Deepen the understanding of the concept of Jihad

Think Pair Share What is terrorism? What are the causes of terrorism? Why do Muslims object on the term ‘Islamic terrorism’ ?

Tariq Ramadan Majid Khuddari

Jihad, a misunderstood concept The most misunderstood and disturbing aspect of Islam An ongoing campaign by certain sects of Muslim world to declare war against Western lifestyle; secularisation, consumer capitalism Misunderstanding of the Western critics; Daniel Pipes interprets jihad as a ‘holy war’, ‘to extend sovereign Muslim power’ Sirozi blames the Western media referring jihad only in the context of ‘terrorist attacks organised by so-called militant fundamentalist Muslims’.

The most inclusive definition of jihad ‘The use of powers, talents, and other resources of believers to live in this world in accordance with God’s plan as known through the Islamic Scripture.’ (Mir, 1987, 112) It includes social action, financial support to live as a good Muslim and will utilise spiritual, physical, moral and mental resources. In the widest sense, any effort that contribute towards the eradication of evil and promotes the good but carried out in the cause of God, can be defined as Jihad. (Ron Geaves, Aspects of Islam p.177)

The origins of Jihad After the first revelation when Muhammad and His followers got persecuted due to the rejection of idolatry Hijra to Ethiopia, then in 622CE to Medina; - Establishment of an Ummah - Muhammad organised political life under His authority as the Messenger of God and an honoured statesman. - The tribal and customs centred society was replaced by a religiously bonded community Makkan merchants and their allies confronted the inexperienced Muslim community with an overwhelming force at Badr and were defeated. Later at Uhud regained some pride but unable to achieve full victory. Muhammad re-entered Makkah in triumph without a battle taking place

Jihad in the Qur’an Permission to fight against aggressors; Justification of a defensive jihad; ‘ To those against whom war is made, Permission is given to fight, because they are wronged------and verily, Allah is the Most Powerful for their aid. They are those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right – for no cause except that they did say, ‘Our Lord is Allah’. (22: 39-40) Legitimate jihad by Muslim Jurists; ‘Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you. But do not transgress limits for Allah loveth not transgressors’. (2:190)

Discuss in groups Generic Jihad Promotion of Islam Political Islam Violent Jihad Spiritual Jihad

Kinds of Jihad Generic Jihad Promotion of Islam Political Islam All Muslims are called to make their individual effort to struggle for the victory of good over evil. Shahadah is witness God, Shahid (martyr), die defending Islam is the highest form of witness God. Promotion of Islam A call to an individual, family and others to take Islam as a way life, to live in accordance with Allah’s will, with wisdom and consciousness, nourished by His blessings. Political Islam Jihad was the only way to destroy authoritarian regimes and reform the Muslim world in a last battle against the forces that denied God’s role as law-Giver and sovereign. Violent Jihad The idea of holy war borrowed from Christian concept of ‘crusade’, liberating the land from occupation. People should turn against oppression and then that they should be led to true Islamic society. Spiritual Jihad Sufism ………..

Significance of Jihad overall Significance of Jihad for Muslims today and in history. The significance of lesser and greater Jihad in Islam. Their significance and any understanding and practice between Ramadan and Khadduri