Islam Koran Verse 9:29-30 MAKE WAR ON THE CHRISTIANS

War is usually the culmination of hatred and peace that of LOVE.  A CONCEPT OF WAR AND  PEACE    A FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOR ALL THOSE WHO CARE TO CONTEMPLATE   1.         Literally, Jihad means striving, and is incumbent on every living creature in this universe. It incorporates the whole chain of activities indispensable for upright existence and respectable living. All creatures other than the humans perform it as an ingredient of their nature. Human beings have an option. In their case, they may undertake it as deemed fit or may out rightly ignore it. However, the failure to undertake Jihad results in miseries for self and the entire people. 2.         In Islam, Jihad is a very basic teaching and the most important aspect of the life of a Muslim individually as well as collectively. Somehow, it has become known that Jihad is only a sword wielding display of violent behavior in the name of Islam. Ostensibly it may be so, because display and use of force against the friends of devil for the cause of Allah and Allah alone is the most visible form of Jihad. However, this has been termed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a smaller kind of Jihad [JEHAD-E-ASGHAR]. The bigger Jihad [JEHAD-E-AKBAR] is to remain on the straight path [SIRAT-E-MUSTAQEEM] in all matters of human action and behavior while living in a community and also striving to see to it that the others are guided/allowed to do the same. This form of Jihad is mostly not very often seen by everyone because of the nature and the form in which it is undertaken and therefore, the misunderstanding. All humans living in this world will certainly gain in all aspects of worldly life (and also in the life of hereafter) if they adhere to the teachings of Allah and His prophet pertaining to Jihad. They have only to understand these in the correct perspective with the right frame of mind. 3.         JIHAD as a word and as a concept has been befuddled and misrepresented by the non-Muslims and the Muslims alike. Some Muslims consider it an authorization to bring despondency to the humans while the hidebound non-Muslims use this word to communicate their historical detestation towards the Muslims. Both attitudes are consequent to being rapt in ignorance, misunderstanding and the personal pursuits of some in the past. This very obviously, is not good enough. Today's intellectuals, especially in the western world, are faced with a serious handicap in so far as understanding of Jihad with reference to the Qur'an is concerned. They commonly understand Jihad with reference to history and seldom with regard to the Qur'an, the mainstay of Islamic edifice. Speaking in the context of whole world, it needs to be understood that those who have read, really understood and truly practiced the Qur’an are today obscured in the miasma of prejudice and historic records. There is, therefore, a dire need to turn to the Qur’an for guidance in this so very important aspect of our lives these days. 4.         In today’s Muslim world Jihad is generally understood to be the domain of segmented and self proclaimed custodians of Islamic ideology and the society irrespective of what the government of the country thinks or says about it. In this regard it is often forgotten as to what Allah proclaimed in the Qur’an and what was said and practiced by the Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] while enforcing the Qura’nic wisdom on Jihad.  In the early days of Holy Prophet’s life in Arabia he only allowed his followers to defend against or take up arms when permitted by Almighty Allah to do so in spite of all the humiliating punishments meted out to the believers. Once permitted by Allah, the followers of the Holy Prophet on confronting the enemy in battlefield began actual fighting only when allowed by the Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]. No one ever dared to start combating without explicit permission of the Prophet. It stands to logic as well as the former attitude will only help dissensions and divisions as against concord and cohesion. 5.         In this article an effort has been made to break away from the existing predicament and focus only on the teachings of Allah Almighty on the subject of Jihad as read and understood from the Qur’an by the author. The conclusions may not be to some ones liking. It is however, requested that these may kindly be tested on the scale of astuteness and awareness instead of self-interest and chauvinism.  6.         Before venturing to answer the subject matter question (IS JIHAD FOR THE FOLLOWER OF THE QUR’AN ONLY?), it is only normal that we comprehend the PURPOSE or object of JIHAD as spelled out in the Qur’an itself. In this context having deliberated on various verses of the Qur’an following is inferred:- a.       Jihad is to save the earth from utter corruption, mischief, mayhem, oppression, confusion or disorder (FITNA and FASAD-I-KABBIR). [2:251 & 8:73][1]. All actions taken in the name of Jihad are to be only and only for the cause of Allah [4:76][2] aiming to put an end to persecution of humans and restoring justice and the faith in Allah. [8:39][3]. Allah has promised many gains to those who undertake Jihad for His cause [48:19-21][4] but acquiring temporal gains only, must not serve as a guide for undertaking Jihad. If it were so then it will be classified as mischief (FASAD) and certainly not striving in Allah’s cause (JIHAD). [3:152][5] b.      Jihad is also to rescue the old men, women and children praying for deliverance from oppression [4:75][6]. In an eventuality where one is unable to live an honourable and decent life one is required to migrate from such territories [3:195; 4:97; 8:72; 16:41][7] and in case it is not possible due to reasons beyond ones control then Jihad is to be initiated by those who are responsible enough and also have the means to do so on the express request of the oppressed ones [4:75]. It is so to avoid giving a chance to those wicked ones who may attack foreign lands in the garb of mercenaries in the name of Jihad. c.       