One of the most controversial terms that is used to lend credibility to the notion that Islam encourages violence is the concept of jihad. Owing to the performance of some influence, the media envisages an incorrect perception of Jihad. The word Jihad brings into play the vision of a marching band of religious fanatics with savage beards, short trousers and fiery eyes, brandishing swords, screaming in Arabic and attacking those that are not Muslims.
However, the true spirit of Jihad in Islamic terms means to endeavour and strive in a noble way. Over time this meaning of Jihad has been eradicated or at least diluted. The critical juncture in the Islamic world requires reviving and recapturing the true and pristine meaning of Jihad. Jihad can be divided into two broad categories. First is Jihad-e-akbar. This is Jihad against one's own person to curb sinful inclinations, which is the purification of self. This is the most difficult Jihad and hence in terms of rewards and blessings is the highest category of Jihad. The second is Jihad-e-asghar. This is Jihad of the sword. This is communal Jihad and presupposes certain specific conditions. The Quran speaks of fighting only as a self defence and this is the very condition laid down in other verses of the Holy Quran as well. The so-called verse of the sword in the Islamic scripture is often taken out of context as if it inculcates an indiscriminate massacre of all non-Muslims. The Quranic words such as “kill whatever you find them” apply only in cases of self defence, they do not apply to unprovoked wars and battles. The Muslims who interpret these verses in any other manner commit a travesty of the lofty ideals of Islam. There is not a single instance in the life of the Holy Prophet where he offered the alternative of the sword or Islam to anyone.
It must be remembered that the Holy Quran does not make Jihad, in context of an article of faith. The sayings and traditions of the Holy Prophet render it into a formula for active struggle that invariably and incorrectly tended towards a militant expression. Suicide bombings, hijacking and killing those of alternative and different faiths is contrary to the purview of the real spirit of the Islamic Jihad. The presentation of Islam as a crude and barbaric religion which gives itself the right to cause unwarranted human and material suffering and destruction under the guise of Divine authority is not the kind of Islam we find in the Holy Quran and in the precepts of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Invariably, I DSt will categorically point out that those Muslims who adulterate the concept of Jihad with violence are satanic agents of destruction who will never go close to paradise.
However, if as a Christian, i can make research and support the fact that Islam is a religion of Peace and take my time to preach it, i also find it evil, wicked and an act of hypocrisy for Muslim bretheren to join in the condemnation of Christianity which also preaches peace, purity and holiness.
Dear Friends, let us join hands together to make the society a better place to live. THERE IS NO RELIGION IN HEAVEN OR HELL, YOUR GOOD OR EVIL WORK WILL DETERMINE YOUR LOT NOT YOUR RELIGION. MOEEOVER, GOD IS A SPIRIT BEING AND NEITHER A RELIGIOUS BEING NOR A RACIAL OR TRIBAL BEING.
LET US PREACH PEACE AND ONESS.
DSt.

Dada-Stephen:
One of the most controversial terms that is used to lend credibility to the notion that Islam encourages violence is the concept of jihad. Owing to the performance of some influence, the media envisages an incorrect perception of Jihad. The word Jihad brings into play the vision of a marching band of religious fanatics with savage beards, short trousers and fiery eyes, brandishing swords, screaming in Arabic and attacking those that are not Muslims.
However, the true spirit of Jihad in Islamic terms means to endeavour and strive in a noble way. Over time this meaning of Jihad has been eradicated or at least diluted. The critical juncture in the Islamic world requires reviving and recapturing the true and pristine meaning of Jihad. Jihad can be divided into two broad categories. First is Jihad-e-akbar. This is Jihad against one's own person to curb sinful inclinations, which is the purification of self. This is the most difficult Jihad and hence in terms of rewards and blessings is the highest category of Jihad. The second is Jihad-e-asghar. This is Jihad of the sword. This is communal Jihad and presupposes certain specific conditions. The Quran speaks of fighting only as a self defence and this is the very condition laid down in other verses of the Holy Quran as well. The so-called verse of the sword in the Islamic scripture is often taken out of context as if it inculcates an indiscriminate massacre of all non-Muslims. The Quranic words such as “kill whatever you find them” apply only in cases of self defence, they do not apply to unprovoked wars and battles. The Muslims who interpret these verses in any other manner commit a travesty of the lofty ideals of Islam. There is not a single instance in the life of the Holy Prophet where he offered the alternative of the sword or Islam to anyone.
It must be remembered that the Holy Quran does not make Jihad, in context of an article of faith. The sayings and traditions of the Holy Prophet render it into a formula for active struggle that invariably and incorrectly tended towards a militant expression. Suicide bombings, hijacking and killing those of alternative and different faiths is contrary to the purview of the real spirit of the Islamic Jihad. The presentation of Islam as a crude and barbaric religion which gives itself the right to cause unwarranted human and material suffering and destruction under the guise of Divine authority is not the kind of Islam we find in the Holy Quran and in the precepts of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Invariably, I DSt will categorically point out that those Muslims who adulterate the concept of Jihad with violence are satanic agents of destruction who will never go close to paradise.
However, if as a Christian, i can make research and support the fact that Islam is a religion of Peace and take my time to preach it, i also find it evil, wicked and an act of hypocrisy for Muslim bretheren to join in the condemnation of Christianity which also preaches peace, purity and holiness.
Dear Friends, let us join hands together to make the society a better place to live. THERE IS NO RELIGION IN HEAVEN OR HELL, YOUR GOOD OR EVIL WORK WILL DETERMINE YOUR LOT NOT YOUR RELIGION. MOEEOVER, GOD IS A SPIRIT BEING AND NEITHER A RELIGIOUS BEING NOR A RACIAL OR TRIBAL BEING.
LET US PREACH PEACE AND ONESS.
DSt.

Take ur message to the Islamic section. People here don't need your teachings. Give it to those who need them. When we start seeing changes then, we might offer a listening ear to what you have to say.

moreover, good works alone takes you no where. The Jews practiced good works yet, Jesus came to straighten there teaching and practice. So bro Jesus is the answer you need.