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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
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