This “press release,” if that is really what it is (I hope it’s a hoax, actually), sounds like a high schooler’s term paper: it has the requisite flatfooted opener (“Religion is a powerful subject”) and po-faced repetition of basic information about Islam (“Last but not least in the five pillars is the pilgrimage. It’s called Al-Hajj and encompasses a trek to Mecca in Saudi Arabia at least once in a persons lifetime”). But despite its title and last paragraph, it hints at the truth in this sentence: “Jihad, meaning struggle in Arabic, is allowed when fighting for religion and in self-defense…” In other words, it isn’t only for self-defense, but may be offensive when “fighting for religion” — as the South African Mufti Ebrahim Desai reiterates here. (Thanks to Russell for the link.)
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif.(Aug. 19, 2004) — Religion is a powerful subject. Many have strong opinions, while others chose to avoid even the knowledge of such. The strength and determination religion brings to those who believe can be seen throughout the world in an array of forms from good faith to assassination.
In Iraq, the war is brutal and said to be a holy war amongst Muslims. Of course, 95 percent of the population in Iraq is indeed Muslim. But, 80 percent of all Muslims are not Arabs. There are more found in Indonesia, a large minority in China and about five million right here in the United States.
A Muslim is a person who submits to the will of Allah. To a Muslim, Allah is the only divine and worshipful being. They believe he is the God for all Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and even atheists.
Islam, with the root word meaning peace, is the actual submission process and has five pillars….
Jihad, meaning struggle in Arabic, is allowed when fighting for religion and in self-defense. So, there it is, a holy war where each party truly believes they are right according to a religion passed down from generation to generation.
A non-discriminatory religion of peace, torn by power, under one God, known to Muslims as Allah.