Fundamentalism & Jihad Elementary Course on Islam Da’wah Committee Kowloon Mosque b b Nasser El-Morshidy.

Fundamentalism & Jihad

Elementary Course on Islam

Da’wah Committee

Kowloon Mosque

Nasser El-Morshidy

FundamentalismFundamentalism

Type of militantly conservative religious movement religious movement characterized by by the advocacy advocacy of strict conformity to to sacred texts. sacred texts. Once used exclusively to refer to American Protestants who Protestants who insisted on the inerrancy of the Bible, on the inerrancy of the Bible, the term term fundamentalism was applied more broadly applied more broadly beginning in beginning in the late 20th century late 20th century to a wide variety of variety of religious movements. religious movements. Indeed, in the in the broad sense of the of the term, many of the major term, many of the major religions of the world may be may be said to said to have fundamentalist fundamentalist movements.

Encyclopedia BritannicaEncyclopedia Britannica

WahabismWahabism

The Wahabi Movement started with The Wahabi Movement started with Mohamed ibn Abdelwahab 1703-Mohamed ibn Abdelwahab 1703-1792 in the Arabian Peninsula. He 1792 in the Arabian Peninsula. He

called for eliminating the new called for eliminating the new inventions in religion. Many of his inventions in religion. Many of his

opinions were rejected by the opinions were rejected by the religious scholars in his time. He religious scholars in his time. He succeeded in having an alliance succeeded in having an alliance

with Mohamed ibn Saud the ruler with Mohamed ibn Saud the ruler of Al-Diryah. of Al-Diryah.

WahabismWahabism

Wahabism has a solid ground mainly in Saudi Wahabism has a solid ground mainly in Saudi Arabia. The Wahabi Movement takes a rigid view Arabia. The Wahabi Movement takes a rigid view

regarding the application of Islam. Such rigid regarding the application of Islam. Such rigid ideas were not attractive in different Muslim ideas were not attractive in different Muslim

countries. The attacks of 11/9/2001 shed more countries. The attacks of 11/9/2001 shed more lights on the ideas of the Wahabi movement that lights on the ideas of the Wahabi movement that

influenced Osama bin Laden.influenced Osama bin Laden.

Jamal Al-Din Al-AfghaniJamal Al-Din Al-Afghani 1838-1879 CE1838-1879 CE

Jamal Al-Din Al-Afghani was a Jamal Al-Din Al-Afghani was a Muslim reformer.Muslim reformer. He was the He was the

leading figure of Islamic modern leading figure of Islamic modern revival. He was born and revival. He was born and

educated in Afghanistan. He educated in Afghanistan. He struggled against the Western struggled against the Western

influence in the Muslim World. influence in the Muslim World. He traveled to India, Iran, Egypt He traveled to India, Iran, Egypt

and Turkey.and Turkey.

Jamal Al-Din Al-Afghani 1838-1879 CEJamal Al-Din Al-Afghani 1838-1879 CE

Al-Afghani indicated that there are two Al-Afghani indicated that there are two reasons for the backwardness of Muslims: reasons for the backwardness of Muslims: religious prejudice and political despotism. religious prejudice and political despotism.

He called upon Muslims to have a He called upon Muslims to have a constitutional government and adopt the constitutional government and adopt the principle of principle of Al-ShuraAl-Shura as a basis for the as a basis for the

governments in Islamic World. He called governments in Islamic World. He called for the education of woman and defended for the education of woman and defended

the freedom of the press.the freedom of the press.

Mohamed Abdou 1849-1905 CEMohamed Abdou 1849-1905 CE

He was born in Egypt and He was born in Egypt and educated in Al-Azhar Mosque. educated in Al-Azhar Mosque.

He participated in the war He participated in the war against the British against the British

colonization1882. He was colonization1882. He was arrested and exiled to Lebanon arrested and exiled to Lebanon for three years. He joined his for three years. He joined his

mentor Jamal Al-Din Al-mentor Jamal Al-Din Al-Afghani in Paris where they Afghani in Paris where they

published Al-’urwah Al-Wothqa published Al-’urwah Al-Wothqa Newspaper.Newspaper.

