I do not understand how Osama bin Laden can declare an Islamic Jihad against the US (et al). Doesn't that transgress the tenets of Islamism? Please reply. I am very confused as to how I can reconcile "holy war" with the Islam teachings on your site. Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Reply:
Jihad in arabic means to strive, to do one's utmost. There are two types of Jihad in Islam.
1. Jihad against one's own self (to keep one on a straight path)
2. Jihad in the Path of God which includes but not limited to fighting to defend one's property, life or Faith.
Terrorists can declare Jihad and call it Jihad, but their Jihad is in the path of Satan, NOT in the path of God.
If the word Jihad is used in its Arabic meaning, then the officers and volunteers working in the relief effort are doing a Jihad, as they are doing their best to find life and bodies in the rubble of WTC.
Those people who are grieved, angry and feel rancor are doing Jihad to contain their anger and rancor and remain just. This is Jihad against one's self.
Satan is happy to see the instigators at work. May God contain Satan and protect us all from his evil. Ameen
(Read more on Jihad at http://islam101.com/dawah/jihad_explained.html)