By Farouk Olamide Yusuf
@EmperorOlamz

Note: Hadith are sayings of the prophet Muhammad (SAW)

The religion of Islam has faced high criticism through out the world considering the fact that several terrorist groups have committed a lot of atrocities hiding under the banner of Islam. They claim they are involved in Jihad which to them translates to holy war. This article reveals the real meaning of Jihad and the modern day misconceptions and brainwashing.


MEANING OF THE WORD “JIHAD”
Jihad was formed from three root word known as Jee Ha Da, it is an Arabic noun word which literarily means “to strive, to struggle, to preserve or to apply one self”. Jihad is also an Islamic term which refers to the religious duty of Muslims to maintain and preserve the religion. The word Jihad appeared frequently in the Quran, 164 times according to a count and refers to striving in the way of Allah on earth. Jihad is a duty of every Muslim as it encompasses all good deed of a man in the preservation of the religion Islam. Jihad according to the Quran and Hadith are righteous deed in front of Allah which include; recognising there is one God and loving him most, steadfastly staying on the righteous path, having courage to convey the message of Islam to others, striving for righteous deed, defending the religion and community of Islam, helping or aiding allied people who may not be Muslim, gaining freedom for people from tyranny, etc. Jihad encompasses all the righteous struggle of a man to protect and uplift the religion of Islam. The Prophet (PBUH) urge every Muslim, young and old, male and female to be involved in Jihad as it is the best of all righteous deed.


Jihad is often translated as “holy war” by local and western media and a number of anti-Islamic groups. This has brainwashed majority of non-Muslims and some Muslims who misunderstood the concept of Jihad. The modern Oxford dictionary defines Jihad as “a holy war undertaken by Muslim against non-believers”. This very poor definition by the Oxford dictionary can be said to be a brainwash as it has no basis in the holy Quran or Hadith of the prophet (PBUH). The concept of Jihad is more than what it is seen to be today. There is no place in the holy Quran in which Jihad was translated as “holy war” or can anyone out there bring out a verse that it was? The western propaganda has brainwashed a lot of Muslims and Non-Muslims to believe Islam is a violent religion contrary to peace as it is. Even Islamic scholars, Islamic writers and translators of Quran and Hadith of nowadays unfortunately translate Jihad as “holy war”. The term “holy war” is a Christian usage thousands years ago which refers to crusades thousand years ago and does not in any way involve physical combat.


DOES ISLAM PREACHES ATTACK ON NON-MUSLIMS
The Quran prohibit unjustified use of force or violence against human being. Islam forbids killing or termination of lives of believers or non believers. “You shall not take a life, which god has made sacred, except by the way of justice and law” (Quran 6:151). The religion of Islam strictly outlaws killing of innocent people regardless of their religious beliefs, it is a grave sin in the religion of Islam to terminate the life of an innocent being as it attract severe punishment from Allah (SWT). The Quran also urge Muslims to save the life of others and free people from tyranny and oppression as it bring great reward from the almighty. “Whosoever kills an innocent human being, it shall be as if he has killed all mankind, and whosoever saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind” (Quran 5:32). Therefore, the killing of a single soul in Islam is equal to killing of the whole mankind. The prophet (PBUH) prohibited the killing of non-Muslims and emphasized the great consequence of such action. The prophet totally condemns unjust killing in any form.


