The True Jihad: Concepts of peace, tolerance and Non-violence in Islam

Before you jump to conclusions, understand this, that I am by no means at extremist. I like to read books with extremist titles because it appeals to me. I want to understand the POV of the author.

I know its a dangerous path, but I can handle it.

I tried reading the Quran because Islam allows 4 wives. I ordered the English version by Maulana Wahiudduin Khan. I never finished it. But I looked up the author, and he had other books. One such book was titled, The True Jihad: The concepts of peace, tolerance & non-violence in Islam. I am currently reading it, and will share learnings in this post below.

Few learnings –

  • The prophet only chose violence in self defense
  • The prophet always chose the effortless path (Bukhari)
  • A movement cannot be jihad, just because its leaders describe it as such
  • Jihad can be categorized into 3 types,
    • Jihad – e Nafs – to control ones negative and undesirable feelings,
    • Dawah Jihad – to communicate the message of God, this has been termed the greatest Jihad in the Quran
    • Jihad with antagonists – to counter any challenge from the opponents of the religion, ideally peacefully
  • Islam, according to the author claims to be an eternal religion, and could never afford to uphold any principle which could not stand up to the test of time
  • In the Quran, Devine Guidance favors the path of peace.
  • By the law of nature, God has decreed that success will be met with, only on a reconciliatory path, and not on a confrontational or a violent course of action.

tbc