A Rejoinder to Pope's Allegations Against Islam — Page 36
JIHAD The term, Jihad is misunderstood by the majority of Muslims and non- Muslims alike. Jihad in Islamic terminology, means to make an effort, to endeavor and to strive in a noble way, and has been metaphorically applied to fighting in the cause of religion. Over the centuries this meaning of Jihad has been obliterated or at least diluted. According to the Holy Prophet there are three main, categories of Jihad. 1 The Jihad that is waged against lower self, for self-purification. In Islamic idiom it is called the greatest Jihad (Jihad Akbar) This Jihad was started, the very first day, when Islam was introduced by the Holy Prophet of Islam. The Holy Prophet guided his followers in every walk of their lives. He purified them and taught them the Book and the wisdom as it is mentioned in the Holy Quran; 'fJ tJJ "" J tJJ ~ ~ Jo,/ $I ~::I:~/ o~ I> ('/,J/ <GG1. ~ /\~. I~~ 0 J~/ U J / /. /. ~tJ\. ~ d. ill d ~) ~ j:. ) // ~ ~ ~ ~ y) ~ ~. '-? / Y' },/ ". . J/ /00 0 ~ ~~ ~ J; ~ \;l5'"0~J ~\J y~1 "He it is Who has raised among the Unlettered people a Messenger from among themselves who recites unto them His Signs, and purifies them and teaches them the Book and wisdom, although they had been before, in manifest misguidance. " (Holy Quran 62:3) 36