Jihad

By Crusader1307

While by today's standards, The Jihad had many meanings (and uses in The Muslim World), it developed from just before The Crusades. In Arabic meaning - “Holy War”, (Gihad) – it was written in The Koran (and widely used by early Caliphs to wage war. Regardless of “Muslim against Muslim” or “Muslim against non-Muslim” - the end result was to declare war on a “non-believer” in Islam (or persons NOT in accordance with The Caliph!). It was stated (The Koran), that it was the duty of every Muslim to make war against an “infidel” (non-believer). By dying while doing so – meant a quick entry into Paradise. The Jihad was a useful tool to motivate early Muslim soldiers. It carried an attractive inducement to fight to the death. However, as Islam spread, a more “spiritual” meaning for Jihad developed. It was now used to imply that a Muslim was constantly at war with his inner “demons” (those blocking his blessings and eventual redemption into Paradise). The “paradox” became seen in The Crusades. While engaging in war with The Christian, a Muslim would fight (to the death) – a Jihad. In peace, he fought with his inner bad judgments. Christian Crusaders used a very similar “tactic” to induce fighting for their side as well.