Islam: Meaning of ‘Jihad’

* “The Chilling Goal of Islam’s New Warriors” (Dec. 28) paints a misleading picture of Islam. It suggests that Islam is an aggressive religion that encourages war as a way of spreading the religion. This is absolutely false. In the Koran, Allah tells Muslims, “Let there be no compulsion in religion.” Thus it is forbidden in Islam to force religion on anyone, as religion exists between God and an individual. There are two types of jihad: the jihad within oneself and the jihad against an oppressor. Jihad within oneself, which is an inner battle to make oneself a better Muslim, is considered the greater jihad. On the other hand, holy war is only conducted against an aggressor or oppressor and no other.

This article has succeeded in feeding people’s stereotypes about Muslims. It portrays us as violent, bloodthirsty human beings, when Islam teaches love and forgiveness.

ALIYAH KHAN

Irvine

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Robin Wright’s Dec. 27-29 series on Islam made absorbing reading--well researched, investigated and expressed in lively prose. Wright took a highly positive approach that should please Muslims, including those Muslims who were pointedly ignored. The report on militant Islamists stopped short of mentioning clerics like the one who masterminded the attack on the World Trade Center. Or those who bombed U.S. embassies in Africa. Or those who sent suicide bombers to attack the Cole. Or Osama bin Laden. If Iran truly embarks on social reform, it would be a welcome change--especially after the recent trial of 13 Jews on trumped-up spy charges, when they had to face a prosecutor who was also the judge.

The series skirted the issue of the “sword of the prophet” that historically converted whole populations by force. Those populations and the rest of the human race would be welcome to Islam as long as they adopt Islam. Otherwise they are welcome to die. Certainly readers should be aware of the more benign side of Islam. But when imams in Jerusalem preach “go out and kill Jews and Americans wherever you find them,” that element can in good conscience hardly be marginalized.

BARRY COHON

Los Angeles