Peace loving, devoted Muslims do not like the word ‘war’ or ‘holy war’ associated with ‘Jihad’. They blame CNN and BBC, or West for distorting the correct meanings of Jihad that is a ‘struggle’ or a ‘peaceful struggle’ against one’ own evils, or may be a struggle for betterment of society.
I request Muslim friends to explore these peaceful meanings of ‘Jihad’, supported by verses from Quran.
Re: Jihad, a peaceful struggle or (holy) war
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Originally posted by yahudi: *
**I request Muslim friends to explore these peaceful meanings of ‘Jihad’, supported by verses from Quran.
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i request my nonMuslim friends to stop falling for stereotypes and prejudices hook line and sinker.
We must question the mentality that drives such disturbing discrimination and hatred against one billion individuals around the world, against their faith, against the Quran. We must question what makes someone harbor so much hatred and prejudice in their hearts for a faith that they have yet to approach with an open and clear heart.
Re: Re: Jihad, a peaceful struggle or (holy) war
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*Originally posted by Nadia_H: *
i request my nonMuslim friends to stop falling for stereotypes and prejudices hook line and sinker.
We must question the mentality that drives such disturbing discrimination and hatred against one billion individuals around the world, against their faith, against the Quran. We must question what makes someone harbor so much hatred and prejudice in their hearts for a faith that they have yet to approach with an open and clear heart.
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well said!
Yahudi,
Jihad is a fundamental aspect of Islam…Some call it the sixth hidden pillar…
Islam was the only religion in which its followers were themselves entrusted with the task of maintaining the faith pure and faith’s protection…
Unlike previous religions where the task of protecting the faith was handled personally by Allah :swt: (Judaism, Christianity, but I would also add Buddhism and Hinduism…WAllahoAlam)…The Muslims were themselves entrusted its well-being…
Jihad is defensive, yet it serves a lesson too…
Wouldn’t a thief feel safe stealing if he knew that there would be no repercussions for his deed? Wouldn’t a murderer feel safe committing heinous crimes knowing there was no action to his deed?
That’s where Jihad comes in…
The Holy Quran states:
**“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 wrongdoers (Zalimeen).” (Quran 2.193)
“And slay them wherever you find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out..” (Quran 2.191)
“And wage war on all idolaters as they are waging war on all of you. And you know that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him).” (Quran 9.36)**
Jihad more than being anything else, is a punishment for people who transgress their limits…Unjust rulers, tyrants and oppressors beware, your cruelty will not go unchecked…Jihad will make sure of that…
We like Jihad as much as you guys do…It’s a messy business yet the noblest one and someone’s got to do it…Those with strong faith throwing caution to winds step out to enforce Allah :swt:'s rule of Justice…
The inner Jihad which is referred to by many inter-faith idoelogies is that essence of knowing yourself, your limitations and how best to utilize your strengths…
Hazrat Ali 
is attributed as saying,
**The highest degree of wisdom is self-cognition. **
Our scholars, philosophers, poets, thinkers and writers have written encylopedias about this self-cognition and how to nurture it…The inner yet bigger Jihad is part of that…Destruction of desires, and I agree…It is far more easier to run into a bullet than control the urge to smoke a cigarette…
In character, the Muslim is a humble creature…The Jihad is to make sure that there is enough peace to practice humility…
Apparently, according to my knowledge of Arabic, the word equivalent to Holy war can be Harb Al Qudusa… but I am unable to find it in the whole Quran, any hadith book or even in any Seerah book including the famous Ar Rahiq Al Makhtoom …
While Islam in general is misunderstood in the western world, perhaps no other Islamic term evokes such strong reactions as the word ‘jihad’. The term ‘jihad’ has been much abused, to conjure up bizarre images of violent Muslims, forcing people to submit at the point of the sword. This myth was perpetuated throughout the centuries of mistrust during and after the Crusades. Unfortunately, it survives to this day.
The word Jihad comes from the root word jahada, which means to struggle. So jihad is literally an act of struggling. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that the greatest jihad is to struggle with the insidious suggestions of one’s own soul. Thus jihad primarily refers to the inner struggle of being a person of virtue and submission to God in all aspects of life.
Secondarily, jihad refers to struggle against injustice. Islam, like many other religions, allows for armed self-defense, or retribution against tyranny, exploitation, and oppression.
