Fields Of Blood: Religion, And The History Of Violence

The topic of Jihadism is an interesting topic to Americans because of the growing conflict in the middle-east and parts of Africa. The interest comes from the little knowledge that most know about Jihadism and the Islamic religion. It is known that Islam shares the same God as Christianity and Judaism. An alternative meaning for Jihad is an internal struggle against your own sin. The Quran has received lots of controversy due to recent terrorist attacks from Islamic extremists. Jihadism is a term for the radical individuals among the Islamic faith who are willing to use violence to achieve the group’s goals. How much influence does Islam have on Jihadist activities?

In “Fields of Blood: Religion and the History of Violence” by (2014) Karen

30 Issue 3, p229-248. 20p. ACADEMIC SEARCH COMPLETE) by Amritha Venkatraman says that, “The extent to which violence can be used…remains unstipulated by the Quran…Jihadis should engage all means required to ensure that the enemy is defeated.” (Venkatraman 235) However, the Quran does not specify what methods of violence is not allowed. Which is likely some groups use acts terrorism because it installs fear along with the crime that is committed. In a culture unfamiliar with the religion it’s viewed as terrorism, although to those who believe in the cause it is a fight that’s worth all it

Beck states that many terrorist groups “justify… by claiming they are fighting a defensive jihad.” Sharify-Funk notices that violent jihadism has “fixated the attention of many Muslim activists…on the victory over others.” Spoerl quotes Crone in saying that “In classical law jihad is missionary warfare.” Violent Jihadism has an effect of desiring victory over others who do not share Islam as a belief. It is the desire to help growth of faith that is the influence of this form of jihad. Knowing about the goals of jihads would be helpful to understand the effect it has on