The problem that presents itself when trying to untangle the misuse of Jihad and Qital is their constant misrepresentation in today’s global community among some wayward Muslims and non-Muslims, which has done incalculable damage to their original meanings. This is an opportune moment to understand the differences between striving (jihad), fighting (qital), and to shed a proper perspective of what constitutes terrorism.
Jihad
In the Quran, jihad is a struggle against anything that drives the self to a state of perdition. The root of jihad is j.h.d which means striving, struggling, and endeavoring. For Muslims, jihad is striving in the cause of God. Hence the Muslim strives (jihad) against the lower yearnings of the self. This striving also takes other forms. There is striving against oppression, slavery, and with one's finances for charitable acts. The following verses from the Quran illustrate these various forms of striving.
We have enjoined on man kindness to parents; but if they [the parents] strive (jihad) to make thee join with Me that of which thou hast no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto Me [God] is your return and I shall tell you what ye used to do. (Quran 29: 8)
Surely those who believed and those who fled (their home) and strove (jihad) hard in the way of Allah they are the ones that hope for the mercy of Allah and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (Quran 2:218)
Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day ask no leave of thee lest they should strive (jihad) with their wealth and their lives. Allah is Aware of those who keep their duty (unto Him). (Quran 9:44)
As for those who strive (jihad) in Us [God i.e. in a spiritual striving], We surely guide them to Our paths, and lo! Allah is with the good. (Quran 29:69)
The Muslim strives (jihad) to control anger, hatred, and lust, while accentuating love, goodwill, and kindness. The Muslim works towards perfection before her/his God through acts of kindness, charity, and prayer. The Muslim’s striving (jihad) is judged by God for its sincerity and the soul of the striver is received into God’s paradise.
Qital
The Quran uses a totally different word when it comes to Muslims having to fight in self defense. The fighting is called Qital. As the Quran states,
Fight (qital), in the cause of Allah against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not the transgressors…And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression. (Quran 2:190-193)
…Come, I will recite unto you that which your Lord hath made a sacred duty for you: … that ye slay not your children because of penury - We provide for you and for them … And that ye slay not the life which Allah hath made sacred, save in the course of justice. This He hath command you, in order that ye may discern. (Quran 6:151).
It can be clearly shown that mass killing, terrorist acts, and murder of innocence (elderly, women, children and the unborn) is forbidden. Furthermore the Quran shows clearly that qital means fighting only those actual bodies that are aggressing (i.e. soldiers of an opposing force, any who seek to do harm, those involved in criminal acts).
Terrorism
How should terrorism be defined? First, let’s get a working definition of terrorism. Terrorism is an act against another person or group that causes fear, injury and/or loss of life. Responsibility for destructive acts is claimed by terrorist and threats of future similar acts are revealed. These acts are done against a group of people who have no means to defend themselves against harm.
This should be, but often is not, distinguished from guerrilla tactics which are usually committed against the army of a superior force. That superior army may accuse the smaller army of terrorism to gain sympathy for its goals. However, warfare is warfare, who can dictate rules of engagement if both groups are fighting under different circumstances?
Islam condemns terrorism as acts of cowardice but does not condemn acts of self defense. The taking of innocent lives has never been sanctioned by God. The wrong doers among the Muslims twist the meaning of Jihad to give their horrendous acts some validity. To the contrary, God in the Quran does not allow for a single innocent life, animal or food source to be injured in the least. One cannot even intentionally take her/his own life to perform death dealing acts. Thus, suicide bombing is out of the question.
When the Muslim performs acts of qital every step should be carefully planned to eliminate all possibilities of injury and death to the innocent. This establishes that the Muslim fights (qital) for the eradication of wrong, not the eradication of people. The Muslim strives (jihad) against her/his lower carnal self for spiritual growth. The Muslim hates and despises all acts of violence and terrorism against the innocent among humanity.
 |
