| Description |
This paper discusses the Islamic notion of jihad and its application in the modern world, specifically in the 1983 bombing of the United States' Marine base in Beirut! and the 1990-1991 Gulf War with Iraq. After examining these two examples of calls to jihadJ the paper then ascertains a precise definition of the word jihad. Next, the Qur'anic justifications of jihad are studied. After gaining an understanding of the notion of jihad, the paper looks at its application in the early days of Islam, both during the life of the Prophet Muhammed, as well as in the events which followed his death. With this theoretical and historical background, the two cases are re-examined. Ultimately, through this examination, it is concluded that these two calls for jihad were both secular actions, exploiting the political undertones of the notion of jihad. |
