Rock on, Daniel

Submitted by Sean Jefferies (South Africa), Jan 2, 2003 at 05:52

Reading articles like your latest one, Dr Pipes, is to my worldview what a luscious pizza is to my stomach. I know that jihad is not some warm and fuzzy religious response. Thank you for confirming it in the most valid terms.

However, I do wish that the liberal elements in society would one day come to see the truth of jihad, and how unpleasant it really is. Of course, being that they are liberals, almost any ugly aspect of human nature (and more particularly fundamental Islamic nature) can and will be explained away in whatever terms pop-psychology deems relevant at the time.

How many Muslims believe in jihad? I think an overwhelming majority do. In reading about Islam from many sources, jihad is almost a sixth pillar of Islam. It is the ultimate guarantee of the Islamic version of paradise. From a theological point of view, the first 5 pillars do not guarantee paradise, but jihad does. And although not all Muslims engage in jihad, financial and moral support is the next best thing. Maybe that will tip the scales in their favour at Judgement Day. So, if a Muslim wants to be serious about his religion, it appears that jihad is unavoidable, or at least its trappings. Very scary stuff.

Which is why hard hitting opinions like yours are essential. In the same way that the press are meant to be the 4th estate and keep government honest, truthful commentary can help to keep our civilisation away from versions of reality that are sugarcoated enough for the Mickey Mouse Club. Jihad is a reality that many of us in the West don't want to accept. And I believe the sooner we grasp its clear and present danger, the more poised we will be to do something about it.

Sincerely,

Sean Jefferies
Cape Town

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