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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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