Today, the world is filled with experts. Left and right, there are hundreds of experts. Sadly though, the majority of them carry the least qualification. In other words, they are self-appointed experts.

Take for example the term Jihad or the term Terrorism. Many, so called experts will claim that Jihad means holy war and terrorism is a form of that holy war. These so called experts have violated the very profession they claim to master because a true expert is one who understands fully his field of expertise.

The truth is, Jihad is the opposite of terrorism because jihad, though its Arabic primary meaning is to struggle to do better, can only be used in defense for self or an oppressed person or to regain a stolen land.

On the other hand, terrorism is an act of aggression against innocent people. So how can these experts claim that jihad is comparable to terrorism?

Today, Muslims around the world have suffered as a result of this misconception and day by day, this misconception serves to alienate Muslims from the rest of the world. Unfortunately, Muslims, who are the true experts on the term jihad, have never been given the chance to explain what this term truly means. After all it's their language and Muslims have used this term for 1400 years and during those many years, jihad was used for the betterment of mankind.

Yet, because an insignificant group of criminals had committed an act of terror on September 11th while claiming to be Muslims, have erased the 1400 years of service to humanity. Islam, which means peace in Arabic, was the victim on September 11th, rather than the criminal. Muslims also argue with these so called experts who equate terror with jihad that Allah (God) has passed a verdict or judgment against individuals who cause terror and chaos in the land. It is written in the Quran " The punishment of those who wage war against Allah (God) and His messenger and strive to spread mischief (terror, chaos, etc.) is: execution or crucifixion or the cutting off of their hands and feet from opposite sides or exile from the land."

This is a very harsh and fitting punishment for any one who commits the above crimes and Muslims are aware of this judgment. So how can any one argue that Islam promotes terror in any way when it has the most severe punishment against criminals of terror.

There is also another verse in the holy Quran which shows the limits of a Muslim in the case of self defense; " Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits for Allah loves not the transgressors." From this verse, we understand that aggression or terror is not part of the Muslim's behavior but Allah (God) has given him the right to defend himself, may Allah guide all of us to the truth and help us shun falsehood wherever it may be.

Ameen

Submited by kaisa on http://www.islamiway.cjb.net