Approaching the West — Page 74
A pproaching the West—74 giving full consideration to the historical background of a particular action taken by the Prophet, to commit violence and to feel good about it. To add fuel to the fire, several A ḥā d ī th (sayings of the Prophet) are used to make their actions appear to be meritorious Isl ā mic virtues! In addition, centuries-old religious verdicts and instructions (known as Fatw ā s) of some of the past Im ā ms are exploited. Among all the subjects, the most potent weapon in the hands of the agitators and the terrorists is the religious obligation to wage Jih ā d against the enemies of Isl ā m as a personal duty of each and every Muslim. In terms of Jih ā d, unfortunately, to create a perception of hostile forces working against Isl ā m is not difficult at all for the Mull ā s (or the Muslims religious leaders). Instantly, Isl ā m can be presented as being in absolute danger of being extinguished by the “infidels. ” A fiery Im ā m can easily sow the seeds of hatred against the Hindus, the Jews, the Christians, the atheists and even some fellow Muslims declaring them as “infidels” and thus deadly enemies of Isl ā m. Moreover, an oppressive ruler, a financially exploiting landlord, a hypocritical politician, or even other Muslims branded as apostates by the ‘Ulam ā can be seen as ready targets to be eliminated in defense of Isl ā m. In such an emotionally charged and religiously volatile environments created by the religious leaders with ulterior motives, those nations who actually commit acts of aggression against Muslims, or attack an Isl ā mic country, or illegally occupy a Muslim land, cannot avoid severe reprisals. If Muslim civilians, especially children, women and elderly,