Bold conclusions drawn by the analyst that matches most in this discussion group's sentiments but backed here with intelligence community bona fides and background.
Must read.
How long until we find the Jihadi funding for CAIR?
That’s Robert Spencer, not David Spencer.
Warm fuzzies for everybody!!!!!!!
So, if it is not called “jihad”, when the faithful follower of the Religion of Peace dies while killing infidels, does he still get the virgins no matter that he called actions something else?
“Bold conclusions drawn by the analyst that matches most in this discussion
group’s sentiments but backed here “
For those that have read the book below, those “sentiments” are grounded
in historical fact:
Jihad in the West: Muslim Conquests from the 7th to the 21st Centuries
by Paul Fregosi
http://www.amazon.com/Jihad-West-Muslim-Conquests-Centuries/dp/1573922471/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-3544524-8230031?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190298661&sr=1-1
And I’d recommend the book “Alms For Jihad”, except the chicken-shiite
publisher has withdrawn the book at the first sign of displeasure
from some Saudi.
Saudis Sue for Secrecy
The New Media Journal ^ | August 11, 2007 | Dr. Rachel Ehrenfeld
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1879734/posts
Eventually, however, there might be a different reason to drop the use of the word jihad in its negative connotation.
Jihad, as a concept, is heavily interwoven in the Koran, so much so that it cannot be ignored or disregarded. In turn, this means that if a “Reformation” of Islam is to occur, the word jihad must be kept, but abstracted to a peaceful meaning.
That is, an obvious component of “Reformed” Islam would still have to embrace the concept of jihad, but as a singularly *spiritual* pursuit, not of actions in the world.
(In a strange way, this is much like the old Christian argument during their Reformation, of what matters more, good intentions or good acts.)
The Reformists argument would be thus: “Allah curses those who carry our violence and destruction in His name, calling it jihad. See how those who do this *always* fail, which is proof that Allah despises them.”
“However, those who embrace jihad as a purely spiritual struggle, while remaining peaceful in the world, are richly rewarded by overcoming their enemies, spreading their faith, and living in prosperity and peace. And this in turn, is clear proof that they are favored by Allah.”
Now it is a given that this interpretation stretches the concept of jihad to the limit. However, religions have never had much problem with being terribly hypocritical in their doctrines.
So, if when the Reformists come along, if what they preach is to the choir, what their followers want to hear, it will respond with a loud “Ismallah”, of agreement, and thereafter, among the Reformists, the word jihad will be as inoffensive as the word prayer, having much the same meaning.
Hopefully, some time later, Reformist Muslims will be horrified at the very suggestion that jihad could result in physical violence at all.