by Laila Salaam

Created on: November 27, 2008

I have to hand it to Edward Hall for his excellent, objective article. As an American Muslim who watches the same news shows and hears or sees the same terrifying statements made by radical, violent people who happen to claim Islam as their religion, I have to agree with his statements.

Throughout history, bits and pieces of scripture from Hebrew, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim holy texts have been taken out of context and used to incite fear in the masses. Fear, in return creates a need for those in fear to support unfair and unjust attacks on people or communities of differing cultures, classes, and religious practices. This current situation is no different, with one exception. Today, this fear is spread, through the typical lies and distortions of truth, on a far greater scale.

Constant bombardment from allegedly-objective news agencies, including Internet distribution, has created a level of tension and fear that is unprecidented. People from all walks of life, of differing religions and cultures, have latched on to the distortions and believe they have a clear understanding of Jihad. In reality, while Jihad does mean Holy War, has a dual meanings and applications that are far from what "Jihadists" or "Radical Islamists" are practicing.

The first, and most important application is the same as the concept Christians have of daily trials and tribulations: tests of faith and the internal war against giving in to temptations of the world. Each and every Believer is bombarded with outside influences and internal thoughts, on a daily basis, that can lead to actions that go agaist that which God would have them do. Each and every Believer has to make a personal choice as to how they are going to react to those temptations and they will be held personally responsible for their actions or reactions.

The second meaning and application is that of physical war. However, this warring, by radical Muslims, is far different for the original orders in Qur'an. Qur'an tells us that when a Muslim community's ability to worship the way God told them to worship is threatened, they are to defend that right to worship at all costs. This does not include attacking innocent people. It does not include declaring war on an entire nation just because it worships differently or some of the people in that nation believe differently. The only purpose for physical Jihad is to protect the Muslims' right worship in the way they believe God has commanded them to worship. When this way of life

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