Jihad is to avoid destruction of the places of Allah’s worship (May those be of the followers of any revealed scripture) and to restore peace so that the servants of Allah may worship Him with complete devotion and peace of mind. [22:40-41][8]. This will only be possible when the believers in revealed scriptures are united, strong enough and also determined to help their souls by ensuring freedom of Allah’s worship. 7.         Realization of the purpose or objects of Jihad is to be made in the following scenario:- a.       Human life is valued the most [5:32 & 6:151][9]. b.      Significance of peace is emphasized comprehensively [5:15-16; 10:25-26; 14:35; 36:58; 59:23][10]. c.       Humans are asked to initiate all possible measures to establish or restore peace for the sake of Allah while exercising utmost restraint from resorting to taking up arms unnecessarily [2:191-192 & 217; 5:2 & 64; 42:43; 48:24-25][11]. d.      Mischief making is declared as waging war on Allah and His Messenger and is to be punished severely; however the door of repentance remains open for them before they are overpowered [5:33-34; 7:56][12]. 8.         Retaliation is allowed by Allah Almighty in the backdrop of above scenario only within the given parameters as under:- a.       Believers are not to initiate the hostilities lest they lose Allah’s love [2:190 & 194][13]; b.      Defending (taking up arms) is permitted only when you have been wronged or attacked while still keeping the element of pardon in mind [42:40-42][14]. It must be remembered that you can pardon only if you are powerful enough to inflict the desired and also required punishment on the offender otherwise it will be fear and fault. c.       Attack with conventional forces is to be retaliated with conventional forces only. Unnecessary damages are to be avoided while keeping the observance of duty to Allah the foremost [2:194][15].  d.      Inflicting punishment on the individual attacker is allowed only equal to what the attacker has inflicted while still remaining inclined to mercy [5:45][16].  e.       Jihad once initiated must culminate in achieving the desired results [2:193 & 47:4][17] and must also deter the helpers and the protectors of those against whom it has been launched. [48:22][18] 9.         Some very important aspects of Jihad are:- a.       Being strong enough to take hold of the goal of Jihad that is establishing or re-establishing justice and faith in Allah. [2:193][19] b.      Waging struggle (ranging from words of mouth to taking up arms) against the friends of devil [4:76][20] who resort to fighting to fulfill their nefarious designs. c.       Undertaking killing against those hypocrites who indulge in incitement to rebellion and join hands with the attackers. [4:91][21].  d.      Fighting against the ones who indulge in violation of their concluded treaties by attacking the religion and the believers [9:12-13][22]. e.       Conducting Jihad against those from amongst the People of the Book who do not believe in Allah and in the Last Day and act against what Allah has desired [9:29][23]. f.       Striving against the polytheists, unbelievers & the hypocrites collectively and sternly [9:36 & 9:73; 66:9][24]. g.       Fighting against those who attack and expel believers from their homes unjustly [22:39-40][25]. h.      Motivating believers to spend their possessions [2:195, 245, 261; 3:180; 8:2-4; 9:34-35 & 111][26] and sacrifice their self for the genuine success in and of life [3:169-171][27]. Life over here implies that of this world and that of the hereafter. Believers are also reminded that in case they avoid Jihad they will face grievous consequence and others will take their place [9:39][28]. i.        Ensuring moral training of Mujahids and their ethical ascendancy over the potential adversary [4:74][29]. j.        Achieving self-sufficiency in making war materials and ensuring that Preparations of Jihad are of such an order that the enemies of ALLAH do not even think of venturing to harm the believers [27:33; 47:4; 57:25][30]. Deterrence is the comer stone of Qura’nic Defense Strategy [4:89; 8:57; 8:60; 48:22-23][31]. k.      Guarding your secrets and dealing aggressively with those who divulge national secrets. [12:77; 15:18][32]. Matters of public security must be handled with extra care and only concerned people taken in to confidence [4:83][33]. l.        Beware of intelligence gathering and of posing security threat to the believers by the enemy through individuals having pleasing exteriors, who are good at talking and also the family members [63:4; 64:14][34]. m.    Obeying a commander in battle even at the risk of your life [48:18][35]. Field commanders must pay due attention to the following:- (1)     Having strong faith in Allah with total submission to Him and seeking His help praying fervently [2:153; 3:13; 5:11; 8:43-46; 33:22][36]. (2)     Well-coordinated and boldly conducted maneuvers and vigorous and aggressive use of small team operations may avert misfortunes. [3:172-175; 9:5 & 25; 33:14; 100:1-5][37] (3)     Threatening the vulnerable areas of enemy will yield good strategic results. [9:120-122][38] (4)     Be always and every time prepared to meet offensive action by your sworn enemy. [4:71 & 101-103][39] (5)     Complete knowledge about the enemy and use of wisdom in executing operational plans [48:18][40]. (6)     Mastery in use of the forces of nature [48:3-4][41]. (7)     Never compromise on the standards of selecting soldiers. [4:74][42] (8)     Soldiers must not develop love of booty, as seeking spoils of war is not liked, although allowed by Allah. Promise of rich booty and other gains is a motivating factor in Jihad for those soldiers who are of weak resolve in Jihad. Fear of Allah and obedience to His Apostle should remain the basic factor while talking of or carrying out the distribution of the spoils of war. [3:152; 8:67-71; 48:15-16 & 20-21; 8:1 & 41][43] (9)     Remaining steadfast under adverse situations and avoiding internal disputes. [3:139 &200; 4:59][44] (10) Striving valiantly while remaining God fearing. [5:35][45] (11) Deployment of forces for battle must receive commander's personal attention. [3:121][46] n.      