A Common Misconception about Islam

he media today spreads the misconception that Islam promotes "jihad" to spread Islam by the sword and kill all unbelievers. Unfortunately this claim is simply inaccurate and is causing a lot of friction between the Muslim and non-Muslim communities of the world. The word Jihad stems from an Arabic word which means "to strive". In some translations, Jihad is listed as a "struggle". Jihad simply does not mean "blow up the infidels". Jihad is a word that has been given a political and negative connotation; similar to other words in the evolution of our language. To say that one is involved in "jihad" is equivalent to saying "I am involved in a religious protest against abortion." However politically charged that statement might be; it is not considered dangerous, nor are you considered a radical. Jihad is simply pushing through a tough time in the name of Islam. Mohammed Ali was a participant in jihad, because he stood up for his religious beliefs and did not join the war effort, despite the consequences. The Quran, which is Islam's religious text, states that "persecution is worse than slaughter" and "let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression" (Qur'an 2:190-193). Islam is a relgion just like any other, those who practice it have a right to defend themselves. If one is attacking innocent people, they are NOT practicing Islam, therefore one cannot look to them as an example of Islam. Terrorists might be killing people in the name of Islam, but they are not representing Islam, nor practicing it. Misrepresentation of Islam and its principles is something that causes much heartache to the people who know and love the true beauty of Islam.