Jihad: More Then Holy War

Andrew IversonHIS 352

“The Middle East’s militant interpretation of jihad and its’ legacy were developed as a result of the Crusades.”

Thesis

Jihad from a Western perspective: holy war

The West now, avoids war whereas; the Middle East’s view of war has not changed.

In other words, the Middle East still sees war as an honorable action.

Modern Interpretation

Striving or struggle for Allah

Jihad is only justified if the Islamic faith and way of life is endangered

Military jihad can only be declared for two reasons◦ Defense◦ undoing of injustice

Islamic Perspective

One rule of jihad requires that once the enemy surrenders, all hostility is to cease.

There should be no reprisal, all prisoners should be treated humanely, and if possible, returned to their families.

Muslim’s who practice jihad and gives up their life for God are known as a shahid

Islamic Perspective

Another interpretation is “to exert oneself”

defensive jihad is defined as being “against the infidels who raid the abode of Islam”

dar-al-Islam (“house of submission” or submission to God)

dar-al-Harb (house of war)- the rest of the world is characterized by heedlessness, disorder, internal strife, and unbelief

Different Interpretations

States that Muslims have an obligation to fight, which leads Muslims to believe that Islam was spread through the sword just as the prophet spread Islam

Qur’an 2:216

Muhammad practiced jihad spreading Islam; however, over time, jihad was interpreted as the inner struggle of Muslims.

Jihad was perceived as a minor issue of Islam. When Arabs were attacked by Latin Christians in the name of God, this reawakened Islam’s dedication to jihad.

Sufis argued that greater jihad was most important; internal struggle waged against sin and error.

Origin of Jihad

Victory at Edessa was called the “victory of victories”

“I seek nothing but the good of the Muslims and to make war against the Franks . . . If we aid one another in waging the holy war, and matters are arranged harmoniously and with a single eye to the good, my desire and purpose will be fully achieved.”

Zangi

Zangi reformed the understanding of jihad to a warlike interpretation.

Began a propaganda campaign to develop the theology of jihad and spread it to the cities that would then transmit it to the clergy.

Then, the clerics would transmit the teaching to the people in the mosques during the sermon that was preached on Friday, the Muslim Sabbath.

Zangi

Zangi’s successor was Saladin

Saladin grew up in Zangi’s court, where jihad was the centerfold of Islam

Saladin succeeded Zangi and unified the Muslim world and continued the jihad propaganda

Saladin

“The Holy War and the suffering involved in it weighted heavily on his heart and his while being in every limb; he spoke of nothing else, thought only about equipment for the fight, was interested only in those who had taken up arms, had little sympathy with anyone who spoke of anything else or encourage any other activity.”

Quote on Saladin:

“I think that God grants me victory over the rest of Palestine. I shall divide my territories, make a will stating my wishes, then set sail on this sea for their far-off lands and pursue the Franks there, so as to free the earth of anyone who does not believe in God, or die in the attempt.”

This makes it clear, that Saladin viewed jihad in a militaristic sense

Saladin Quote

Jihad is viewed simply as holy war but has many different interpretations even in the Muslim community.

During the Crusades, the interpretation of jihad became increasingly militaristic after

Summary