Several Hadith of the prophet (PBUH) reported that killing of innocent human being is a grave sin. A hadith reported that “anyone who kills a non-Muslim will not smell the fragrance of paradise, even though its fragrance can be experienced at a distance of forty years” (Al Bukhari). This clearly states that any Muslim who kills a non-Muslim will denied paradise and will be thrown into hell. The Prophet also warned the admirers of the religion of Islam against hurting, attacking or offending non-Muslim inside a Muslim state, province, region or country. A hadith states; “He who hurts a Non-Muslim in a Muslim states, I am his adversary, and I shall be his adversary on the day of judgement” (Al Bukhari). Islamic teaching encourages Muslims to make comfortable and save in their territory the Non-Muslims and should not be hurt or threatened by any means. A true Muslim has to be one who terrorises not the community or spread fear and insecurity amidst his neighbour whether Muslim or Non-Muslim. Another hadith says, “By God, he is a true believer, from whose mischief his neighbours do not feel secure” (Al Bukhari, Muslim). This emphasizes the fact that a true Muslim must be peaceful, generous and accommodating as Islam is a religion of peace. Lastly, the Prophet (PBUH) in his last sermon ordered true believers not to hurt others as Islam prohibits it. “Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your lord and that He will indeed reckon your deeds”. All the above evidences in the Holy Quran and Hadith have certainly clarifies that Islam support not violence.



THE CONCEPT OF WAR IN ISLAM
War in the religion of Islam and according to Islamic teaching is regarded UNHOLY. Islam prohibits instigation of war, however, some wars are inevitable and justifiable. In Islam, Muslims are only permitted to resort to war for self-defence from oppression and tyranny. Muslims are enjoined to fight as one to resist transgressors who had attacked their land, property and homes but are urged to fight in the way of Allah (SWT) and not to transgress. This is permissible by any religion of the world as self-defence is important to growth and future of any community. “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressor” (Quran 2:191). Islam does not in any way permit first attack or starting a war. Waging war as decreed in Islam should only be for self-defence and violation of others right is strictly prohibited. “Permission (to fight) has been given to those who are being fought, because they are oppressed, and indeed Allah is competent to give them victory” (Quran 22:39). It is also important to know that the order to embark on war can only be given by the Caliph.


We must take note that war in Islam has certain rules that guides it. The rules as stated by the Prophet (SAW) are designed to protect the civilians and all living things. War in Islam is restricted to battlefield, as it should never reach the civilians and non-combatants. The rules set the guidelines for conduct during war. The rules forbid warriors from attacking or killing children, the women and the aged. It also restricts them from bringing harm or burning down trees and killing of animals no matter who owns them. There is total restriction from attacking or burning down enemy’s industries or means of livelihood and their place of worship but fight against only those who fight them. Abu Bakr, the first Caliph of Islam gave the instructions he got from the Prophet (PBUH) to the warriors as they were about to repel the attacking enemy from Mecca. Abu Bakr was quoted saying; “Stop, O people, that I may give you ten rules for your guidance in the battlefield. Do not commit treachery or deviate from the right path. You must not mutilate dead bodies. Neither kill a child, nor a woman, nor an aged man. Bring no harm to the trees, nor burn them with fire, especially those which are fruitful. Slay not any of the enemy's flock, save for your food. You are likely to pass by people who have devoted their lives to monastic services; leave them alone".



ARE THE LIKES OF BOKO HARAM, ISIS, AL QAEDA, ETC ISLAMIC?
This is a question we can say has been answered if you have clearly read the article from the start. Several terrorist groups like the ISIS, Boko Haram, Al Qaeda, Al Shabab, etc has been termed several names by the local and western media in relation with Islam. They are called Islamist, Jihadist, Islamic fundamentalist, Islamic extremist, etc. The question is, are they in any way Islamic? Is their doctrine and practise in line with the Islamic teaching? I guess the answer should be provided by the sound minds reading this piece. This should be an eye-opener to all Muslims and Non-Muslims that are ignorant about the concept of Jihad and the western propaganda. These groups have claimed a lot of lives and burn down a lot of buildings and industries all over the world in the name of Jihad. The struggles of these groups have no basis or evidence in the Holy Quran and Hadith of the prophet (PBUH). They have successfully terminated the lives of several Muslims and the Quran says “But whoever kills a believer intentionally – his recompense is hell, wherein he will abide eternally, and Allah has become angry with him and has prepared for him a great punishment” (Quran 4:93). This is what awaits the terrorist groups who create violence in the name of Jihad.

