Jannat and Jihad

Jihad meaning ‘struggle’ in Arabic has been used frequently in the holy Quran referring to ‘striving in the way of Allah’ or ‘to struggle to improve one's self and/or society’. Within Islamic jurisprudence jihad is the only form of warfare permissible under Islamic law, and may be declared against apostates, rebels, highway robbers, violent groups, non-Islamic leaders or non-Muslim combatants, but there are other ways to perform jihad as well, including civil disobedience. The primary aim of jihad as warfare is not the conversion of non-Muslims to Islam by force, but rather the expansion and defence of the Islamic state. The rules associated with Islamic Jurisprudence on Jihad include not killing women, children and non-combatants, as well as not damaging cultivated or residential areas.
Some Muslims believe that Muhammad regarded the inner struggle for faith a greater Jihad than even fighting [by force] in the way of God. Muslim scholar Mahmoud Ayoub states that "The goal of true jihad is to attain a harmony between islam (submission), iman (faith), and ihsan (righteous living)." Jihad is directed against Satan's inducements, aspects of one's own self, or against a visible enemy
Based on these definitions and discussions, it is an understanding that Jihad is the use of holy war as a path towards Allah. But does it include killing of innocent unarmed people including women and children? Does it include destroying nations just to satisfy the whim of the politicians? The war cry of Al- Qaeda, LeT and HuM is that it is a jihad against the ideology of the west, against liberalism and against the policies of the Indian and West governments. The question is that does Islam allow killing the innocent in the name of religion?
Jannat itself is commonly described in the Qu'ran in verse 35 of Surah Al-Ra’d: "The parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised! Beneath it flow rivers. Perpetual is the fruits thereof and the shade therein. Such is the End of the Righteous; and the end of the unbelievers is the Fire."
The Islamic texts describes life for its immortal inhabitants, one that is happy — without hurt, sorrow, fear or shame — where every wish is fulfilled. Traditions relate that inhabitants will be of the same age, and of the same stature. Their life is one of bliss including: wearing costly robes, bracelets, perfumes; partaking in exquisite banquets, served in priceless vessels by immortal youths; reclining on couches inlaid with gold or precious stones. Other foods mentioned include meats, scented wine and clear drinks bringing neither drunkenness nor rousing quarreling. Inhabitants will rejoice in the company of their parents, wives, and children (provided they were admitted to paradise) — conversing and recalling the past.
Four categories of Jihad have been defined; Jihad against one's self (Jihad al-Nafs), Jihad of the tongue (Jihad al-lisan), Jihad of the hand (Jihad al-yad), and Jihad of the sword (which can involve combat against non-Muslims)(Jihad as-sayf). These define the fight against desires, speaking the truth, doing just and combat injustice and armed fighting respectively. Jannat can be achieved if a true Muslim fulfils all these and moves on the way of Allah. It is the ultimate reunion with Allah. It can simply mean striving to live a moral and virtuous life, spreading and defending Islam as well as fighting injustice and oppression, among other things.
So do the terrorists from the Mumbai attacks or for that matter anywhere in the world fulfil all these criteria to be able to reach Jannat after their suicide bombings and killings? This is a question which I have so long wanted to ask them..............

Submitted by Devdeep Ahuja