30.06.2007

True Conception of Jihad Was Discussed in Kiev on the Scientific Colloquium

In his speech S. Arifov has disclosed Shariah concept of Jihad, its definition, purposes, kinds, rules and conditions.

Kiev, May, 31. - The scientific meeting on vital topic - "The Concept of Jihad" took place in Kiev. Its purpose was to report the objective information and to destroy stereotypes concerning this aspect of Islam.

On May, 31, the scientific colloquium took place in Kiev Islamic social cultural center with the participation of leading experts in the field of Islamic and oriental studies. On the event were also present teachers, post-graduate students and students of Ukrainian universities.

The colloquium’s program consisted of the report of Master of Shariah sciences Seyran Arifov and discussion of the topic.

In his speech S. Arifov has disclosed Shariah concept of Jihad, its definition, purposes, kinds, rules and conditions. "The word "jihad" stems from the Arabic verb "jahada" - to try, to make an effort. In religious terminology it designates diligence and staining every effort to perform religious obligations, to do good deeds, he said.

"The Shariah considers several kinds of jihad: jihad against the vices of our souls, jihad against the devil and jihad against enemies. Enemies, not non-believers, as many people think", has emphasized the lecturer.

S. Arifov has remarked: "Islam forbids military aggression and does not call for enmity, but allows to resist attacks or interventions to protect life, family, property, the native land and religion; to maintain freedom of worship of Moslems. It is also necessary to punish those who violate agreements and the criminals, even if they are Moslems".

The lecturer has explained the rules of conducting military jihad: "It is forbidden to kill women, children and old men. Moreover, it is not allowed to cut trees on the enemy’s territory. Islam forbids doing violence to the bodies of killed enemies and orders to practice humane attitude to the captured".

On end of the report has followed active discussion of the topic in the course of which all present agreed upon the fact that nowadays prevails incorrect understanding of Jihad and Islam.

One active participant of the discussion, the member of organization of Ukrainian orientalists, the former first ambassador of Ukraine in France, and nowadays the editor-in-chief of the magazine "Eastern world", Yu.N. Kochubey has remarked: "Islam is the complete system which concerns many aspects of human life. Unfortunately, nowadays the majority of mass-media while speaking about Islam concentrates upon perverted understanding of Jihad and "oppressed" position of women, but for some reason they fail to mention about spiritual and social wealth of this religion and huge contribution of Islamic scientists to the development of civilization".

In the course of the discussion some teachers expressed their regret concerning shortage of literature which presents trustworthy information about Islam and Moslems in libraries of Ukrainian universities.

All present have unanimously expressed their hope for further conducting of similar events which would aim at spreading of correct understanding of Islam.

Information Department of "Arraid"

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