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noble deeds, refining our character and to come closer to God and achieve his Grace. [29:69] As for those who strive in our cause, we will surely guide them in our paths. Most assuredly, GOD is with the pious.
We have to make a firm commitment to uphold the truth. All prophets, messengers and martyrs showed a firm resolve and a confidence in God and they were ultimately blessed with success. [29:6] Those who strive, strive for their own good. GOD is in no need for anyone.
Another great Jihad would be to strive ceaselessly against ignorance and to spread knowledge to those who need it. If we have the God-given intellect, we could help others for their emancipation in the path of true Submission to God alone. This is why we don’t have a Chapter entitled The Sword but rather The Pen. In fact, there is no mention of a sword in the Quran (though there is mention of shields). We should strive in the way of God with all our faculties to promote justice and truth. [22:78] You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion―the religion of your father Abraham….
War is permissible but for self-defense and within well-defined boundaries to restore peace and the freedom to worship God alone. So we cannot initiate hostilities. [2:190] You may fight in the cause of GOD against those who attack you, but do not aggress. GOD does not love the aggressors.
War is permissible only when there are no other options left. All acts of war should cease immediately when the objective is achieved. The rules of war and captives were set out long before the Geneva Convention.
[2:191-192] You may kill those who wage war against you, and you may evict them whence they evicted you. Oppression is worse than murder.
Do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque (Masjid), unless they attack you therein. If they attack you, you may kill them. This is the just retribution for those disbelievers. If they refrain, then GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
Furthermore, there will be unbelievers who are not at war with you. They should be shown kindness and equality.
[60:8] GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable.
Unambiguously, the Quran states that any acts of terror are condemned.
[7:56] Do not corrupt the earth after it has been set straight, and worship Him out of reverence, and out of hope. Surely, GOD’s mercy is attainable by the righteous.
God is the One who has set the earth and universe in order by commanding all natural forces to work in a regulated and fully coordinated manner. So we are directed to work in a proper manner using His guidance and not create any social or moral chaos. [55:7] He constructed the sky and established the law. [55:8] You shall not transgress the law. [55:9] You shall establish justice; do not violate the law.
How can people think that this great religion of Submission / Islam condones terrorism when the Quran preaches: [41:34] Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend.
We are commanded to be courteous to all people. They are also creations of God whether believer or pagan and we can set a good example by finding common grounds of belief with them. We must be courteous, kind and truthful with them.
[49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another.
The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.
When we explain to others about Submission, we must be gentle, considerate and not offensive, inflexible or self-righteous. We can thus avoid confrontation, people would be attracted, the atmosphere would be amiable and dialogues made easier.
[29:46] Do not argue with the people of the scripture (Jews, Christians, & Muslims) except in the nicest possible manner―unless they transgress― and say, “We believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our god and your god is one and the same; to Him we are submitters.” [16:125] You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones.
So we can enlighten people and help refine their conduct and behavior. Yet we must respect their cultures and traditions and not try to forcibly indoctrinate them.
It is also wrong to stereotype all Muslims as terrorists. There are Catholics and Protestants too who fought several bloody wars, the Crusades, the Inquisition—all in intentional defiance of the teachings of Christ. (Matthew 5:39) But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. (Luke 6:29) To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either.
Each and every person is accountable to God alone. [53:38-39] No soul bears the sins of another soul. Every human being is responsible for his own works. We can even perform Jihad with our wealth and influence in the way of God, which can be utilised effectively for the welfare of others. It will have value and
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