Mohamed Abdou 1849-1905 CEMohamed Abdou 1849-1905 CE

Mohamed Abdou concentrated more on the Mohamed Abdou concentrated more on the reform of education especially in the reform of education especially in the religious institutions. He believed that religious institutions. He believed that

reforming education will lead to the right reforming education will lead to the right understanding of the spirit of Islam. He understanding of the spirit of Islam. He

called for the application of the called for the application of the constitutional and parliamentary System constitutional and parliamentary System

in the Muslim World.in the Muslim World.

Rashid Reda 1865-1935 CERashid Reda 1865-1935 CE

He was born and educated in He was born and educated in Lebanon. He came in contact Lebanon. He came in contact

with Mohamed Abdou when he with Mohamed Abdou when he was in Beirut. He decided to was in Beirut. He decided to

migrate to Egypt and migrate to Egypt and established Al-Manar Magazine established Al-Manar Magazine which was widely distributed in which was widely distributed in

the Muslim World. He the Muslim World. He supported the restoring of the supported the restoring of the

Caliphate.Caliphate.

Hassan Al-Bana 1906-1949Hassan Al-Bana 1906-1949

Hassan Al-Bana was born in Egypt. Hassan Al-Bana was born in Egypt. When he was young, he was taught When he was young, he was taught

by his father who was a religious by his father who was a religious scholar. He was graduated from Dar scholar. He was graduated from Dar

Al-Iloum College in Cairo. He Al-Iloum College in Cairo. He worked as a primary school teacher. worked as a primary school teacher. He was influenced by the ideas of He was influenced by the ideas of

Rashid Reda. He was highly Rashid Reda. He was highly respected by all who has come in respected by all who has come in

contact with him.contact with him.

Jama’at Al-Ikhwan Al-MuslimeenJama’at Al-Ikhwan Al-Muslimeen

Hassan Al-Bana decided to Hassan Al-Bana decided to establish establish Jama’at Al-Ikhwan Jama’at Al-Ikhwan

Al-Muslimeen Al-Muslimeen Muslim Muslim Brotherhood in 1928. The Brotherhood in 1928. The

main principles of the group main principles of the group is to spread the awareness is to spread the awareness

about Islam among the about Islam among the Muslims. He declared that Muslims. He declared that

the group consider Islam as a the group consider Islam as a comprehensive way of life. comprehensive way of life.

Abu Al-A’laa Al-Maududi 1903-1979Abu Al-A’laa Al-Maududi 1903-1979

Al-Maududi was born in the Al-Maududi was born in the Indian Subcontinent. He Indian Subcontinent. He

learned Arabic and religious learned Arabic and religious studies in the early years of studies in the early years of his lifetime. He worked as a his lifetime. He worked as a journalist. He wrote many journalist. He wrote many

books among them: books among them: Towards Towards understanding Islamunderstanding Islam which which

is translated to thirty is translated to thirty languages. languages.

Islamic Group in PakistanIslamic Group in Pakistan

Al-Maududi established the Islamic group in Al-Maududi established the Islamic group in 1941. The group called for an Islamic 1941. The group called for an Islamic

constitution for the new state of Pakistan. constitution for the new state of Pakistan. He has been arrested many times for He has been arrested many times for

calling upon the government to apply the calling upon the government to apply the Islamic Law. The confrontation between Islamic Law. The confrontation between

Al-Maududi and the government continues Al-Maududi and the government continues as the latter ignore the call for establishing as the latter ignore the call for establishing

an Islamic State.an Islamic State.

