CHAPTER TEN Islamic JihadJihad is a fact of life. What in English is called ‘struggle’ is what is meant by the word ‘jihad’ in Arabic. Jihad is no mysterious thing. Nor is it synonymous with violence.

‘struggle’, the sense of divine reward or worship is absent. But when the word ‘jihad’ became an Islamic term, this understanding of divine reward (sawab) or worship (ibadat) was also included. In other

and extended application. In this respect we find in it an eternal teaching of Islam, relevant, like other teachings of Islam to all later times. Looked at from this angle, we find that the point made in

often clash and come into confrontation with one another. This verse of the Quran guides us as to what course we must adopt in such situations. In accordance with this verse, there are only two possible

such occasions. For those who are fearless of God, nothing but failure awaits them in this world. What would an ungodly attitude be on such occasions? It is called hamiyat-e-jahiliyya in the Quran. The

if nothing had happened. To put it in a word, magnanimity is what marks an Islamic character. Generally one treats others according to what they have said or done with regard to one. A Muslim should

avoid harming them, and must spare them any suffering on account of ill- judged words and actions. Islamic character ceases to be such on any plane lower than this.

activities such as protests and violence against supposed injustice is not in accordance with the Islamic spirit. No excuse whatsoever is acceptable in this regard. Muslims must adopt the policy of peace

God is your all-sufficient guardian. THE QURAN 33: 48 All the prophets, including the Prophet of Islam, adopted this culture of sabr, or patience. The Quran affirms this fact in these words: We will, surely

kind of environment is crucial for any kind of constructive work, including conveying the message of Islam. This is the law of nature. We have no option but to follow this natural law. The Quran observes:

is a great bounty bestowed by the Creator on us. If we look at it in this perspective, we realize what a great source of spirituality water is, as it reminds us of the merciful Creator. This important

very dependent on water that our reliance on it repeatedly brings to mind the Creator. According to Islam, the quality most desired in a person is his willingness to acknowledge the Creator. If a person truly

realization of the importance of water will tell one how to manage water properly. The Prophet of Islam laid great emphasis on conserving water. He once observed someone using water extravagantly and advised

friends and enemies, and knew what it meant to win or lose, fail or succeed. But what made him different from the ordinary run of men was the sublimity of his character. No matter what situation he found himself

the level of an ordinary man to become a judge and a ruler, having ultimately set up the pillars of Islam, this excellence of disposition never left him for an instant. Indeed, his entire life was marked

Gardens of everlasting delight. But if we are to merit this fate, we must ascertain from the Quran what God commands, and must observe from the life of the Prophet how God’s commands are to be carried out

utility. One can only live up to this standard by being sincere in what one says and speaking only after analyzing the matter at hand, and what one says should stem from a positive mind. According to this verse

should never indulge in talking just for the sake of talking. Now the question is, what is the best manner of speaking? And what content of one’s speech may be regarded as worthwhile? The Quranic criterion for

others Conciliation: speaking in such a way as to create an atmosphere of harmony among people This is what constitutes well thought-out speech and is the only legitimate use of one’s tongue. This kind of speech

Pen, Who taught man what he knew not! Indeed, man transgresses in thinking himself self-sufficient. Verily to your Lord is the return. (96: 1-8) This historical groundwork of Islam has struck even such

on “Muhammad and Islam.” “We know indeed, some fragments of a fragment of Christ’s life; but who can lift the veil of thirty years that prepared the way for the three? ... But in Islam everything is different;

almost wanting in the original Arab authorities, or at all events, can easily be distinguished from what is historical.

We learn from Islamic traditions that the best Muslim is one from whose evils people are safe. From one of these traditions we have the saying: A believer is one who fears God and keeps people safe from

recorded in Al-Bukhari, the Prophet of Islam observed: “Sadaqa (voluntary alms) is incumbent upon every Muslim.” That is, every Muslim should be a giver. Asked what to do if one had nothing to give, he replied

replied that one should earn and be a giver. When asked what the would-be giver should do if he were unable to earn, the Prophet replied: He should voice his good intentions towards others. Asked if he

is the book of God. It has been preserved in its entirety since its revelation to the Prophet of Islam between 610 and 632 AD. It is a book that brings glad tidings to mankind, along with divine admonition

required that he be as pure as the angels. Almighty God has given full guidance to man as to what he should do and what he should not. However, man may be pardoned in the case of lesser offences (lamam), i.e

their guilt because this amounts to adding insult to injury. Has he not been made acquainted with what was written in the scriptures of Moses? And with Abraham who kept his word: that no soul shall bear