Jihad in the Modern World
Question:
What is Jihad in modern context? Who is to do Jihad? Either is it the Army of country or everyone, whoever wishes so? What are the parameters of Jihad in modern world?
Answer:
Jihad, in the meaning of combat, is no different from what it was in the old times.
According to the Shari’ah there is only one reason for Jihad and that is to remove persecution (Fitna). Persecution here means forcing people to leave or not to practice their religion. In my understanding it can also be extended to any sort of unjust enforcement that takes people’s freedom and degrade them to lower levels of human being. The word Fitna in the verse 2:193 (within the group of the verses 2:190-193) refers to the same concept.
Some observations from this verse and similar verses o Jihad:
- We learn from the wording of these verses and similar verses that Jihad has to be implemented by the state and that no individual or group can declare Jihad.
- We can also see that these verses talk about Jihad as a declared battle against the combatants in the battlefield.
- We learn from verses like 8:72 that even in the case of Fitna (persecution), Jihad cannot be carried out against those with whom a peace contract is signed (unless they appear to be disloyal to the contract).
- The verses of the Qur’an are also adamant that even in battling against the enemies in Jihad, justice needs to be observed.
I think all the above is still very much relevant in the modern world. In fact I think even according to the United Nations a war with the above parameters can be allowed and justified.
Looking at the reason for Jihad and the above conditions, you perhaps will appreciate that much of what is done today by some groups in the name of Jihad has nothing to do with this concept, and are therefore totally against the principles of Islam.
--------------------
February 2013
What is Jihad in modern context? Who is to do Jihad? Either is it the Army of country or everyone, whoever wishes so? What are the parameters of Jihad in modern world?
Answer:
Jihad, in the meaning of combat, is no different from what it was in the old times.
According to the Shari’ah there is only one reason for Jihad and that is to remove persecution (Fitna). Persecution here means forcing people to leave or not to practice their religion. In my understanding it can also be extended to any sort of unjust enforcement that takes people’s freedom and degrade them to lower levels of human being. The word Fitna in the verse 2:193 (within the group of the verses 2:190-193) refers to the same concept.
Some observations from this verse and similar verses o Jihad:
- We learn from the wording of these verses and similar verses that Jihad has to be implemented by the state and that no individual or group can declare Jihad.
- We can also see that these verses talk about Jihad as a declared battle against the combatants in the battlefield.
- We learn from verses like 8:72 that even in the case of Fitna (persecution), Jihad cannot be carried out against those with whom a peace contract is signed (unless they appear to be disloyal to the contract).
- The verses of the Qur’an are also adamant that even in battling against the enemies in Jihad, justice needs to be observed.
I think all the above is still very much relevant in the modern world. In fact I think even according to the United Nations a war with the above parameters can be allowed and justified.
Looking at the reason for Jihad and the above conditions, you perhaps will appreciate that much of what is done today by some groups in the name of Jihad has nothing to do with this concept, and are therefore totally against the principles of Islam.
--------------------
February 2013