Finally, I will like to challenge anyone who still doubts that Islam is a religion of peace to bring out from the Holy Quran and authentic Hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) were Islam preaches or support instigation of war or bringing harms to others. Thanks.


APPRECIATION
Hafiz Adebisi Olaide Idris
Amira Abouzeid



lalasticlala, seun

You can put lipstick on a pig, it is still a pig

@Op, thanx for this beautiful epistle. Jazakallah khayran.

This is total hugwash. No time to debate it. Anywhere Islam is taken seriuos we begin to have crises. Violence can never be explained away from a religion of which the founder faught wars.

Junior66:
This is total hugwash. No time to debate it. Anywhere Islam is taken seriuos we begin to have crises. Violence can never be explained away from a religion of which the founder faught wars.

does christainity support self defence?

crownprince102:

does christainity support self defence?

No sir. You have evidence to the contrary? Self-defence is actually one reason Islam is always embroiled in crises. Make sure you dnt quote old testament for me. gud day

Junior66:
No sir. You have evidence to the contrary? Self-defence is actually one reason Islam is always embroiled in crises. Make sure you dnt quote old testament for me. gud day

Wow! Then why do the christians support fighting against Boko Haram?

Why did Peter attack and cutoff the ear of someone who wants to attack Jesus.


I shouldnt quote the old testament? I guess the issue of 10% tithe was showcased in the old testament. Why do churches believe in it today?

crownprince102:

does christainity support self defence?

Christianity = Christ-like

Jesus Christ taught christians in his words:

"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. " (Matthew 5:39).

IsraeliAIRFORCE:


Christianity = Christ-like

Jesus Christ taught christians in his words:

"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. " (Matthew 5:39).

Nice one.... Then why are we fighting Boko Haram?


Follow that suit and relocate to sambisa.

IsraeliAIRFORCE:


Christianity = Christ-like

Jesus Christ taught christians in his words:

"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. " (Matthew 5:39).

Nice one.... Then why are we fighting Boko Haram?


Follow that suit and relocate to sambisa.


Why did peter attack and cutoff the ear of someone who wants to attack Jesus?


Why did Saul and David fight to protect Israel.


Even the bible talks of Amalgedon war in the endtime. What is the need for?

taqiyya alert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

crownprince102:

Nice one.... Then why are we fighting Boko Haram?


Follow that suit and relocate to sambisa.

Government is ordained by God to enforce justice and equity among men. This is why Jesus recognized the authority of ceasar and paid his tax.

To ensure equality, the United Nation estabilished and defined generally acceptable sets of norms, freedom and rights for all humans called "Human rights".

Different Governments are bound to enforce these laws and make sure that one group doesn't enforce their rules on others, be it religious, moral, political, cultural or otherwise

crownprince102:

Nice one.... Then why are we fighting Boko Haram?


Follow that suit and relocate to sambisa.


Why did peter attack and cutoff the ear of someone who wants to attack Jesus?


Why did Saul and David fight to protect Israel.


Even the bible talks of Amalgedon war in the endtime. What is the need for?

Actual we follow Jesus Christ that's why we are called Christians. David wasn't a Christian neither was Saul.

This is what Jesus taught the christian belows:
"And, behold, Peter, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." (Matthew 26:51-52).

You can see clearly that Jesus reprimanded Peter for the violent act and stated clearly the consequences of such indulgence.

IsraeliAIRFORCE:



Government is ordained by God to enforce justice and equity among men. This is why Jesus recognized the authority of ceasar and paid his tax.

To ensure equality the United. Nation estabilished and defined generally acceptable sets of freedom and rights for all humans called "Human rights".

Different Governments are bound to enforce these laws and make sure that one group doesn't enforce their rules on others, be it religious, moral, political, cultural or otherwise

Exactly.... The Government of Medina who had accepted islam and muhammad at the time were the one who ordered the engagement in the war not Prophet Muhammad (SAW).


