"Yes, the word 'jihad' has several, including some peaceful, meanings - but that doesn't change the fact that most authoritative Islamic texts and systems of jurisprudence maintain that its primary meaning is 'warfare to subjugate the world to Islam'" This is what I have been saying for years. It is surprising, and refreshing, to see it said in the New York Daily News.
"Call radical Islam by its name," by Tawfik Hamid in, of all places, the New York Daily News, May 19 (thanks to all who sent this in):
Recently, the Bush administration opened up a sad new front in the war on terrorism: a battle against words. Yes, the federal government has begun a concerted effort to make certain terms effectively off-limits in official communications. It's all included in a new memo prepared by the Extremist Messaging Branch of the National Counter Terrorism Center, called "Words that Work and Words that Don't: A Guide for Counterterrorism Communication."
"It's not what you say but what they hear," says the memo, in bold, italic lettering.
Among the verboten (or think-twice-before-you-say-them) words: "Jihadist" and "Mujahedeen" (which should be replaced by "violent extremist" or "terrorist") and "Islamo-fascism."
In the eyes of the feds, the use of such terminology boosts support for radicals by giving them an air of religious credibility, and turning off moderate Muslims who might otherwise sympathize with our anti-terror cause.
As a Muslim reformer - who once counted himself among the world's Islamists and jihadists before turning away from terrorism and toward liberalism - I consider this a tragically flawed understanding of the war on terrorism in which we are now engaged.
The real way to strengthen moderate Muslims in their fight against the radicals is to spotlight radical teachings and flush out those who believe in them.
Among the most important qualities of any professional are honesty, objectivity and forthrightness - the ability to determine and present facts as they are, irrespective of the preconceived notions of any particular audience.
This is especially true in war: define your enemy correctly, and you will rally legitimate allies to your side. Blur what a battle is about and, stuck in the muddle, you are bound to lose.
Yes, the word "jihad" has several, including some peaceful, meanings - but that doesn't change the fact that most authoritative Islamic texts and systems of jurisprudence maintain that its primary meaning is "warfare to subjugate the world to Islam." Closely allied with this predominant concept of jihad is the threefold choice given to infidels: conversion, submission and tribute or death. And it is simply a fact that jihad, as taught by Sunni Islam's four schools of jurisprudence, is either a war to defend Muslims or to impose Islam on non-Muslims.
It may be uncomfortable to admit these facts - and doing so may run certain risks. But it is true, and the costs of ignoring reality are far higher than the benefits of glossing over it....
Thanks Jihad Watch
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