Muhammadiyah Muhammadiyah in Indonesiain Indonesia

MuhammadiyahMuhammadiyah is an Islamic organiza is an Islamic organization in Indonesia. The organization tion in Indonesia. The organization was founded in 1912 by Ahmad Dawas founded in 1912 by Ahmad Dahlan who was influenced by Muhahlan who was influenced by Muha

mmad Abdou. Muhammadiyah is thmmad Abdou. Muhammadiyah is thee one of the one of the largest Islamic organizalargest Islamic organizationtionss in Indonesia with 29 million in Indonesia with 29 million

members. Muhammadiyah runs momembers. Muhammadiyah runs mosques, prayer houses, clinics, public sques, prayer houses, clinics, public

libraries, and universitieslibraries, and universities..

Al-Jama’ah Al-IslamiahAl-Jama’ah Al-Islamiah

Al-Jama’ah Al-Islamiah in Egypt was one of the Al-Jama’ah Al-Islamiah in Egypt was one of the main militant groups during the 1980s - 1990s. main militant groups during the 1980s - 1990s. The spiritual leader of the group is Dr. Omar The spiritual leader of the group is Dr. Omar Abdel Rahman who was accused of issuing a Abdel Rahman who was accused of issuing a

FatwaFatwa that led to the assassination of the that led to the assassination of the President Sadat in 1981. The leaders of the President Sadat in 1981. The leaders of the

group declared that they were wrong regarding group declared that they were wrong regarding killing of civilians and holding arms against the killing of civilians and holding arms against the

government.government.

Jama’at Al-JihadJama’at Al-Jihad

Jama’at Al-Jihad was established Jama’at Al-Jihad was established in in 1970s1970s. One of the main figures of . One of the main figures of

this group is Aiman Al-Zawahri, the this group is Aiman Al-Zawahri, the head of Al-Qaeda after the head of Al-Qaeda after the

assassination of Osama bin Laden. assassination of Osama bin Laden. There was a military confrontation There was a military confrontation

between the group and the between the group and the government in 1990s. The group in government in 1990s. The group in Egypt declared in 2008 that their Egypt declared in 2008 that their

concepts of Jihad was wrong. concepts of Jihad was wrong.

Harakat Al-Nahda - TunisiaHarakat Al-Nahda - Tunisia

Harakat Al-Nahda started in the Harakat Al-Nahda started in the 1970s1970s in Tunisia under the leadership in Tunisia under the leadership

of Rashid Al-Al-Ghanoushi. The of Rashid Al-Al-Ghanoushi. The group tried to be involved in the group tried to be involved in the political system in 1980s. The political system in 1980s. The

Government rejected the application Government rejected the application of Al-Nahdah to establish a political of Al-Nahdah to establish a political party. Prominent leaders fled abroad party. Prominent leaders fled abroad after they were accused of organizing after they were accused of organizing

a military coup in 1991. a military coup in 1991.

Islamic Salvation Front (FIS)Islamic Salvation Front (FIS)

Islamic Salvation Front was Islamic Salvation Front was established in 1989 under the established in 1989 under the

leadership of Abbasi Madani. The leadership of Abbasi Madani. The group called for the application of group called for the application of the Islamic Law in different fields the Islamic Law in different fields in Algeria. The Front won majority in Algeria. The Front won majority of seats in the district elections in of seats in the district elections in

1990. The elections was cancelled. 1990. The elections was cancelled. The leaders of the group fled The leaders of the group fled

Algeria and still lives abroad. Algeria and still lives abroad.

Jihad & Terrorist AttacksJihad & Terrorist Attacks

1- India 1- India

2- Philippines2- Philippines

3- Indonesia3- Indonesia

4-Thailand4-Thailand

5- China5- China

6- Palestine6- Palestine

7- 7- Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia

8- Russia8- Russia

What is Jihad?

The word Jihad means struggle or strive. Thus Jihad means to struggle or strive in the cause of Allah. Jihad can be done in different ways. It is not right to translate it as Holy War.

