A comparative and analytical exposition of Islamic teachings on Jihad and Western ideological contradictions
❖ Purpose and Context of Jihad
Jihad in Islam is a command ordained for the supremacy of truth and the establishment of divine guidance in human society. The concept of just war existed even before Islam, and the Qur’an describes various phases of it. The Bible also contains references to such warfare. For instance, Deuteronomy 20:10 instructs that peace should first be offered before war; if rejected, war ensues, and upon victory, the men of the city are to be killed, and its possessions seized by the victors.
❖ The Guidance of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
When sending commanders to the battlefield, the Prophet ﷺ gave the following instructions:
➊ First invite the enemy to accept Islam.
➋ If they accept, they become our brothers in faith.
➌ If they refuse, offer them the option to pay jizyah and accept the authority of the Islamic state.
➍ In such a case, their life, wealth, and religious freedom are protected.
➎ If they reject both offers, then battle becomes necessary.
❖ Objective of Jihad
☑ The purpose of Jihad is not to forcibly convert people to Islam.
☑ The primary objective is to ensure freedom of religion and prevent obstacles in the way of divine guidance in society.
❖ Comparison Between Biblical and Islamic Teachings
| Biblical Command | Islamic Command |
|---|---|
| Subjugate locals and kill enemy men | Offer protection through jizyah and ensure religious freedom |
| Seize all possessions of the city | Only battlefield spoils (ghanīmah) are lawful |
This demonstrates that Jihad is not unique to Islam, but rather a continuation of divine commands found in previous revelations — refined and implemented with superior ethics under Islamic guidance.
❖ The Western Perspective on Jihad
❖ Rebellion Against Religion
- Europe privatized religion, removing it from public and social life.
- The concept of holy war was abandoned.
- However, they replaced religion with nationalism, civilization, and culture — and sanctioned violence for their protection.
❖ The Role of the United Nations
- The UN affirms the use of force for the defense of national borders.
- The Security Council can impose sanctions or wage war in the name of international peace.
- However, decision-making is dominated by five veto powers.
❖ The Invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq
- The U.S. invaded Afghanistan and Iraq with UN authorization.
- Justification: Protection of civilization and democracy.
- Chilcot Report concluded that the Iraq war was unjustified and based on flawed intelligence.
❖ Western Hypocrisy
- The West accuses Islam of using force in the name of religion, yet it employs violence for nationalism and civilizational supremacy.
- The invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq are clear examples of this double standard.
- These actions show that the West imposed its values by force without ethical or legal legitimacy.
❖ Islam’s Stance
Islam holds that divine principles can be implemented through force when necessary for justice and guidance. Ironically, the West, through its actions, validates this Islamic philosophy, albeit unknowingly.
❖ Modern Misinterpretations of Jihad
- Some Muslim intellectuals, to appease the West, tried to reinterpret Jihad to align with Western ideals.
- However, given the West’s inconsistencies and Islam’s ethical superiority, such apologetic approaches are no longer needed.
❖ Conclusion
The Islamic concept of Jihad is complete, principled, and morally sound.
In contrast to the one-sided dominance of the West, Islam’s teachings offer a balanced and just alternative for organizing human society.
