Published: January 08, 2008
Jihad - Its Overall Meaning and Significance
By Yoram East
Al-Qaeda's American born terrorist and occasional spokesperson Adam Gadhan, better known as Azzam al-Amriki, a California born disciple of Osama bin-Laden and an unshakable advocator of Jihad, recently appeared on the al-Shab website calling on Muslims world wide to devote themselves to Jihad, in other words "to follow the wishes of Allah to study and observe the teachings leading to the ultimate sacrifice".
His speech was aimed at reaching cell phones around the globe, addressing mainly Muslims. This was another shot in the radicals' on going efforts to expand the power of Jihad through modern technology. 2008 is expected to emphasize and encourage Jihad more than any other period since the emergence of al-Qaeda in the late 80s. It is, however, essential to avoid mixing together Jihad with day by day Islam.
Jihad, or Holy War, waged by militant Muslims world wide, was the dominant factor in most ideological, religious and political conflicts around the world, as was demonstrated in numerous events of global violence and terrorism throughout 2007. The recent assassination of Benazir Bhutto is a case in point.
Hereunder are the most important underlying principles of Jihad:
Arabic is the language of the Holy Koran although most Muslims are not Arabs.
In common language Jihad means "war for noble causes," such as promoting the proliferation of Islam. In this respect Jihad is predominantly a Holy War.
The Battle of Bader during the month of Ramadan in 624 A.D., when 300 Muslim Fighters led by Muhammad defeated the much stronger army of the tribe of Koresh, is regarded by many as the earliest Jihad victory.
According to traditional Islam, humankind is divided between genuine believers and non-Muslims defined as Infidels - unbelievers.
Islam, in the eyes of the believer, is the only true religion. Muslims are expected to spread Islam all over the world and Jihad is the tool.
Infidels are divided between polytheists, in Arabic Mush'Rakun, and people of the Book, the Jews and the Christians, in Arabic "Aahal el-Ketab.
The people of the Book are allowed keep their faith provided they pay a "head tax" to their Muslim masters. The polytheists have two choices - Islam or death. This is mentioned in the Koran sura 9:5, also known as the "Verse of the sword."
The world is divided into two areas: the region of Islam, in Arabic Dar el-Islam, where all the countries are governed by Muslims and the region of war, Dar el-Kharb. This region has to be subdued by force i.e. Jihad.
Jihad is not a personal duty and is not included in the five pillars of Islam: Declaration of the Muslim faith, Praying, Fasting, Pilgrimage and Paying Zakaat (charity).
A Muslim leader makes the decision when to embark on Jihad and then those called to the sword are required to obey.
Jihad is a martyr concept; all those who fell or died during wars against non-Muslims are martyrs - Shahids.
The Koran does not promise merely celestial rewards for martyrs, but more significantly a secure voyage to the Garden of Eden. A common Muslim has to wait until his death and final judgment before being allowed to enter the Garden of Eden if found worthy.
Modern interpretations and teachings widely used by promoters of Jihad who work particularly among the poor and the young, claim that every martyr/Shahid can secure entry to the Garden of Eden for up to 70 relatives of his choice and recommendation.
The principles of Jihad as described here are of particular importance in that they enable a well-defined awareness to al-Qaeda's and other Jihadi organizations' pledge to turn this year into The Year of the Jihad.
This title, as alarming as it may seem, should by no means create an anti-Muslim rage or apprehension.
Learning more about the much wider scope of Islam is essential to fully comprehend Jihad, especially for those who decide when and if to sound an alarm; after all, demonstrative words and creating a baffling aura surrounding the unknown are an integral part of what terrorism is all about.
Yoram East is a journalist, writer and university lecturer
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