Jihad in the Qur'an

By Louay Fatoohi

Subjects:

Description: Islam has increasingly been the subject of gross misunderstanding. One main aspect of this phenomenon has been the association of Islam with violence and aggression. This is particularly epitomized in the widespread misinterpretation of the Islamic concept of "jihad". Some Muslim individuals and groups have misused and abused the term "jihad" to describe their violent activities, which greatly vary in nature and context. This has played a major role in spreading incorrect information about jihad. The media, in turn, have failed to make a distinction between such misleading views and informed explanations of jihad. This unholy alliance of misinformation and publicity was bound to result in widespread misunderstanding of jihad. Studies of Islam in general, including the subject of jihad, have also been blighted by improper use of secondary religious and historical sources. While the Qur'an is universally accepted as being the undisputed authentic source and authority on all aspects of Islam, the authenticity, reliability and value of other sources have always been matters of debate, and even controversy, among scholars. The failure to take this major difference between the Qur'an and other sources into account and to treat those sources with due caution can only result in misunderstanding Islamic concepts and practices. In its endeavor to present the truth about jihad and dispel common fallacies about this Qur'anic concept, this book goes back to the source: the Qur'an. It shows that jihad in the Qur'an is nothing like the common image of this concept. Unlike its mundane representation, jihad is a spiritual path that creates a better human being and a better world. Contrary to its violent image, jihad is the ultimate way to peace.