Ensuring offering of prayers is never forgotten, even if you are in thick of the battle. Also seeing to it that required protective measures are adopted while offering prayers [4:101-103][47] and during the combat especially in case of atomic warfare [16:81][48]. o.      Understanding that philosophy and form of Allah’s help are message of hope and assurance to the hearts. Allah’s help is for those who help Him, fight for His cause, fear Him with complete trust and do not become enraged. [3:13 & 121-127; 47:7-9][49] 10.       From the above it appears that the believers in Allah are the central theme in the scheme of Jihad. Having grasped the essentials of what has been stated in the above paragraphs, it can be fairly assumed that the readers are now sufficiently equipped to comprehend as to who are those believers that are tasked by Allah to embark on Jihad?  But before nearing any conclusions in this regard it will be pertinent that we go through the following verses of Qur’an as well:-   5:2. O ye who believe ['AAMANO]! Profane not Allah's monuments nor the Sacred Month nor the offerings nor the garlands, nor those repairing to the Sacred House, seeking the grace and pleasure of Allah. But when ye have left the sacred territory, then go hunting (if ye will). And let not your hatred of a folk who (once) stopped your going to the Inviolable Place of Worship seduce you to transgress; but help ye one another unto righteousness and pious duty. Help not one another unto sin and transgression, but keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is severe in punishment. Al-Maidah   9:111. Lo! Allah hath bought from the believers [MU'MINEN] their lives and their wealth because the Garden will be theirs they shall fight in the way of Allah and shall slay and be slain. It is a promise, which is binding on Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur’an. Who fulfilleth His covenant better than Allah? Rejoice then in your bargain that ye have made, for that is the supreme triumph. 9:112. (Triumphant) are those who turn repentant (to Allah), those who serve (Him), those who praise (Him), those who fast [SAA'IH.ON], those who bow down, those who fall prostrate (in worship), those who enjoin the right and who forbid the wrong and those who keep the limits (ordained) of Allah And give glad tidings to believers [MU'MINEN]! At-Touba     22:39. Sanction is given unto those who fight because they have been wronged; and Allah is indeed Able to give them victory; 22:40. Those who have been driven from their homes unjustly only because they said: Our Lord is Allah. For had it not been for Allah's repelling some men by means of others, cloisters and churches and oratories and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft mentioned, would assuredly have been pulled down. Verily Allah helpeth one who helpeth Him. Lo! Allah is Strong, Almighty. 22:77. O you who believe ['AAMANO]! bow down and prostrate yourselves and serve your Lord, and do good that you may succeed [LAcALLA -KUM TUFLIH.ON]. 22:78. And strive for Allah with the endeavor which is His right. He hath chosen you and hath not laid upon you in religion any hardship; the faith of your father Abraham (is yours). He hath named you Muslims of old time and in this (Scripture), that the messenger may be a witness against you, and that ye may be witnesses against mankind. So establish worship, pay the poor due, and hold fast to Allah. He is your Protecting Friend. A blessed Patron and a blessed Helper! Al-Hajj 29:45. Recite that which hath been inspired in thee of the Scripture, and establish worship. Lo! worship preserveth from lewdness and iniquity, but verily remembrance of Allah is more important. And Allah knoweth what ye do. 29: 46. And argue not [WA- LAA TUJAADILO] with the People of the Scripture unless it be in (a way) that is better ['ILLAA BI- 'ALLATE HIYA AH.SAN], save with such of them as do wrong [Z.ALAMO]; and say: We believe in that which hath been revealed unto us and revealed unto you; our God and your God is One, and unto Him we surrender. 29: 47. In like manner We have revealed unto thee the Scripture, and those unto whom We gave the Scripture aforetime will believe therein; and of these (also) there are some who believe therein. And none deny our revelations save the disbelievers [KAAFIRON]. Ankaboot   11.       Contemplating over the ten verses of the Holy Qur’an mentioned above, after having taken hold of the essentials of paras ante of this writing, one may take to mean these (in addition to so many other aspects pertaining to human life) as under:- a.       The last portion of Verse 2 of Al-Maidah makes it known that Allah permits NO transgression on account of religious divergence or difference of opinion. On encountering such a situation believers are advised to suspend the arguments in a fair manner and wait for ultimate judgment by Allah Almighty. Under the circumstances the believers are, however asked to help one another in decency and pious work as against indulging in heated discussions leading to disruption of peace in society. This helps to conclude that religious differences or irritants are not desired by Allah to become cause of confrontation or fighting. Such fighting will never qualify as Jihad. b.      Believers who are ultimately compelled by the friends of devil to undertake fighting in the way o