Islam has one of the largest groups of devout followers among the major religions of the world. However, it is one of the most misunderstood of all religions as well. Its concepts have been twisted around by self-proclaimed “Jihadi terrorists”, who are only using the religion to fulfill their own evil objectives to rule the world. However, what they preach is not the teachings of the Holy Book of Islam, the Quran. What they preach is their own beliefs in the name of religion.
While there are many misunderstandings that people have about Islam, here are five of the most common misconceptions that the Western world has about this religion.
#1 – The Meaning of Jihad
The word “jihad” is the most misconstrued words about Islam and is often used as proof that Islam promotes violence. This is, however, not at all true. Islam does not advocate the killing of innocents, even if they are non-Muslims. People who are using this word to promote violence are only doing so to fulfill their own mean objectives.
The Arabic word “jihad” actually refers to struggle or to exert effort. Jihad can mean different things depending on the context. One of the highest forms of jihad is to fight against one’s self, which simply means to fight against one’s evil inclination and strive to be a better human being.
Jihad may simply refer to the effort of parents to teach the right path to their children. Winning the appreciation of others through one’s good intentions, or by the sweetness of one’s language is also a form of jihad. The key factor in the word is to strive hard for the betterment of one’s soul and the society as a whole.
True, jihad does refer to picking up the sword as well but not for the killing of innocents. In fact, combative jihad is only allowed in Quran for self-defense. You are allowed to pick up the sword to wage war against oppression and tyranny.
This is not different from any other religion in the world. Most religions of the world allow an individual to fight when attacked. Self-defense is permitted and, in fact, encouraged in most religions. So, it is in Islam.
This is clearly indicated in the following verses of the Quran:
“Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors.” (Quran 2:190)
“If they seek peace, then seek you peace.” (Quran 8:61)