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that the Protestants developed their ethic to become economically prosperous or that
modern capitalism still depends on the Protestant Ethic
6. Finally, the word “ Jihad” when associated with the word “ Terrorism” become an
abused term; the common meaning of Jihad is the action of a Muslim to defend his
Muslim country when attacked, but it will never be a Jihad if you break the Muslims
rules of engagement. It is a fact that Islam is both a faith and a set of rules of conduct,
even in times of war Muslims are not allowed to kill anybody except the one who is
engaged in face to face confrontation with them. The Muslims rules of engagement
insist that children, women, the infirm, the aged, the men of religion and all those who
are not engaged directly in battle should not be harmed. Moreover, Muslims in times
of war are not allowed to destroy buildings housing innocent people or to destroy
lands or to cut trees or to poison wells or to endanger the environment. Also Islam
forbids haphazard killing where innocent people are killed along with wrongdoers
At the same time the wide meaning of the word Jihad is ‘striving to do good’ . So if
you educate your family correctly your action is a Jihad, if you do your job properly
your action is a Jihad, if you control your anger continuously your action is a Jihad,
and the greatest Jihad is to restrain your soul from impure evil lower desires and lusts
It should be stated that Islam, the religion of tolerance and forgiveness, holds the
human soul in high esteem, and considers the killing of innocent human beings a
grave sin and a terrible crime; This is backed by the Qur’ anic verse which reads: ”
… that if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in
the land – it would be as if he slew the whole people, and if any one saved a life, it
would be as if he saved the life of the whole people… ” (Qur’ an 5: 32)
The Prophet is reported to have stated that: ‘ a woman would go to Hell because she
locked up a cat that died as a result ’ ; If such is the ruling on protecting animals, no
doubt aggression against human beings deserves greater prohibition, for human
beings are honored by God
Also Islam teaches justice: “ O you who believe, stand out firmly for God as witnesses
to fair dealing; and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and
depart from justice. Be just; that is next to piety, and fear God.” (Qur’ an 5:8)
The Prophet said God had revealed to him: “ O my servants, I have prohibited myself
from doing anything unjust and have forbidden you from doing anything unjust as
well. So don’ t do anything unjust”
Muslims who are aware of the teachings of Islam, the directives of the Holy Qur’ an
and the teachings of the Prophet will never involve themselves in any kind of terrorist
acts of aggression against innocent civilians. Such acts are considered an injustice to
innocent people who are terrorized without any reasons
If any terrorist attacks were carried out against innocent civilians then Islam reject the
act and incriminate the perpetrator, and the aggressor deserves the punishment
irrespective of religion, race or gender. It is unfair to hold a whole nation accountable
for a crime carried out by a limited number of fanatic extremists, or to characterize a
certain religion as a faith giving support to violence and terrorism.
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