Three Stages of Jihad

Gene Gurganus, former missionary to Muslims, explains that there are three stages of Islamic jihad (Peril of Islam, pp. 114-115). First there is the weakened stage, which applies to Muslims living as a minority in a non-Muslim country. “At this stage, Muslims follow the word given to Mohammed in Mecca: ‘There is no compulsion in religion’ (Surah 2:256).” Second, there is the preparation stage, which is reached when Muslims are a reasonably influential minority. At this stage they make preparations in every possible area--financial, physical, military, mental and any other. Surah 8:59-60 says, “Against them [unbelievers] make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts) of the enemies of Allah and your enemies, and others besides whom you may not know, but whom Allah knows.” The third stage is the jihad stage, which commences “when Muslims are a minority with strength, influence and power.” At this stage “every Muslim’s duty is to actively fight the enemy, overturning the system of the non-Muslim country and establishing Islamic authority.” This stage is based on the final revelation Mohammed received concerning jihad, which is Surah 9:5 -- “Fight and slay the Pagans wherever you find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem [of war].” Thus, “Muslims are commanded to kill everyone who chooses not to convert to Islam. The verse says wherever you find them. There are no geographical limits” (Peril of Islam, p. 114).

(Friday Church News Notes, July 24, 2015,www.wayoflife.org, [email protected], 866-295-4143)

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