Transcript slides

jihad = “striving/struggle”
Today look at two readings of passages on
fighting in the Qur’an
Traditional reading: transition from nonconfrontational stance to increasingly
aggressive one in face of historical
events
Traditional reading:
Non-militant approach (Qur’an 15: 94-95;
16: 125)
Defensive warfare, within restrictions
(Qur’an 22: 39-40; 2: 190)
Offensive warfare, within restrictions
(Qur’an 2: 217 (raid on caravan, 624);
2: 191)
Traditional reading:
Further endorsement of offensive warfare
against unbelievers (Qur’an 2: 216;
9: 5, 29 (“Sword Verses,” after
taking of Mecca in 630))
Move from non-aggression to defensive
warfare, then offensive warfare
eventually aiming to spread Islam at
sword-point? Issues of interpretation
Alternate reading (Reuven Firestone, Jihad:
The Origin of Holy War in Islam (New York:
Oxford University Press, 1999)):
Criticism of those who refuse to fight
(Qur’an 4: 95). Indicative of
diversity of views.
Alternate reading. Consider:
1. Verses advocating non-militant defense/
spreading of faith
2. Verses placing restrictions on fighting
3. Verses showing conflict between God’s
command and Muslims’ reactions
4. Verses advocating fighting for faith
Alternate reading:
1. Verses advocating non-militant defense/
spreading of faith
Non-confrontational approach
(Qur’an 15: 94-95; 16: 125)
Alternate reading:
2. Verses placing restrictions on fighting
Not exceeding proper limits
(Qur’an 2: 190)
Temporal restrictions (Qur’an 2: 194;
9: 36)
Defending Muslims, Christians and
Jews (Qur’an 22: 39-40)
Alternate reading:
3. Verses showing conflict between God’s
command and Muslims’ reactions
Reluctance to fight (Qur’an 2: 216;
4: 95-96 (includes criticism))
Alternate reading:
Verses advocating fighting for faith
Restricted form of fighting (Qur’an
2: 191, 193, 217; 9: 5, 29;
60: 8-9)
Unrestricted fighting (Qur’an 47: 4;
9: 73)
Mix of attitudes in early Muslim society?
Later evolution of jihad doctrine:
Greater importance given to inner jihad
against one’s own sinfulness and
non-militant forms of jihad
Permitting of long-term peace with
non-Muslims
Abandonment of forced conversion
Strict rules on conduct and choice of targets