Jihad: More Then Holy War

1. Jihad: More Then Holy War Andrew Iverson HIS 352

2. Thesis • “The Middle East’s militant interpretation of jihad and its’ legacy were developed as a result of the Crusades.”

3. Modern Interpretation • Jihad from a Western perspective: holy war • The West now, avoids war whereas; the Middle East’s view of war has not changed. • In other words, the Middle East still sees war as an honorable action.

4. Islamic Perspective • Striving or struggle for Allah • Jihad is only justified if the Islamic faith and way of life is endangered • Military jihad can only be declared for two reasons • Defense • undoing of injustice

5. Islamic Perspective • One rule of jihad requires that once the enemy surrenders, all hostility is to cease. • There should be no reprisal, all prisoners should be treated humanely, and if possible, returned to their families. • Muslim’s who practice jihad and gives up their life for God are known as a shahid

6. Different Interpretations • Another interpretation is “to exert oneself” • defensivejihad is defined as being “against the infidels who raid the abode of Islam” • dar-al-Islam (“house of submission” or submission to God) • dar-al-Harb (house of war)- the rest of the world is characterized by heedlessness, disorder, internal strife, and unbelief

7. Qur’an 2:216 • States that Muslims have an obligation to fight, which leads Muslims to believe that Islam was spread through the sword just as the prophet spread Islam

8. Origin of Jihad • Muhammad practiced jihad spreading Islam; however, over time, jihad was interpreted as the inner struggle of Muslims. • Jihadwas perceived as a minor issue of Islam.When Arabs were attacked by Latin Christians in the name of God, this reawakened Islam’s dedication to jihad. • Sufis argued that greater jihad was most important; internal struggle waged against sin and error.

9. Zangi • Victory at Edessa was called the “victory of victories” • “I seek nothing but the good of the Muslims and to make war against the Franks . . . If we aid one another in waging the holy war, and matters are arranged harmoniously and with a single eye to the good, my desire and purpose will be fully achieved.”

10. Zangi • Zangi reformed the understanding of jihad to a warlike interpretation. • Began a propaganda campaign to develop the theology of jihad and spread it to the cities that would then transmit it to the clergy. • Then, the clerics would transmit the teaching to the people in the mosques during the sermon that was preached on Friday, the Muslim Sabbath.

11. Saladin • Zangi’s successor was Saladin • Saladin grew up in Zangi’s court, where jihad was the centerfold of Islam • Saladin succeeded Zangi and unified the Muslim worldand continued the jihadpropaganda

12. Quote on Saladin: • “The Holy War and the suffering involved in it weighted heavily on his heart and his while being in every limb; he spoke of nothing else, thought only about equipment for the fight, was interested only in those who had taken up arms, had little sympathy with anyone who spoke of anything else or encourage any other activity.”

13. Saladin Quote • “I think that God grants me victory over the rest of Palestine. I shall divide my territories, make a will stating my wishes, then set sail on this sea for their far-off lands and pursue the Franks there, so as to free the earth of anyone who does not believe in God, or die in the attempt.” • This makes it clear, that Saladin viewed jihad in a militaristic sense

14. Summary • Jihad is viewed simply as holy war but has many different interpretations even in the Muslim community. • During the Crusades, the interpretation of jihad became increasingly militaristic after