Contemporary Self-Styled Jihadi Movements

conducted under the Ruler’s leadership. The general Muslim public must obey their rulers in this regard. Lending them their support, they must help them in their efforts. This issue is one on which there is a consensus among the fuqaha or scholars of Muslim jurisprudence. Perhaps no noted scholar of Muslim jurisprudence has any objection to it. According to the unanimous consensus of the fuqaha, only an established government can declare war. Alternatively, as it is said in Arabic, ar-raheelu lil-imam, that is to say, the declaration of war is the sole prerogative of the Ruler. (Al-Mughni, Vol. 9, p. 202) Non-governmental actors, including groups and individual members of the general public, do not have the right to make such a declaration. An organised struggle is of utmost importance in the war. Only an established state can engage in such an organised action. That is why only states can engage in war. It is not legitimate for members of the public to initiate war. In numerous countries, Muslims are engaged in violent confrontation. However, almost without exception, these are not Islamic jihads, but, instead,