Wrong misunderstandings about Islam

[Boudy]

Islam came for peace not for terrorism... cause it came in time there were (arabs) Clans killing each other and kidnapping their women and children, But Islam made them united and equally.

A Note: Jihad in Islam mean defending your family,friends,Country and your religion.

Finally I say Jihad is thing...and Terrorism is another damn thing.

I mean there's almost 1.7 Billion Muslims around the world......WE CAN'T Judge Muslims or Islam... for 00.0000001% of bad Muslims or terrorists.

[Teddy]

While these topics generally aren't allowed, I'll let this one stay for the time being.

I'll also add that evidence of what Boudy is saying is true with one of ISIS's latest bombings, condoning the death of Muslims at a place of prayer. Many people forget Westerners, and even Europe wasn't the first victims of extremist, Muslims were... slaughtered in their own countries.

[Archie]

As a Muslim, let me explain what does 'Jihad' mean.

'Jihad' is often attached to Islamic radicals waging a holy war against non-believers. But that's a fraction of the term's meaning, and many Muslims argue, it's misinterpreted. Jihad actually calls for something much larger - and there's a whole group within Islam urging for a return to this primary definition.

So, what is Jihad? Does it refer to a set of conflicts, like how the Crusades refer to a set of Christian Holy Wars?

Nope, it does not. So, why do we need the extra word Jihad to describe a Holy War, does it even mean "Holy War" at all? The short answer is, no. What Jihad really means is, struggle.

Technically, Jihad means a struggle in the way of Allah. Fringe radical militant groups, think that attacking the west is part of that struggle but it is NOT. Muslims are actually opposed to using the word "Jihad" in that way, because it associates the word with terrorism. So, what does Jihad actually mean?

Well, in Islam there are two types of Jihad: the Outer and the Inner. The Outer is the kind that defends Islam against outside aggression - like Christians did in the Crusades. The Inner represents the internal spiritual struggle to seek self-improvement in the way of Allah.

So basically, it's the struggle to be a better Muslim - both spiritually and in practice. The following sentence, which is from a highly-debated Islamic text called the Hadith, sums it up nicely.

"You have come from the Lesser Jihad to the Greater Jihad - the striving of a servant (of Allah) against his (own) desires." - Hz. Muhammad (pbuh)

So despite the negative attention it gets, Jihad can refer to some really wonderful things. There is even a website called myjihad.org that highlights good Jihads, and it's part of an entire movement, devoted to taking the word back from Islamic(!) extremists.

See, it's really not as scary a word as you might think. It does NOT mean holy war at all.

[Que]

The topic is made of a good purpose and I'm happy that you're trying to explain the positive side of Islam, because that's what religion should be all about. It's not about forcing others into their beliefs, it should come manually.

But you still can't take away the blame that the current wars and whatnot that is happening in several middle eastern and african countries isn't related to their religion, which is Islam. Even though these are a slight minority within the global world with this moronic idealism, they are still capable of doing things as wild as the German nazis. I'm pretty sure most of the Germans were nice back then as well. But the slight minority can make a huge impact and it's quite irritating that no countries are making bigger process eliminating these terror organisations and the suffering they are causing.

As long as I want to discuss openly about religion and politics, I'm pretty sure this will get out of hand in the matter of posts so I highly recommend someone to lock it up before it goes out of hand. Thanks for your inputs, Sven and Boudy. 

[Kostas]

The christian holy wars were just an excuse for war btw. I am glad that someone took the time for this,but the is still a thing that  I just cant forgive to islam... Note that I am not against islam I just find that part a lil bit ridiculous. I dont remember where or the exact phrase but there is like a rule that says that you should force non believers into islam by the sword. Having said that. Christianity has also done many many bad thinds mainly durring the dark ages, but they werent supported by our holy book as far as I am aware, it simply was a fucked up time that ended. Thanks in advance and I dont mwan to disrespect anyone.

[TheGreasyChopper]

 There is no false religion. Just like Christianity had(and has) extremists such as the Crusaders, Inquisition etc., Islam has radicals such as ISIS/Al Qaeda. They take a peaceful religion to the extreme, turning an otherwise beautiful and peaceful faith to a hate filled ideology. I myself am not muslim, nor christian as I believe it is all the same for God is one, but I find the traditional muslim culture beautiful. The songs from a mosque early in the morning cannot be compared to anything else.

 Do not criticize the Faith, criticize the believer.