The True Meaning and Implications of Jihad

'The True Meaning and Implications of Jihad' is an open-minded response to the events of September 11, 2001. It is interesting to note that every religion has its share of misconceptions. The subject of Jihad is one of the most misunderstood areas of the Islamic religion. The true meaning of Jihad is to strive for the Cause of God. Therefore, a deed must have a noble intent and a Divine implication to qualify as a Jihad. Every person will agree that any struggle to reverse religious freedom is a good cause. The same thing applies to the spread of the Word of God. The struggles for political freedom and social justice are also different kinds of good causes. That is why there must be a clear distinction between striving for the cause of God and any form of political and social activism to establish justice. Every person should try to understand that the time of the 'Jihad of the Sword' that was used defensively to establish religious freedom is past. 'The Jihad of the Purification of the Spirit' is what is currently acceptable in Islam. As a result, 'The True Meaning and Implications of Jihad' is an explanation of the Islamic belief in what it means to strive for the Cause of God. That is to say, the correct Islamic teachings admonish all people to purify their hearts, to be merciful, to believe in the equality of mankind, to administer uniform standards of justice, to practise freedom of worship, and to endeavor for the promotion of world peace.