UNDERSTANDING JIHAD: FROM A TERM TO MISCONCEPTION

In fact, Islam is a religion of peace, love and forgiveness. The Quran and Hadith prohibit the unjustified use of violence and force against any human being.“You shall not take life, which God has made sacred, except by way of justice and law.” (Quran 6:151). Muslims are forbidden from killing others unless it is for a legal and just cause.Another verse that forbids unjust killing of others says: “Nor take life, which Allah has made sacred, except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand Qisas [retribution] or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the law).” (Quran 17: 33). Human life is sacred in Islam and should never be taken wrongfully by anyone. Islam strictly outlaws killing or causing harm to innocent people - regardless of their religion and beliefs. Manipulating certain verses in the Quran as well as quoting them out of their historical and textual context, by both Muslim extremists and anti-Muslims, are the major causes behind the ongoing controversy in understanding some Islamic principles. Killing innocent people is a grave sin in Islam. Allah and the Prophet (PBUH)* warn Muslims who commit heinous killings of severe punishment. “Whosoever kills an innocent human being, it shall be as if he has killed all mankind, and whosoever saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind.” (Quran 5:32). The sin of killing one human being in Islam is considered equal to killing all mankind. Prophet (PBUH) prohibited killing innocent non-Muslims and emphasized the grave consequence of such action. “Anyone who kills a non-Muslim will not smell the fragrance of the Paradise, even though its fragrance can be experienced at a distance of forty years.” (Al Bukhari). The paper is an attempt to discuss the real meaning and condition under which JIHAD is permitted and allowed. It also gives insight why in Indians should never ever think about Jihad.