Jihad: A misunderstanding of Islam

People of the West nowadays are addicted in a sense to this propaganda that Islam is a religion of terrorists, or maybe, THE religion of terrorists. And they refer to the word Jihad accusing the Muslims of killing innocent people in the name of Allah. The interesting fact is, about 45%-60% of the Americans have never spoken to a Muslim about Islam. They only see what they are shown, believe what they are told to, and of course, speak what they are instructed to. Now on the basis of what am I saying that? I must be living on Mars these days, as a result, I do not know about the 9/11 or ISIS or Al-Qaeda, huh?
Then without any baseless discussion, let us shed some light on the topic.

Check out: Proceeding Towards Islam

JIHAD: Verbal Meaning VS. Islamic Meaning

Now, Jihad (جهاد‎) is obviously an Arabic Word, and it has certain meanings in the light of the Arabic Language. The lexicographic meaning of Jihad(To know more, click here) is a dispute, fight, struggle or dissension. And this meaning is used by all to say that Jihad is an offensive word, well you could say that if the word was English, but in Arabic, things are a bit different. Here, contextual meanings are more important. So, Jihad does not necessarily imply that it means fight or dispute. Let us look at some of the verses of Al-Quran quoting the word Jihad:

Say, "...And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason." (Surah Anam:151)

Also, one of the most misinterpreted verses of the Holy Quran is presented in full,

“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors. And slay them wherever ye catch them  and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter;...” (Surah Baqarah:190-191)

The verses that follow clearly indicate Islam’s prohibition on aggression and inclination towards peace:
“But if they cease, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression.” (Surah Baqarah:192-193)
What? Your heartbeats got faster? Then here is my final defense against the wrong propaganda taking Jihad, Allah Says,
“Let there be no compulsion in religion” (Surah Baqarah:256)

If you have any confusion regarding the Verses mentioned above, CLICK HERE.  

Islam, my brothers and sisters is a religion of peace and tranquility, which implies being kind to the oppressed and harsh to the oppressor. May Allah give us the Knowledge to know Islam in its true form. To know more about Jihad, check out: ‘Types of Jihad’(<click here) and 'Ruling on Jihad'(<click here).