Muhammad urged them not to fight but Hamza a top official opposed and stated reason they should go to war among which was the fact that the Meccans are already lodging an attack.


Muhammad through Abu Bakr then gave them rules they must fight with which was stated in the article if you have read well. The rules totally protect civillians.


Most things u are told and read online are propagandas and brainwashing. I'm sure u havent heard this b4

crownprince102:

Exactly.... The Government of Medina who had accepted islam and muhammad at the time were the one who ordered the engagement in the war not Prophet Muhammad (SAW).


Muhammad urged them not to fight but Hamza a top official opposed and stated reason they should go to war among which was the fact that the Meccans are already lodging an attack.


Muhammad through Abu Bakr then gave them rules they must fight with which was stated in the article if you have read well. The rules totally protect civillians.


Most things u are told and read online are propagandas and brainwashing. I'm sure u havent heard this b4

I am not debating with you on Islam and jihad rather I was clarifying the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ contrary to what you espoused.

Jesus is against shedding of blood by his follows in whatever guise. He forewarned his disciples against retaliation and bloody confrontation.

Christians are followers of Jesus not of moses nor of kings of Israel

This topic contradicts Rule No. 8. Don't post false information on Nairaland. This is Taqiyya.

crownprince102:

Wow! Then why do the christians support fighting against Boko Haram?

Why did Peter attack and cutoff the ear of someone who wants to attack Jesus.


I shouldnt quote the old testament? I guess the issue of 10% tithe was showcased in the old testament. Why do churches believe in it today?

After Peter's attack, did Jesus not fix the victim's ear back and tell the disciples to sheat their sword?
pls give evidence of anybody who supports the killing of Boko Haram and claims his bible told him so. Instead xtians pray against them, either for their death or repentance. The bible even tells xtians to turn the oda cheek. In addition Jesus christ told us to carry our cross nd follow him-meaning we should be ready to be persecuted for his sake. Did he tell anybody to pick up arms in self-defence.

Crownprince102, Tell me again why adherents to this 'wonderful' religion of peace have taken their brand to disturb the peace of Switzerland, going as far as burning flags and demanding a change of the flag in order to remove the cross on it? Is it not too much tolerance and love by the peaceful Swiss that has given room for such sickening audacity? Those making such demands are they not muslims and does such nonsense smack of peace?

https://www.nairaland.com/2847020/muslims-switzerland-starting-own-wahala#41718072

I understand ur need to defend ur beliefs but u need to lay blame squarely on where it belongs. Whether u accept it or not, there is certain madness and malevolence peculiar to islamic teachings and interpretation that makes its adherents very easily given to violent conquest of wherever they are in the minority and vigorous suppression of all others in places where it is d major religion.

freeze001:
Crownprince102, Tell me again why adherents to this 'wonderful' religion of peace have taken their brand to disturb the peace of Switzerland, going as far as burning flags and demanding a change of the flag in order to remove the cross on it? Is it not too much tolerance and love by the peaceful Swiss that has given room for such sickening audacity? Those making such demands are they not muslims and does such nonsense smack of peace?

https://www.nairaland.com/2847020/muslims-switzerland-starting-own-wahala#41718072

I understand ur need to defend ur beliefs but u need to lay blame squarely on where it belongs. Whether u accept it or not, there is certain madness and malevolence peculiar to islamic teachings and interpretation that makes its adherents very easily given to violent conquest of wherever they are in the minority and vigorous suppression of all others in places where it is d major religion.

Is their any difference between Christian and born-again?

crownprince102:

Is their any difference between Christian and born-again?

No. Being born again shows clearly that u stand for and identify with Jesus Christ who is the source of Christianity. To be a Christian is to be Christ-like and to be Christ-like u must be born again.

