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© Copyright 2002, Jim Loy
A couple of definitions:
Jihad: 1. A holy war undertaken as a sacred duty by Muslims. 2. Any vigorous, emotional crusade for an idea or principle.
Jihad: To struggle or strive for something. It does not mean a holy war, as English dictionaries often mislabel it.
The first is from my Webster's Dictionary. The second is from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam. "Jihad" does not just mean holy war. Apparently Muslims are constantly in a jihad (religious struggle) within themselves. And "jihad" can mean anything done to further the wishes of Alah (God). But the word also does mean "holy war."
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam (as well as other Muslim writers) blames the western media (largely) for the many misunderstandings that we westerners have of this word. But, we westerners are not afraid of a Muslim's inner struggle. We are afraid of the many Muslims (and some Islamic nations) who consider it their religious duty to kill Americans. To them, "jihad" means "holy war." As I said in Religion and Hate, don't blame the media. Blame your brothers.
This book also says this: "Only an Islamic government or a worldwide leader of Islam has the authority to declare a jihad. Neither one exists in the Muslim world right now." Hm, sounds like "jihad" means "holy war" here. The author is not using it as a Muslim's struggle with him/herself. I'm sure that quite a few national governments consider themselves Islamic. And there are even a few people considered worldwide leaders by many Muslims. The truth is that governments and leaders (worldwide and local) have declared jihad (holy war).
The book goes on to say that terrorism, the intentional targeting of civilians, is against the teachings of Muhammad. I would have to agree. Although the Qur'an (Koran) does recommend being ruthless to your enemies during war, it prohibits attacks upon women, children, and other civilians. Suicide is also against the teachings of Islam. Perhaps Islamic terrorists misunderstand the word "jihad." But we know what they mean when they say it.