Posted:
18 years ago
Jihad: War or Reconcilation ;
After returning from the battle of Badr, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to bring to agreement said, "We are finished with the lesser jihad : now we are starting the greater jihad."
Introduction
The Kargil battle fought between the Indian and Pakistani armies during May-July 1999, which had the potential to escalate into a nuclear holocaust, has sharply focused the attention of the people on the word "jihad". It is important that we have a proper understanding of the elevating and noble concept enshrined in this word. An analysis of the Kargil battle or the contentious issue of Jammu and Kashmir between the two neighbours is outside the scope of this essay.
Since the end of World War II, the word jihad has frequently hit the media headlines in relation to conflicts in various parts of the world. Without going into hurts and hates of history, real or imaginary, that are used by the hotheads or power brokers to motivate people for violence, the following are some examples:
The Arab jihad to liberate Palestine from the state of Israel. It has lasted 50 years. Finally, reconciliation and peace appears to be in sight.
The jihad between Iraq and Iran from 1980 to 1987. Iran declared Saddam to be an agent of America and a "Kafir (unbeliever)". Over 600,000 Iraqis and Iranians were killed and over 700,000 were wounded. Nobody won.
The jihad in Syria by the Islamic (Sunni) Brotherhood against the regime of the socialist Baath party : particularly against President Assad, who as an Alawi (follower of Ali) is considered an infidel and an idolater who worships Ali. After the failed attempt to assassinate Assad, the jihad was put down with an iron hand.
The jihad being waged by the Islamic government of Sudan against the Sudanese in the south, who are largely non Arab, english educated sub-Saharan Africans.
The jihad being waged in Egypt by the Islamic Brotherhood and its offshoots to "uproot the infidel leaders and establish an Islamic state". The assassination of President Anwar Saddat by Lieutenant Islambouli and his colleagues in 1981 was a part of this jihad. Saddat was specially marked for having made peace with Israel.
The jihad in Algeria since 1992 to establish an Islamic state. More than 100,000 Algerians have been killed in this jihad. Peace is now in sight.
The proxy jihad being waged between the Sunni (Wahabi) Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran to capture the leadership of the Muslim nations.
