A New Perspective on Jihad, Violence, Caliphate, Loyalty, and Enmity
The book, titled “A New Perspective on Jihad, Violence, Caliphate, Loyalty, and Enmity,” represents the translation of an agenda presented by Dr Ali Al-Qaradaghi during a congress in Moscow in 2012. The purpose of the congress was to find solutions to the issues concerning militant groups and the violence they perpetrate. The agenda focused on redefining key terms such as terror, violence, jihad, caliphate, loyalty, and enmity, recognising that misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding these terms had led to the formation of aggressive militant groups engaging in violence under the banner of religion.
Dr Qaradaghi approaches each term with a scientific methodology, drawing insights from the Quran and Sunnah. His objective is to align these concepts with the modern world and contemporary civilisation, encouraging Muslim individuals to adopt a moderate, freedom-seeking, and justice-oriented perspective. The agenda incorporates thoughts and statements from jurisprudence and fatwa associations in the Islamic world.
This comprehensive agenda is dedicated to the entire Muslim world, aiming to foster unity in action and response. Dr Qaradaghi proposes a set of fixed rules and principles that can serve as a modern Islamic source.
The initial focus of the agenda is on the term “jihad,” explored both linguistically and jurisprudentially. The author elucidates who should engage in jihad, its intended targets, its characteristics, and etiquette. Additionally, he distinguishes genuine jihad from falsely labelled activities.
In the subsequent chapter, Dr Qaradaghi sheds light on the term “terror.” He provides linguistic definitions and delves into its meanings. By referencing statements from the Islamic jurisprudential association in Mecca, he redefines the term, elucidating its reasons, impacts, and jurisprudential judgments. The agenda also outlines strategies for self-protection against terror.
The third chapter explores the phenomenon of excommunication, emphasising its misuse by Muslims lacking proper knowledge and discernment in rejecting others within their community. Dr Qaradaghi underscores that excommunication of individuals from Islam is neither right nor permitted, except under specific conditions outlined by the International Islamic Jurisprudential Association.
In the final chapters of the book, Dr Qaradaghi briefly explains Muslims’ relationship with others, clarifying their role against violence. He also delves into discussions on caliphate, loyalty, and enmity, presenting perspectives that align with the forgiveness inherent in Islam.
Key details about the book include:
– Original Language: Arabic
– Author: Ali Muhyiddin Al-Qaradaghi
– Translated into Kurdish by Zana Naji
– Number of Pages: 86
– Year of Publication: 2013