I have obliged u on this even though u responded to my questions with a question of yours. Kindly answer mine please and address the instances raised including burning the flag of a sovereign nation that has nothing to do with islam just because of the presence of the Cross.

freeze001:


No. Being born again shows clearly that u stand for and identify with Jesus Christ who is the source of Christianity. To be a Christian is to be Christ-like and to be Christ-like u must be born again.

I have obliged u on this even though u responded to my questions with a question of yours. Kindly answer mine please and address the instances raised including burning the flag of a sovereign nation that has nothing to do with islam just because of the presence of the Cross.

If you have read the article well.... You will have an answer to ur questions

crownprince102:

If you have read the article well.... You will have an answer to ur questions

Mmmm...you're not prepared to address issues head on are u? Ur post is not a one-size-fits-all solution and that's why I have given specific instances of Switzerland. Ur cup of tea any way but that makes it clear that ur attempts at white-washing the obvious is DOA.

Otherwise how come u didn't give this lacklustre response of getting answers from the article to others who have engaged u on this thread?

freeze001:


Mmmm...you're not prepared to address issues head on are u? Ur post is not a one-size-fits-all solution and that's why I have given specific instances of Switzerland. Ur cup of tea any way but that makes it clear that ur attempts at white-washing the obvious is DOA.

Otherwise how come u didn't give this lacklustre response of getting answers from the article to others who have engaged u on this thread?

It is now a clear fact u only came here t castigate and not to learn.

Up there, I clearly state the take of Islam on Terrorism which with verses from the Holy Quran as evidence. You fail to read but came all the way to criticize.

The pple u are refering to.... Can y give one evidence they are TRUE muslims? Why arent they taking responsibility for their action. Why us Islam taking it?

This is pure hypocris!!!

True muslims? Can u boldly condemn their actions as wrong and illegal since u seem to be a 'true muslim'? That has been the question on everybody's lips! Why is it adherents to this religion whether true or not that can never live in peace with all men and keep making crazy demands? Can d few Christians in Saudi Arabia ask for the moon n star or whatever to be removed from their national symbols?

Is it not same islamic countries like Burundi that have banned d celebration of Christmas with heavy jail terms for even wishing someone a Merry Christmas? Have u condemned same? Or they are not ' true' muslims too? Has anyone stopped ur ppl anywhere from celebrating Eid? Why do you people have a problem with tolerance?

Leave this true or false muslim rhetoric, it holds no water! The underlying denominators are to similar and recurrent not to be an offshoot of the religion called islam.

crownprince102:
It is now a clear fact u only came here t castigate and not to learn.

Up there, I clearly state the take of Islam on Terrorism which with verses from the Holy Quran as evidence. You fail to read but came all the way to criticize.

The pple u are refering to.... Can y give one evidence they are TRUE muslims? Why arent they taking responsibility for their action. Why us Islam taking it?

This is pure hypocris!!!

freeze001:
True muslims? Can u boldly condemn their actions as wrong and illegal since u seem to be a 'true muslim'? That has been the question on everybody's lips! Why is it adherents to this religion whether true or not that can never live in peace with all men and keep making crazy demands? Can d few Christians in Saudi Arabia ask for the moon n star or whatever to be removed from their national symbols?

Is it not same islamic countries like Burundi that have banned d celebration of Christmas with heavy jail terms for even wishing someone a Merry Christmas? Have u condemned same? Or they are not ' true' muslims too? Has anyone stopped ur ppl anywhere from celebrating Eid? Why do you people have a problem with tolerance?

Leave this true or false muslim rhetoric, it holds no water! The underlying denominators are to similar and recurrent not to be an offshoot of the religion called islam.

sir, u are repeating same thing.

Ok.. May be u dont understand. Unlike christianity, the totality of everything in islam must have a backing from the Quran or Hadith. This means that every action of a muslim must be back Quran or Hadith. Thats a beautiful thing about islam. Anything thing contrary is a sin.

