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Islamic
Terms Revisited (Folder)
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By Living Shari`ah Staff
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July
2, 2006
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Nowadays,
there is a pressing need for a clear and comprehensive perception of
certain Islamic concepts and terms. The misunderstanding of concepts
and terms such as dar al-Islam, dar al-harb, ahl
adh-dhimah, and jihad is responsible for serious mistakes
on the part of both Muslims and non-Muslims. The lack of a correct
perception of these terms, their historical contexts, their proper
application, and their developing and changing nature has given rise
to a set of ideas and acts that are totally alien to Islam.
At
the same time, the lack of a proper understanding of these concepts
and terms has produced a lot of prejudices against Islam and unfair
judgments of its rulings. Some of these concepts emerged in certain
historical contexts that should be taken into account. Otherwise, if
they are taken out of their contexts, a misleading picture of Islam
will inevitably be formed.
A
good example is the categorization of the world into two abodes, the
abode of Islam (dar al-Islam) and the abode of war (dar
al-harb). Such categorization is not mentioned in the Qur'an, nor
is it a fixed and unchangeable principle. Rather, it came in response
to certain temporary circumstances within which this categorization
was understandable and justified, but at the same time, it may not be
suitable to our time.
Some
Muslims want to put this categorization into effect nowadays; other
people, such as the Western media, take it out of its context and
judge Islam on its basis. Both attitudes are
harmful and unfair.
This
folder approaches these problematic questions, presenting moderate
views on such issues as the abode of Islam and the abode of war, dhimmah
and citizenship, security and force.
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Martyrdom
in Islam: Let's Discuss It
Defining a martyr is a matter of perspective. In all nations throughout history, a martyr is seen as a person who sacrifices his own life for a worthy cause. From an Islamic perspective, there are important qualifiers for a person to be a martyr...
More>>
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A Contemporary Islamic View of
Dhimmah
The
first encounter between Islam as a state and non-Muslim citizens
occurred in Madinah shortly after the Prophet's Hijrah. The nascent
state had to establish a system that its citizens could follow and by
which its authorities should abide...
More>>
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Jihad
Renegotiated
Should
the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims be of war or peace?
In other words, if non-Muslims are being nonviolent, harmless, harbor
no grudge against Muslims, or aid an enemy of Muslims, should Muslims
fight against them in such a case?...More>>
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Islam
& Jizyah
This
tax was not imposed on the Christians, as some would have us think, as
a penalty for their refusal to accept the Muslim faith. Rather, it was
paid by them in common with the other dhimmis or non-Muslim
subjects of the state whose religion precluded them from serving in
the army…More>>
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Abode
of Islam & Abode of War: Still Applicable? (Live
Dialogue)
This
categorization is not mentioned in the Qur'an or in the Sunnah. It is
just an attempt from some Muslim scholars to conceptualize the world
they were living in, a world that lacked international law to govern
nations and language of force was the norm…More>>
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Citizenship
& Dhimmah: Understanding the Concepts (Live
Dialogue)
Minority
citizen rights could be marginalized even in free democratic society
based on one vote whereas dhimmah means that their rights as
stipulated in the primary sources of Islam cannot be revoked or
diminished even by the majority of society…More>>
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Pluralism:
An Islamic Perspective (Live Dialogue)
In
Madinah, the Prophet interacted with several tribes which were
independent entities. In his constitution with these different
entities, he stated the rights and responsibilities of all of the
entities which comprised the Madinan polity…More>>
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Security
in Islam
A
human being, according to Islam, is the vicegerent of Allah and is
supposed to develop it and make use of its resources (Al-Baqarah 2:30;
Hud 11:61). To do this, security is an inevitable prerequisite…More>>
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Force
It
is impossible for any community to survive without having a
“force” that secures its integrity and defends its interests.
However, Islam regulates this application of force and sets ethics and
laws that prevent it from turning into a tool of destruction and
terror…More>>
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Kuffar or Infidels?
The
term kafir, referring to a person, or kufr, referring to
an act, is used in the Qur’an in a variety of contextual meanings.
This is why I hesitate to use even the terms non-believer or disbeliever
for the translation…More>>
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Read
also:
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