Kindness to Parents

JJihad is not restricted to fighting in the ihad is not restricted to fighting in the battlefield. Doing different good deeds battlefield. Doing different good deeds

is a kind of Jihad.is a kind of Jihad. A man asked the Prophet (P.B.U.H) :

“Should I join Jihad?’ The Prophet asked him: ‘Are your parents still alive?’ The man said: ‘Yes!’ The Prophet said: ‘Then

strive by serving them.” (Bukhari)

Resisting Oppression

An advice to an unjust ruler is a great action of Jihad. The person might lost his

life for such a good deed.

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said:

“The best Jihad is a truthful word in the presence of an

unjust ruler.” (Tirmizi)

Permission to Fight

Islam focuses on the defence of the weak, the humble and the oppressed and enjoins Jihad for their p

rotection

“To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight) because they are wronged and verily Allah is Most Powerful for their aid. They are those who were expelled from their home in defiance of right, (for no cause) except that they say: ‘Our Lord is Allah….” (Qur’an 22:39-40)

Fighting is Disliked

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said:

“O people! Do not desire a combat with the enemy, but pray to Allah for safety. But when you are face to face with the enemy be steadfast.”

Bukahri

No Aggression

Jihad on the battlefield is the last resort, and is subject to certain conditions. Jihad must be

launched against the enemy who attacks Muslims.

"Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not

transgress limits; Allah loves not transgressors." Qur’an 2:195

Accepting Peace

War is not the main aim for Muslims. If the enemy offers peace, the Muslims should

respond positively.

“ But if they incline towards peace, you also incline towards it and (put your) trust in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the

All-Knower.” Qur’an 8:61

Divisions of JihadDivisions of Jihad

1- Fard Kefayah1- Fard Kefayah

When a group of Muslims carry on Jihad When a group of Muslims carry on Jihad (soldiers), there is no blame on others. (soldiers), there is no blame on others.

2- Fard ‘Ain2- Fard ‘Ain

All Muslims in a certain country should All Muslims in a certain country should participate in the Jihad.participate in the Jihad.

Conditions of JihadConditions of Jihad

Good intentionGood intention

إنما األعمال بالنيات و إنما لكل إنما األعمال بالنيات و إنما لكل ””“...“...امرئ ما نوىامرئ ما نوى

““The reward of deeds depends upon the  The reward of deeds depends upon the  intentions, and every person will get the intentions, and every person will get the

reward according to what he has intended” reward according to what he has intended” BukhariBukhari

Conditions of JihadConditions of Jihad

Jihad under a Muslim RulerJihad under a Muslim Ruler

Muslim scholars agreed that Muslims must Muslim scholars agreed that Muslims must respond positively to the call to Jihad by the respond positively to the call to Jihad by the

caliph or the ruler of a Muslim country. caliph or the ruler of a Muslim country. when invaders invade a Muslim country, all when invaders invade a Muslim country, all Muslims in that country should defend their Muslims in that country should defend their country without waiting for any permission country without waiting for any permission

or any call.or any call.

Conditions of JihadConditions of Jihad

Following Islamic MannersFollowing Islamic Manners

The Mujahideen should follow the rules of The Mujahideen should follow the rules of Islam during fighting. Old people, woman, Islam during fighting. Old people, woman,

children, monks should not be killed. children, monks should not be killed. Fighting is against those who carry the Fighting is against those who carry the

weapons to fight the Muslims. Prisoners weapons to fight the Muslims. Prisoners of war should be dealt with kindly. of war should be dealt with kindly.

Mutilation of dead bodies is absolutely Mutilation of dead bodies is absolutely forbidden.forbidden.

Victorious Believers

Victory is not a reason for feeling proud and doing injustice to others. Establishing justice and achieving

prosperity is a priority.

"(They are) those who, if We give them power in the land, establish regular prayer and give regular charity, enjoin the right and forbid the wrong. With

Allah does rest the end (and decision) of (all) affairs."

Qur’an 22:41

Treatment of Defeated Enemy

Abu Bakr, the first caliph, instructed a leader of a Muslim army going for fighting:

“When you gain victory over your enemies do not kill their children, old people nor

women. Do not go even closer to their date palms nor burn the harvest nor cut the

trees bearing fruits...

