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Article: Avoid `war on Islam' image, experts advise.(the spirit of jihad in Muslim law)(Brief Article)
- Article from:
- The Christian Century
- Article date:
- September 26, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 The Christian Century Foundation. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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An interpretation of jihad, or holy war, far different from that of mainstream Muslims is central to deciphering the motives of Osama bin Laden, the prime suspect in masterminding the September attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. In interviews and his own writings, bin Laden has promoted a holy war against the United States, death to "infidels" and suicidal attacks believed to guarantee eternity in paradise.
For most who practice Islam, however, jihad refers primarily to the inner struggle of being a person of virtue and submission to Allah in all aspects of life. This is sometimes described as "jihad of the heart." But jihad also encompasses the ...