Concept and Practice of Jihad in Islam; Journal article

摘要

The word 'jihad' means 'struggle' or 'striving' (in the way of God) or to work for a noble cause with determination; it does not mean 'holy war' (war in Arabic is 'harb' and holy is 'muqadassa'). Unlike its medieval Christian counterpart term, 'crusade' ('war for the cross'), however, the term jihad for Muslims has retained its religious and military connotation into modern times. The word jihad has appeared widely in the Western news media following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, but the true meaning of this term in the Islamic world (it is sometimes called the 'sixth pillar' of the faith) is still not well understood by non-Muslims. In war, the first essential is to know your adversary -- how he thinks and why he thinks that way, and what his strategy and objectives are -- so that you can attempt to frustrate his plans and protect the lives of your fellow citizens. Understanding how radical Muslims see jihad and are employing it asymmetrically against the United States can provide us with that kind of perspective. This article will trace the development of jihad through early Islamic history into the present day, and will focus on how jihad in concept and practice has been appropriated and distorted by Muslim extremists as part of their violent campaign against the West and their own governments. Jihad as a centerpiece of radical thought is illustrated by examining the doctrines of prominent extremist groups such as Hamas and Egyptian Islamic Jihad. Misuse of the term by prominent extremist leaders, such as by Osama bin Laden and others, also is addressed.