Daniel J. Pipes

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I repeat myself ...

Reader comment on item: What is Jihad?
in response to reader comment: A Clarification of Jihad

Submitted by Oilver (United States), Jun 29, 2008 at 20:23

Submitted by Ammar (Mexico), Jun 21, 2008 at 00:46

The side of Jihad that you are pertaining to is a twisted interpretation of the LESSER Jihad, which is to ward off an external enemy who is bringing death and destruction to your homeland (what is the National Guard for?). The GREATER Jihad, which was conveniently left unmentioned, is a battle within one's self against inner evils (greed, lust, etc.). I hope I was able to clarify this issue.
Peace,
Ammar

The 'concept' of the GREATER or LESSER Jihad cannot be found in the quran. There is much talk about 'fighting in the way of allah' but, never any distinction between an INNER and presumably OUTER Jihad. The so called 'Greater Jihad' is found only in an abscure a'hadith that ought to be disgarded for there is no support for it in the quran - none at all - no wonder it was left unmentioned.

May I suggest that the 'Greater Jihad' is actually an adaptation of 'Christian Sanctification' where God (by His Spirit) works in and with the 'believer' to produce a holy life. But of course, in islam, allah does not work in or with the 'believer' - the 'believer' is simply left to his/her own resources. But, again, you will not find any of this in the quran - all you will find is 'submit to allah' and 'fight all who will not submit to allah'.

I wish for you the Peace of God - the Peace that surpasses all understanding - the Peace that is only available through Jesus Christ - Amen.


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Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".

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