Jihad

 Volume five of the Quran series explains the concept of war and peace and all the battles Prophet Muhammad fought against the pagan Arabs and Jews of Arabia. Let’s conclude this volume with the words of Jesus of Nazareth, who uttered the revolutionary words that 'we should bless our enemies.' The concepts Jesus taught are as radical today as they were two thousand years ago. This is because they are counterintuitive to our divisive human nature and humanity’s historic compulsion to be at war with itself.You have heard it was said, love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. In that way, you will act as the true children of your Father in Heaven. For He gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good and sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:38-48)Jesus gave the reason for being kind to one’s enemy-it is God who causes His sun to shine upon the good and the bad, and who pours down His rain upon the just and the unjust. Jesus’ radical idea of reconciliation was later reiterated in the Quran.Whenever tyranny afflicts them, they defend themselves. But [be mindful of the fact that attempts] to requite evil may, too, become evil. Hence, whoever pardons [his foe] and makes peace, his reward rests with God-for he does not love evildoers. (42:39-40)Successful struggles against tyranny often degenerate into a similarly tyrannical attitude towards one’s erstwhile oppressors. This is done by engaging in undue revenge acts against former oppressors. It is better to pardon your enemies than to revenge. Loving your enemies means praying for them, blessing them, and doing good to them-in short, bringing good to evil. Over thousands of years of mankind’s history Jews, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, or nonbelievers have all been involved in wars and unspeakable atrocities. Despite this, most humanity is comprised of honest and decent people who want to raise their families in a peaceful and secure environment. Good people around the world should unite and speak with one voice against human rights violations. This is regardless of their race, religion, caste, or creed. In the words of Jesus moral clarity is 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' commonly known as the 'Golden Rule.' There are many hopeful signs that humanity’s consciousness is awakening. A shining example is the peaceful protest by our Jewish and Christian brothers and sisters against Gaza genocide in 2024. All over America and Europe their protest changed history. In all the halls of arrogant, racist, and hypocritical powers, their voices were heard.Muslims must follow the Quranic injunction and examples of Jesus and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon both) of 'forgiving thy enemies,' and striving for our Jewish brothers and sisters’ security. Jewish persecution dates back two-thousand years that ended in the Holocaust. Under the veneer of invincibility and hubris lies deep insecurity. We must follow the inspiring examples of our ancestors who sheltered and protected this wounded nation time and time again over the course of history.