Treatment of Defeated Enemy

Do not break the promise once you have made it and do not break the terms of a treaty once you have entered into it. You will find some people in the monasteries, monks engaged in the worship of God, leave them alone with what they are pleased with. Do not destroy their monasteries and do not

kill them.”

Treatment of non-Muslims

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said: “Whoever persecutes a Zimmi (singular of Ahlu-Zimma) or usurps his right or asks him to do work beyond his capacity or takes something from him unwillingly, I shall be a plaintiff against him in the Day of Judgement.” Abu Dauwd

Forced Conversions?

“ Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands clear from error.”

Qur’an 2:256

“Say: The truth is from your Lord; so let whosoever wills, believe and let Whosoever wills, disbelieve.”

Qur’an 18:29

Did Muslims Use Force?

Sir Thomas Arnold, said: “…of any organized attempt to force the acceptance of Islam on the non-Muslim populations, or of any systematic persecution intended to stamp out the Christian religion, we hear nothing.”

‘The Preaching of Islam, A History of the Propagation of the Muslim Faith’

Was It Possible?

“Had the caliphs chosen to adopt either course of action, they might have swept away Christianity as easily as Ferdinand and Isabella drove Islam out of Spain or Louis XIV made Protestantism penal in France, or the Jews were kept out of England for 350 years.” Sir Thomas Arnold; ‘The Preaching of Islam, A History of the Propagation of the Muslim Faith’

Another Non-Muslim Witness

De Lacy O’Leary said: “History makes it clear, however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims, sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated.”

‘Islam at Crossroads’

FatwasFatwas Against Violent Actions Against Violent Actions

Muslim scholars condemn violent actions Muslim scholars condemn violent actions committed by some Muslim groups:committed by some Muslim groups:

1- Kidnapping or killing of tourists.1- Kidnapping or killing of tourists.

2- Violent actions against civilians.2- Violent actions against civilians.

3- Violent actions in Muslim Countries.3- Violent actions in Muslim Countries.

Jihad and TerrorismJihad and Terrorism

differences between Jihad and terrorismdifferences between Jihad and terrorism1. Jihad is limited to combatants while 1. Jihad is limited to combatants while

terrorism involves indiscriminate killing of terrorism involves indiscriminate killing of civilians civilians

2. Jihad, when the need arises, is declared 2. Jihad, when the need arises, is declared openly, while terrorism is committed openly, while terrorism is committed

secretly.secretly.3. Jihad is bound by strict rules of Islamic 3. Jihad is bound by strict rules of Islamic manners while terrorism is not bound by manners while terrorism is not bound by

any rulesany rules

Al-Qa’edaAl-Qa’eda

Al-Qaeda is an Islamic group Al-Qaeda is an Islamic group founded in 1988 under the leadership founded in 1988 under the leadership of Osama bin Laden. Al-Qaeda has of Osama bin Laden. Al-Qaeda has

attacked civilian and military targets attacked civilian and military targets in various countries, the most notable in various countries, the most notable

being the September 11 attacks in being the September 11 attacks in 2001. The attacks were followed by 2001. The attacks were followed by the US government launching the the US government launching the

War on Terrorism and the occupation War on Terrorism and the occupation of Afghanistan. of Afghanistan.

Scholars’ OpinionsScholars’ Opinions

In 2007, around the sixth anniversary of September In 2007, around the sixth anniversary of September 11, Sheikh Salman al-Ouda, a Saudi religious 11, Sheikh Salman al-Ouda, a Saudi religious scholar addressed the leader of Al-Qaeda:scholar addressed the leader of Al-Qaeda:

My brother Osama, how much blood has been My brother Osama, how much blood has been shed? How many innocent people, children, shed? How many innocent people, children, elderly, and women have been killed ... in the elderly, and women have been killed ... in the name of Al Qaeda? Will you be happy to meet name of Al Qaeda? Will you be happy to meet

God Almighty carrying the burden of these God Almighty carrying the burden of these hundreds of thousands or millions [of victims] on hundreds of thousands or millions [of victims] on

your back? your back?