If those in swizterland can present you and the world a backing from the Quran or Hadith, then islamically they are right but if they cant, they've commited a dreadful sin.


But i can emphantically tell u that through out the whole Quran and thousands of Hadith, their is nothing that backed it.


Banning Christmas Celebration is totally wrong as Prophet Muhammed himself did not stop unbelievers during his time from celebrating the idolatory festival. Anyone who ask pple not to celebrate christmas has committed a sin becos it was said in he Quran that "do yours and let do ours". No one should interfere into others religious believe.

@crownPrince102

What are the interpretational guidelines for interpreting the Quran and a Hadith? And where are they found?

And how useful are literal interpretations?

A final question, how do Muslims fight their grounds to protect their values in a society which permits abortion, bans the burqah, feminist ideals, aggression towards the poorer and developing states?

Good! Now answer ur question! Is the practice of ur religion one that really represents it as that of peace? Have they denounced islam that refuse to live in peace with others? Do they promote peace by their actions?

crownprince102:
sir, u are repeating same thing.

Ok.. May be u dont understand. Unlike christianity, the totality of everything in islam must have a backing from the Quran or Hadith. This means that every action of a muslim must be back Quran or Hadith. Thats a beautiful thing about islam. Anything thing contrary is a sin.

If those in swizterland can present you and the world a backing from the Quran or Hadith, then islamically they are right but if they cant, they've commited a dreadful sin.


But i can emphantically tell u that through out the whole Quran and thousands of Hadith, their is nothing that backed it.


Banning Christmas Celebration is totally wrong as Prophet Muhammed himself did not stop unbelievers during his time from celebrating the idolatory festival. Anyone who ask pple not to celebrate christmas has committed a sin becos it was said in he Quran that "do yours and let do ours". No one should interfere into others religious believe.

1) I just went and searched taqiyya which some muslims have been mentioning here. Guess what-It means lies that are permitted to be told to unbelievers. So OP has brought lies to us to brainwash and misinform us-the unbelievers! Can you imagine such deceitfulness?!

2) The write up says Muslims should not harm Non-Muslims in a Muslim community. Let me ask-Why then do you persecute Non-Muslims around you until you subdue them into accepting Islam? I thought you were told not to harm Non-Muslims in your community? Why persecute the Non-Muslims?

3) If Islam is suppose to be peaceful and followers are told not to take a life. Who then are the "infidels" you guys are taught to kill?

Kay17:
@crownPrince102

What are the interpretational guidelines for interpreting the Quran and a Hadith? And where are they found?

And how useful are literal interpretations?

A final question, how do Muslims fight their grounds to protect their values in a society which permits abortion, bans the burqah, feminist ideals, aggression towards the poorer and developing states?

Interpretation of the Quran is a big issue on it own. Interpreting the Quran has recieved a widespread arguement among scholars.

Like Hebrew, Arabic words has range of meanings in terms of context. They are sometimes ambiguos and needs proper undestanding with literary, cultural and historical content before interpretation.

I dont think their are specific guidelines un translating the Quran but their are indeed way in which scholars do in interpretin them. Interpretation of Quran is known as "Tafseer".


On muslim fighting their grounds in other countries. This must be done in some certain legal ways accepted by the nation.


Upon entry into a nation or granting of visa, you have been binded by a convenant. A convenant of security. Their are certain obligations you must oblige urself to eg paying tax, etc. The Quran say; "Oh you who believe, fufil ur obligation."


Being inside the country, you have being binded by oath or convenant. The Quran says: "and fulfil every convenant. Verily you will be held accountable to it." this clearly show Muslim must oblige to the law of foreign land they resides.

If at all they are to fight for their grounds. It must be done in a legally acceptable ways by the government of that nation because they ae already binded by convenant.

I know this is a forum but can you stop engaging this guy?

He just wants to argue.

If someone had cut off his hands for stealing (plagiarizing) he wouldn't be typing shii here. That's what they do.