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Jihad in the Qur'an (Second Edition)
The Truth from the Source
This Book 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.
Book Details Author: Louay Fatoohi Pages: 192 Size: 215mm x 140mm Publication Date: 2004 Publisher: A. S. Noordeen, Malaysia ISBN: 983-065-175-4
Table of Contents Preface 1. Ignorance and the Distorted Image of Islam 2. The Prophet, the Book and the Religion 2.1 Prophet Muhammad 2.2 The Qur'an 2.3 Islam 3. The Meaning of Jihad 3.1 "Jihad" in Arabic 3.2 "Jihad" in the Qur'an 4. Armed Jihad: The Temporary Struggle Against the Outer Enemy 4.1 The Pre-Armed Jihad Period 4.2 The Divine Permission for Armed Jihad 4.3 A Means to Peace 4.4 Prohibiting Aggression and Enjoining Forgiveness 4.5 Measured and Proportionate Retaliation 4.6 Warning Against the Abuse of Armed Jihad 4.7 The Prohibition of Forcing People into Islam 4.8 Summary 5. Peaceful Jihad: The Permanent Struggle Against the Inner Enemy 5.1 Peaceful Jihad in Meccan Ayat (Verses) 5.2 Aspects of Peaceful Jihad 5.3 The War Against the Lower Self 6. Misreading the Qur'anic Term of "Jihad" 6.1 The Erroneous Reduction of Jihad to Armed Jihad 6.2 The Distinction Between Jihad and Qital (Fighting) 6.3 Summary 7. Jihad Today 7.1 The Essentiality of Jihad 7.2 Islamic Retaliation to Aggression 7.3 "Islamic" Violence or "Western" Double Standards? 7.4 Muslims in Present Day Conflicts 7.5 Qur'anic Peace and the World Today 7.6 The Qur'an's Concept of the "Best Nation" 7.7 Summary 8. Conclusion Appendix A. The Qur'anic Verses That Contain the Term "Jihad" Appendix B. A Brief Chronology of the Life of Prophet Muhammad Appendix C. Transliteration Conventions Appendix D. The Arabic Text of the Quoted Qur'anic Verses Notes General Index Index of Qur'anic Verses Copyright © 2004 Louay Fatoohi |