Wrong Wrong FatwasFatwas and Actions and Actions

Al-Jama’ah Al-Islamyah in Al-Jama’ah Al-Islamyah in EgyptEgypt declared an initiative in declared an initiative in

1997 to stop the acts of violence. 1997 to stop the acts of violence. This was a breakthrough in the This was a breakthrough in the

relationship between the relationship between the government & the Islamic group. government & the Islamic group. The leaders of the Al-Jama’ah Al-The leaders of the Al-Jama’ah Al-

Islamyah issued some books Islamyah issued some books declaring that they were wrong in declaring that they were wrong in their their FatwasFatwas legalizing the acts of legalizing the acts of

Violence. Violence. ناجح الدكتور إبراهيم

Wrong Wrong FatwasFatwas and Actions and Actions

The main intellectual of Jam’at The main intellectual of Jam’at Al-Jihad in Egypt declared in Al-Jihad in Egypt declared in

2007 that the group was wrong in 2007 that the group was wrong in committing violence. He wrote a committing violence. He wrote a

book entitled book entitled “Rationalizing “Rationalizing Jihad in Egypt and the World”.Jihad in Egypt and the World”. He criticizes the Sept.11 attacks. He criticizes the Sept.11 attacks. Many experts believe that this Many experts believe that this

book will help in convincing the book will help in convincing the members of the group who live members of the group who live

abroad to stop the acts of abroad to stop the acts of violence.violence.

الشريف إمام سيد

Al-Qa’eda OpinionAl-Qa’eda Opinion

Al-Zawahri replied to Said ImamAl-Zawahri replied to Said Imam that that “... “... we have the right to do to the we have the right to do to the

infidels what they have done to us. We infidels what they have done to us. We bomb them as they bomb us, even if bomb them as they bomb us, even if

we kill someone who is not permitted we kill someone who is not permitted to be killed.”to be killed.”

Influence of Peaceful InitiativeInfluence of Peaceful Initiative

Some experts believe that the writingsSome experts believe that the writings of of the leaders of these groups denouncing violent the leaders of these groups denouncing violent

actions will not stop the violence. The main actions will not stop the violence. The main reason of the violence is the political reason of the violence is the political

despotism in Muslim countries, American despotism in Muslim countries, American European countries’ foreign policy towards European countries’ foreign policy towards

Muslims especially in Palestine and Muslims especially in Palestine and persecution facing Muslim persecution facing Muslim

minoritiesminorities in non-Muslim countries. All in non-Muslim countries. All these factors are still existed on the world these factors are still existed on the world

stage.stage.

ConclusionConclusion

We can conclude that Jihad is a vast concept that We can conclude that Jihad is a vast concept that encompasses various spheres of activity that is directed encompasses various spheres of activity that is directed

towards the betterment of self and society.towards the betterment of self and society.

Regardless of how legitimate a cause may be, Islam Regardless of how legitimate a cause may be, Islam does not condone the killing of innocent people.does not condone the killing of innocent people.

Terrorizing the civilian population, whether by individuals Terrorizing the civilian population, whether by individuals or states, can never be termed as Jihad and can never be or states, can never be termed as Jihad and can never be

reconciled with the teachings of Islamreconciled with the teachings of Islam ..

EndEnd

References:References: Holy Qur’an, Text, Translation & Commentary;Holy Qur’an, Text, Translation & Commentary;

Abdullah Yusuf Ali.Abdullah Yusuf Ali. Riyadu-Saliheen, Imam Annawawi; Revised by Nasser Riyadu-Saliheen, Imam Annawawi; Revised by Nasser

Adin Al-Albany.Adin Al-Albany. The Sword of Islam; WAMY PamphletThe Sword of Islam; WAMY Pamphlet..

Different Websites on the Internet Different Websites on the Internet