Live for life free of pride

[Nathan]

Kain

I took this following extract word-by-word from my Islamic Studies book.

"What does Islam teach about war?

Despite its emphasis on peace-making, Islam is sometimes perceived as a war-like religion. This sterotype is fed not only by the British media who misunderstand many aspects of Muslim life, but also by regimes (that claim to be Islamic) around the world who wage war for supposedly Islamic principles. Some Muslims (like some members of other religions) do wage war and justify that war in religious terms, but all too often that war does not meet the very strict rules proposed by the Qur'an for a just (fair) war.
Islam is a practical religion. On occasions during their history Muslims have needed to defend themselves when their rights have been under attack. In the first days of Islam, many Muslims lost their lives trying to defend their beliefs and values. Islam recognizes that there will always be conflict between people. So on the one hand the Qur'an provides rules for living which should minimize conflict but on the other is also provides rules for war. For example, Allah teaches in the Qur'an that Muslims should only fight in order to defend Islam; then should never attack other people or try to use violence to convert them to Islam. So how do Muslims decide wheather or not war is acceptable to Allah?

What does "jihad" really mean?

"Jihad" is the word used to describe the personal struggle of each Muslim against evil as they try to follow the way of Allah. Sometimes this struggle can involve the Muslim in the collective armed defence of the Muslim community, although physical fighting is not the main meaning of jihad.
In the Battle of Badr Muhammand (peace be upon him) led the Muslims into battle to defend the safety of the Muslims in Madinah. Muslims would say that this battle was a jihad because all those who where able joined in. They were defending themselves against Makkan violence. Their intention was to attack the caravan, not to start a war.

Jihad misunderstood

The word "jihad" is often misused to describe any war involving Muslims. It is also misused by Muslim political leaders to justify a war they want to wage.
However, all too often these wars do not meet the conditions required for jihad.
A war is not jihad if:

1. war is declared by a political leader rather than a religious leader
2. an individual declares war without the support of the Muslim community
3. war is declared in attack, rather than defence
4. war is declared to win new land or power
5. war is declared to try to convert others to Islam
6. peaceful ways of solving the conflict have not been tried
7. innocent civilians, particularly women and children, are exposed to physical danger
8. trees, crops, and animals have not been protected."

[whyamihere]

I'll put money on it that this will get shut down. Why? I do not know. Keep at it Nathan.

[Andrew275]

Didn't high_ping just close a thread exactly like this yesterday?

[RAGE LT MAN]

kain was actually right tho... it was factual.