Jihad: The True Meaning

Submitted by Siraj Gibani (United States), Jan 7, 2003 at 14:52

First, let me start by stating that Jihad in no way means "holy war" and I ask anyone who contradicts on this subject to read the Quran and try to find the words "holy war" in it. Jihad is a struggle that the Muslim has to face. There are three types of jihad. The first jihad being the struggle between a Muslim and himself. This is the first jihad that Muslim should accomplish before actually moving to the other two jihads(which I will explain). By being a to resist certain temptations that are forbidden and setting themselves on a straight path in according to the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet, a Muslim has accomplished the jihad of the self. The second jihad is the jihad with the wealth. This is the struggle for a Muslim to be able to give his wealth in the cause of God. By not letting his wealth get to his heart and blind him from the true goal of Islam (to please God), a Muslim will accomplish the struggle with his money. The third and final jihad is the struggle against the enemy. There are two types of struggles against the enemy. The first is that a Muslim country is being attacked so they have to resist the enemies who are trying to invade their lands. The second type of jihad is when Muslims who live in a non-Muslim country, aren't allowed to freely practice their religion. Then, they a right to resist against their government. By giving up his life for the cause of a God, a Muslim could accomplish this third jihad. I just want to make one more final comment regarding Islam and Muslims. Islam is a perfect religion completed by God for humans and sent down to the Prophet. No matter what criticizers of Islam say, they will never take away anything from Islam. The Muslims are in need of Islam, Islam isn't in need of the Muslims.

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