THE TRUE JIHAD

~ 24 ~ violent course of action is not only unnecessary, but also unIslamic. In these modern times non-violent conduct is the best option. According to the Islamic shariah, peace is the rule in matters of jihad, while war is the least desirable option. In present times groups of Muslims in many countries have launched movements of armed jihad, in the name of Islam. But a movement cannot be a jihad just because its leaders describe it as such. An action can be termed a ‘jihad’ only when it fulfils the conditions set by Islam. Any military action which is carried out without fulfilling these conditions will not be a jihad but a fasad, which will amount to spreading corruption across the world. Those who engage in such a ‘jihad’ will not deserve any reward. They should expect only divine punishment. The special conditions of jihad have been dealt with in detail in the following chapter. Here I would like to lay stress on one important aspect of it. That is, jihad in the sense of qital (armed struggle) does not fall into the same category of individual acts of