Jihad (Understand the True Concept)

            The trick strategy of the Islamic State (IS) uses to recruit members from all over the world, including Malaysia, to join the organization has made many fall into its trap. It has lured many naive youths to become members to fight in Syria and Iraq. These extremists think they are jihadists, but are they really?

            First, let us be clear with the concept of jihad. "Jihad" is an Arabic word that means “struggle” or “resisting”. Its definition is wide and the seemingly most common one - that of going to war, wielding a sword, and finally being declared a "martyr" - is only one way of looking at this concept.

During the early history of Islam, Prophet Muhammad once returned from a tragic war and told his dear companions that the war they had just fought was only a small jihad, and they needed to prepare for the bigger one- resisting desires and temptations. 

In this modern era, humans are tested with greater challenges that make it hard for them to say "no" to their yearnings. They prioritize their wants over their needs just to make them the next greedy person. This is the jihad they need to win before they sign up with a jihadist group.

Learning is also another way to show our jihad. Knowledge is power. To spend our lifetime feeding our curiosity and sharing the answers with the rest is a noble act of jihad. Learning is a lifelong process that helps us become wise, knowledgeable and respected.

Knowledge helps us fight for truth and justice to end the oppression and to emancipate the innocent. The pen is mightier than the sword. Intellectual jihadists are courageous and confident warriors who should stay humble. The knowledge we gain should guide us towards the right path for us to make justified decisions. We seek knowledge for the right reasons and not for recognition.

Negativity is a silent killer that makes life meaningless and worthless. It is also a sinful pleasure we indulge in but to restrain ourselves from eating the forbidden fruit is an achievement and a jihad. When we stay away from unhealthy habits like smoking, overspending, gossiping, clubbing or being hardly punctual for an appointment, we have succeeded in our jihad. Those who cannot put a stop to their immoral activities just because old habits die hard should take this as a challenge en route to becoming exemplary individuals, who are faithful to their religion. 

More than 20,000 Malaysian pilgrims are performing their Haj in Mecca and these devotees struggle to earn the Haji Mabrur - an ultimate success every pilgrim dreams of. 

Now, that’s a jihad that deserves congratulatory greetings.

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie makes life
a wonderful journey.

2 October 2014