Jihad, an Arabic word derived form the root “Jahad”, means to struggle- And struggle takes various forms: either spiritual, physical, or mental- Group or individual strugle. It can be struggle against one’s base desires, against enemies, against anger, or to fulfill one’s goals in life.

The concept of Jihad has always been mistakenly defined as “religious militancy” and using weapons to annihilate followers of other faiths.

Idiomatically, Jihad, an Arabic word derived form the root “Jahad”, means to  “struggle” and struggle takes various forms and is driven by a variety of motivations: either spiritual, physical, or mental- group or individual struggle.

It can be struggle against one’s base desires, struggle against enemies, against anger- or struggle to fulfill one’s supreme goals in life.

Contrary to widespread misconception about the term, Islam doesn’t call for armed struggle except to defer attack by enemies, and not to initiate wars and risk the lives of the innocent.

The faulty affiliation between Jihad and armed struggle and “terrorism” is strictly politically motivated, and used as a means to intervene with nations’ domestic and foreign policies.

And quite often it’s been employed as some sort of a ploy used as a pretext for launching military campaigns, and having temporary or even military presence in some country or another.

At a time where media is deployed and has absolute capability of launching war of words between nations, words and their meanings are themselves being manipulated to serve political motives and hidden agendas of super powers.

While many of us don’t have the channel or means for meaningful political representation we’ve got to remain alert to what’s being said through the media, and what we’re being fed through its various channels. Especially that we’re living an unprecedented communications revolution that has indeed facilitated an open platform to all for all sorts of representation and reporting, and has, as well, brought the specter of confusion and misconception.

A deep look into the teachings of Islam would render a totally different understanding of this noble doctrine than what’s sometimes said about it being an ideology that’s dangerous and prejudiced against other faiths. Islam, as the word means in Arabic, is one derivation of the root Salam, or peace. And indeed it promotes peaceful-coexistence and warding off whatever that may inflict harm on human beings.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“On account of [his deed], We decreed to the Children

of Israel that if anyone kills a person– unless in retribution for

murder or spreading corruption in the land– it is as if he kills all

mankind, while if any saves a life it is as if he saves the lives of all

mankind. Our messengers came to them with clear signs, but many

of them continued to commit excesses in the land.” —  Qur’an (5:32)

Islam’s truthful message lays strict rules that safeguard people’s rights and safety, setting sever punishments for acts of sin that violate the sanctity of human lives and their well- being. So it’s an ideology that fights terror not promotes it.

Wassalaam,

By: Maha Youssuf

Posted on: April 29, 2011