Response: I
might have misunderstood but from what I gather, in an article titled ‘Understanding
the Qur’an: A Fundamental Premise’ published in your Nov2000 issue
that the argument in favour of Jihad is not valid today? Is that
what it exactly means?
Comment: The
article says that there are basically two forms of Jihad which an
Islamic State can undertake:
FORM 1: Jihad waged on Non-Muslims
to subdue them even if they are living in peace with Muslim countries.
FORM 2: Jihad waged against
countries whether Muslim or non-Muslim if these countries are oppressing
and persecuting their public.
The article further says that the
while the second form is still possible if the need arises, the first form
was only and only meant for the Prophet Muhammad (sws) and his companions.
This is based on a certain law of the Almighty which is specific for His
Rusul and their companions. It is not related to other Muslims.
In other words, we Muslims cannot
undertake Jihad to subdue non-Muslims or to forcibly convert them
into Muslims. We can only politely state our arguments in spreading Islam.
We are not authorised to use force. Only the Prophet (sws) and his companions
had this prerogative.
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