Due to ignorance of the basics of Islam, many people have no idea what jihad is. As a rule, Europeans associate this word with explosions, hostage-taking, while Americans associate it with the tragic events of September 11th. But is it really so? Does the holy book of Muslims really call for homicide? Let's try to understand what jihad really is.
Origin of the term
Despite the fact that this word is often used as a synonym for "holy war", in fact it literally means "striving, diligence." This term is closely related to the Arabic word jahd, which translates as "work, strain, give all your strength." Thus, answering the question “What is jihad in the religion of Muslims?”, we can say that this is a life attitude, the principle, adhering to which a person, having studied Islam, must live according to the learned truths, do good, teach others, move away from the condemned andfight external enemies of your faith. In other words, this is the whole variety of actions aimed at observing the principles of Islam, studying it and preserving knowledge for future generations.
Holy Jihad and terrorism: what is the difference?
If this term does not call for aggressive action, then why is it so often used by supporters of decisive action and violence? The fact is that jihad is a rather broad concept. It can be done with the word, heart, property, hands and weapons. It is on the last point that adherents of the radical branches of this religion emphasize.
Jihad in the Koran is any diligence and effort that is shown for the sake of the rise of Islam. However, it is not at all necessary to use weapons for this. Those who do not share this view do not really know what jihad is and what its purpose is.
First, a person must convert to Islam, then, having thoroughly studied all the rules of this religion, be guided by its laws in life and try to teach others about his faith. Fanatics believe that one should take up arms against those who threaten the faith of Muslims. At the same time, they forget that it is necessary to fight only within the framework of the professed religion. That is, the efforts of believers should be aimed at removing obstacles between Islam and other people.
Jihad has only one goal - to ensure the opportunity to convert to Islam to all those who, without any coercion, wish this, as well as to give the appropriateopportunities for those who teach and those who independently study this religion. By his actions, a Muslim must contribute to the elimination of polytheism and violence and the triumph of kindness, mercy and justice. This means that not only adherents of Islam, but also people of other faiths, including atheists, should be taken under one's care and protection. This is the main difference between jihad and war, which is started mainly for the sake of money and profit. Thus, the notion that Islam breeds terrorism and violence is in fact wrong. Indeed, in some cases jihad may take the form of self-defense. However, this right, the right to protect, is for every person on Earth, regardless of what he believes.
