I was hoping Kuldeep would post before I got back to the thread, with his Hindu perspective on war. His view seems more like the Muslim Jihad. If we see 9/11 as an attack on the New World Order specifically targeting the institutions of the New World Order, the World Trade Center and Pentagon, then it could be judged as a defense against oppression, and I would bet this is how Bin Laden saw the action.
It would be nice if our rules of freedom of speech, included his explanation of the action. Anyway, here is a Muslim voice on the issue of the Koran and war.
Quote:
Koran a Book of Peace, Not War, Scholars Say
"The Koran is very specific with regard to the nature of human struggle, because in order for a human to be at peace with himself, they must control their baser instincts," says Nyang.
The quest to control base instincts such as greed, lust, and cruelty and to seek spiritual purity is known by Muslims as the "great jihad." Featured widely in the Koran, the "great jihad" is a person's most important internal struggle.
Nyang quotes Chapter 3, verse 172, of the Koran: "Of those who answered the call of Allah and the messenger, even after being wounded, those who do right and refrain from wrong have a great reward."
But also in the holy scripture is a reference to "lower jihad," a more earthly and physical—and controversial—struggle. "To those against whom war is made, permission is given [to fight] because they are wronged; and verily, God is most powerful for their aid," quotes Nyang.
This verse speaks of combat or war to be waged against one's oppressors—a struggle sanctioned by God.
But the Koran also states in Chapter 2, Verse 190: "Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors."
The essence of the verse, Nyang says, is to fight back "if you are attacked by your persecutors, but don't fight back indiscriminately. Follow the rules of engagement." According to mainstream Muslim clerics, those "rules of engagement"' are explicit: women, children, and innocent civilians are off limits.
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