THE TRUE JIHAD

~ 23 ~ According to the Islamic shariah, peace is the rule in matters of jihad, while war is the least desirable option. It is a known principle that the commands of the shariah change according to altered situations. This accepted principle of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) demands that with the changing times, a new application of the shariah should be sought in order that shariah commands may be in consonance with the changing circumstances. This principle of Islamic jurisprudence relates not only to civic matters, but also certainly to the waging of war. This principle demands the practical avoidance of a violent course of action. Only a peaceful course of action should be accorded the status of a shariah command. THE JIHAD MOVEMENTS OF MODERN TIMES It is true that in ancient times violent solutions were adopted at certain stages due to the prevailing circumstances. Opponents had no other alternative. Now, with the changing of the times, there is no longer this compulsion. Therefore, launching out on a