The Glorious Qur’an says:
“And why should ye not fight in the cause of God 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 thee one who will protect; and raise for us from thee one who will help!”
[Al-Qur’an 4: 75]
Thus Islam enjoins upon its believers to strive utmost, in purifying themselves, as well as in establishing peace and justice in the society. A Muslim can never be at rest when she sees injustice and oppression around her. As Martin Luther King Jr. said:
“We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.”
Islam enjoins upon all Muslims to work actively to maintain the balance in which God created everything. However, regardless of how legitimate the cause may be, the Glorious Qur’an never condones the killing of innocent people. Terrorizing the civilian population can never be termed as jihad and can never be reconciled with the teachings of Islam.
Islam is the religion of honour and self-respect and does preach meekness (though it teaches humbleness). It doesn’t ask its adherents to turn the other cheek when the first one has been smacked. Though the option of forgiveness is there.
Power (Authority) without Righteous is Tyranny; and Righteousness without Power (Authority) is Impotence.
Jihad is not something free for all like shown in Cowboys/Red Indians movies. It is controlled by very precise and highly structured set of rules.
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Taken from online:
Jihad, a term used in the holy Quran, generally signifies sustained struggle and endeavour in achieving one’s goals. In specific terms, it means struggling for the cause of Almighty Allah.
It is common among some Muslims also to wrongly term every political struggle as jihad. The term used in the Quran for physical confrontation (war) against persecution and oppression is qital, meaning fighting back or fighting those who fight you.
The term you seem to be looking for is Qital, not Jihad.
Recently I was watching an Indian TV debate. Participants were one Muslim writer and one VHP leader.
The Muslim writer was emphasizing that Jihad means peaceful struggle against evils, and not a war or holy war against other religions or disbelievers as the West is propagating.
This question was put up to him if he could show some verses from Quran supporting his thought. He did not answer, and the time of debate was soon over.
So, I have put up the same question here. Anything wrong? And frankly, you people are going blank.
Hi Lajwab,
You know that you have explained Islamic militancy, may be unknowingly. An individual is given a right to (find) and punish the enemy. What do you expect, if not a total chaos?
In Stalin period of Russia, there was a common quote in political circles, ‘We will find the black cat in the black hole even if it is not there.’
Rgds
Yahudi
Using your scriptures as a back up, can you please explain peaceful struggle or holy war.
We await.
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*Originally posted by yahudi: *
So, I have put up the same question here. Anything wrong? And frankly, you people are going blank.
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So because one Muslim individual on tv wasn't apparently able to provide the quotes, you believed him and you base your entire 'understanding' of Islam upon that ? wow. At that rate, i could judge Hinduism based upon the ignorance of one Hindu. Quid pro quo? Frankly, it's not us who are "going blank". It's you who can't/won't seem to differentiate between Islam the religion, vs. the fear inside you of a religion you really don't want to bring yourself to understand.
Re: Re: Jihad, a peaceful struggle or (holy) war
bravo :k:
I want to read some quotes from Quran concerning Jihad as a struggle or peaceful struggle for betterment or against one’ own evils and not a war or holy war against disbelievers.
I have to repeat this, because some like Ms Nadia and others are becoming unnecessarily violent.
Is anything wrong if I have put up this question?
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*Originally posted by Lajawab: *
Jihad is a fundamental aspect of Islam...Some call it the sixth hidden pillar...
.....
In character, the Muslim is a humble creature...The Jihad is to make sure that there is enough peace to practice humility...
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It's become an exploding pillar ...you can't hide it anymore. Forget its past.
Bombastic and humilty don't go together
Yahudi
Instead of blabbering on and on and having a fatal attraction with Islam. It's best if you answer questions regarding your own belief system.
Jihaad to you will mean anything you want it to mean.
As far as waging war on the non believers. Good and rightfully so.
The War on Islam has been ongoing from the beginning of Creation. It's only fair that the tables be turned.
I won't quote Qur'aanic ayats for you, as one, you won't understand and two, you should already know because you are studying Islam for your betterment as you falsely stated!
Finally, here's a joke for you , 'Ms Nadia and others are becoming unnecessarily violent...'
'Jerusalem awaits you my son'.