by Muslim forces and the
tyrant rulers removed.  After the conquest of Syria and Iraq by the
Muslims, the Christian population of Hims reportedly said to the
Muslims:

  "We like your rule and justice far better than the state of oppression
and tyranny under which we have been living."(7)

  The defeated rulers of Syria were Roman Christians, and Iraq was ruled
by Zoarastrian Persians. 

  WHAT SHOULD MUSLIMS DO WHEN THEY ARE VICTORIOUS?

  Muslims should remove tyranny, treachery, bigotry, and ignorance and
replace them with justice and equity.  We should provide truthful
knowledge and free people from the bondage of 'associationism' (Shirk,
or multiple gods), prejudice, superstition and mythology.  Muslims
remove immorality, fear, crime, exploitation and replace them with
divine morality, peace and education.  The Qur'an declares:

  "Lo! Allah commands you that you restore deposits to their owners, and
if you judge between mankind that you judge justly.  Lo! It is proper
that Allah admonishes you.  Lo! Allah is ever Hearer, Seer." (The Holy
Quran, 4:58)

  "O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah's witnesses to fair
dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to
wrong and depart from justice.  Be just: that is next to Piety and fear
Allah.  And Allah is well acquainted with all that you do." (The Holy
Quran, 5:8)

  "And of those whom We have created there is a nation who guides with
the Truth and establishes justice with it." (The Holy Quran, 7:181)

  "Lo! Allah enjoins justice and kindness, and giving to kinsfolk, and
forbids lewdness and abomination and wickedness.  He exhorts you in
order that you may take heed." (The Holy Quran, 16:90)

  "Those who, if We give them power in the land, establish prescribed
prayers (salah) and pay the poor-due (zakah) and enjoin right conduct
and forbid evil.  And with Allah rests the end (and decision) of (all)
affairs." (The Holy Quran, 22:41)

  DID ISLAM SPREAD BY FORCE, SWORDS OR GUNS?

  The unequivocal and emphatic answer is No! The Qur'an declares:

  "Let there be no compulsion (or coercion) in the religion (Islam). 
The right direction is distinctly clear from error." (The Holy Quran,
2:256)

  Here is a good study of the question of the spread of Islam by a
Christian missionary, T.  W.  Arnold:

  "...of any organized attempt to force the acceptance of Islam on the
non-Muslim population, or of any systematic persecution intended to
stamp out the Christian religion, we hear nothing.  Had the caliphs
chosen to adopt either course of action, they might have swept away
Christianity as easily as Ferdinand and Isabella drove Islam out of
Spain, or Louis XIV made Protestantism penal in France, or the Jews were
kept out of England for 350 years.  The Eastern Churches in Asia were
entirely cut off from communion with the rest of Christiandom throughout
which no one would have been found to lift a finger on their behalf, as
heretical communions.  So that the very survival of these Churches to
the present day is a strong proof of the generally tolerant attitude of
Mohammedan [sic] governments towards them"(8). 

  Islam does not teach, nor do Muslims desire, conversion of any people
for fear, greed, marriage or any other form of coercion. 

  In conclusion, jihad in Islam is striving in the way of Allah by pen,
tongue, hand, media and, if inevitable, with arms.  However, jihad in
Islam does not include striving for individual or national power,
dominance, glory, wealth, prestige or pride. 
    

  REFERENCES:

  1.  For the sake of simplicity and easy reading, masculine pronouns
have been used throughout this brochure.  No exclusion of females is
intended.  (back)
  2.  Haykal, M.  H., The Life of Muhammad, Tr.  Ismail R.  Faruqi,
American Trust Publications, 1976, p.  132.  (back)
  3.  Haykal, pp.  216, 242, 299 and 414 for the Battles of Badr, Uhud,
Al-Khandaq and Hunayn, respectively.  (back)
  4.  Haykal, p.  395 for the conquest of Makkah.  (back)
  5.  Haykal, pp.  245, 277, 311 and 326 for campaigns against the
tribes of Banu Qaynuqa', Banu Al-Nadir, Banu Qurayzah and Banu Lihyan,
respectively.  Also, see p.  283 for the Battle of Dhat Al-Riqa'. 
(back)
  6.  Haykal, pp.  284, 327, 366, 387, 393, 443 and 515 for the Battles
of Dawmat Al-Jandal, Banu Al-Mustaliq, Khayber, Mu'tah, Dhat Al-Salasil,
Tabuk and the Campaign of Usama Ibn Zayd, respectively.  (back)
  7.  Hitti, Philip K., History of the Arabs, St.  Martin's Press, New
York, 1970, p.  153.  (back)
  8.Arnold, Sir Thomas W., The Preaching of Islam, a History of the
Propagation of the Muslim Faith, Westminister A.  Constable &amp; Co.,
London, 1896, p.  80.  (back)

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~-->
Sponsored by VeriSign - The Value of Trust
Secure all your Web servers now - with a proven 5-part
strategy. The FREE Server Security Guide shows you how.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/uCuuSA/VdiDAA/yigFAA/kgFolB/TM
---------------------------------------------------------------------~->

------------------
http://all.net/ 

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Next message: Fred Cohen: "[iwar] [fc:Can.Technology.Find.Terrorists?]"
Previous message: Fred Cohen: "[iwar] [fc:A.New.Antisemitic.Myth.in.the.Arab.Press:.The.September.11.Attacks.Were.Perpetrated.by.the.Jews.(MEMRI)]"
Messages sorted by: [ date ] [ thread ] [ subject ] [ author ] [ attachment ]
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.2 : 2002-12-31 02:15:02 PST