Regarding
Suicide Bombers… What Exactly is ‘Jihad’???
I
recently converted to Islam, which I had hoped would be whole hearted. I suppose
I was counting on my partner to provide the stability to enter smoothly, if this
is ever possible. Of course what I have learned is that I must take time. In
doing so and in doing a little reading here and there, I have lately had a
question on how the law of Islam, Shari`ah, regards suicide when someone kills
themselves for there belief, i.e. suicide bombers or what the west views as
terrorism. As I myself am an American and also formerly Jewish it is difficult
for me to wholeheartedly embrace the annihilation of the Jewish state, which
implies also the Jewish people, as my own family continues to worship this way.
I base my question on recently read articles which states the claim that yes,
the Koran does look at these acts as praiseworthy and such. I'm just wondering
if this belief is held by all of Islam or just part and if it is wholly felt,
perhaps you can explain this to me in better light.
Thank
you
E.Gamel
Reply
There
can be instances where such an act may be considered as allowed. However, such
allowance can only be in the battlefield, while fighting a war. For instance, a
suicide mission to destroy the ammunition store of the enemy – while in a
state of war – or a suicide mission to defend one’s people against the
onslaught of the enemy may be considered as allowed. Nevertheless, a suicide
mission – carried out in a covert fashion – to disrupt the civic life and to
terrorize a society can by no means be considered as allowed.
Because
of the fact that suicide bombings and other terrorist activities – without a
war being declared by the state – against civilian targets is generally
carried out in the name of ‘Jihad’ (generally translated as ‘The
Holy War’), it is therefore imperative to understand the meaning and
implication of the Islamic term ‘Jihad’.
The
Islamic term ‘Jihad’ has generally been misused in our present times
to imply ‘killing the opponent using any means, whatsoever’. This is the
reason why in the present times, many terrorist activities are carried out in
the name of ‘Jihad’. However, this implication of the term ‘Jihad’
is far from being correct. ‘Jihad’, on the contrary, is governed by
strict laws and rules – derived from the Qur’an and the teachings ascribed
to the Prophet (pbuh). For instance, ‘Jihad’, according to the
Qur’an and the teachings ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh) – after the
companions of the Prophet (pbuh) – is a declared warfare against injustice and
oppression carried-out by an organized Islamic state.
Keeping
the above definition of ‘Jihad’ in mind, it can safely be said that
no terrorist activities can fall within the scope of ‘Jihad’, even if
they are sponsored and silently backed by an organized state.
Besides
the above definition, there are also some moral rules and ethical teachings
regarding ‘Jihad’. These moral rules and ethical teachings are also
based on the fundamental teachings of the Qur’an and those ascribed to the
Prophet (pbuh). For instance, if a Muslim nation has entered into a no-war pact
with another nation, ‘Jihad’ cannot be carried-out against that other
nation – even against injustice and oppression – until the appointed time of
the pact expires or until the Muslim nation openly declares its withdrawal from
such no-war pact. Furthermore, even in case of a declared warfare, women,
children and the elderly can in no case be made a target of aggression.
In
view of the above explanation, it should be clear that suicide bombings in some
situations may be considered as allowed, while in another situation it may be
considered as taking the life of individuals without a just cause.
I
hope this helps. In case any question remains unanswered, please feel free in
writing back to me at your own convenience.
May
the Almighty guide us all to the path of His liking.
My
fondest regards to you and those around you.
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