What is the purpose of jihad in Islam?

The primary aim of jihad as warfare is not the conversion of non-Muslims to Islam by force, but rather the expansion and defense of the Islamic state. In theory, jihad was to continue until “all mankind either embraced Islam or submitted to the authority of the Muslim state.”

Can Muslims fight Muslims?

The Qur’an (49:9) also allows the use of force against other Muslims in certain circumstances: ‘[i]f two groups of the believers fight each other, seek reconciliation between them. And if one of them commits aggression against the other, fight the one that commits aggression until it comes back to Allah’s command.

What does the Quran say about war and jihad?

The Qur’an on Jihad Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors. To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged;- and verily, Allah is most powerful for their aid.

Does jihad mean holy war?

Jihad may also involve fighting against oppressors and aggressors who commit injustice. It is not “holy war” in the way a crusade would be considered a holy war, and while Islam allows and even encourages proselytizing, it forbids forced conversion.

Who can declare jihad?

According to Shia tradition, mujtahids – the most senior religious scholars – have the authority to declare a “defensive” jihad. But only the 12th or “hidden” Imam – who Shia believe did not die when he disappeared 1,100 years ago – can declare an “offensive” jihad.

Are there any Muslim empires that have been involved in warfare?

From the time of the Muhammad, the final prophet of Islam, many Muslim states and empires have been involved in warfare.

What was the first instance of warfare in Islam?

Early instances. The earliest forms of warfare by Muslims occurred after the migration (hijra) of Muhammad and his small group of followers to Medina from Mecca and the conversion of several inhabitants of the city to Islam. At this time, Muslims had been persecuted and oppressed by the Meccans.

Did the US use biological weapons in the Vietnam War?

The report concluded that the U.S. had used a number of biological weapons, including use of anthrax, plague, and cholera, disseminated by over a dozen of different devices or methods, including spraying, porcelain bombs, self-destroying paper containers with a paper parachute, and leaflet bombs, among others.

Did the United States use biological weapons against North Korea and China?

Most controversially, both North Korea and China alleged that by early 1952, the U.S. was using biological or germ warfare weapons against both North Korea and China. The U.S. government has strenuously denied this. Nevertheless, captured U.S. flyers told their North Korean and Chinese captors about the use of such weapons.