Jihad

Friday, July 14, 2017

The Arabic word jihad means “struggle.” This is holy war against non-Muslims in order to subdue or eradicate them by any means. The most important bases for jihad are found in the teachings of the Quran and the example of the life of Muhammad.

Muhammad waged wars, used violence, carried off booty from conquered enemies, established a state and a government, used the sword, killed people, and promised his followers gain (Sura 4: 94; 48: 19). In many passages, the Quran tells Muslims to war against non-Muslims. A well-known verse in the Quran says: “O Prophet, incite the believers to fight” (8:65).

Muslims believe that if they are killed in holy war they will have their sins forgiven and go to paradise. Sometimes when two Muslim groups are at war with each other, each faction considers the other an infidel group and declares the war a holy war.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, your Word tells us that the devil was a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44). So I pray against the spirit of hatred, violence and murder, the enemy who deceives people and makes them think they can gain eternal life by killing others. I stand against the adversary. I rebuke him in the name of Jesus and claim his defeat.

O God of peace, may many Muslims repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Transform them into vessels of honor to proclaim the Good News that Jesus brings life, love and peace. May their lives express his forgiveness and meekness, and may they become peacemakers (Psalm 37:11; Matthew 5:9).

For the sake of the One who bought our peace, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Promise

A thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10, REB).

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet (Romans 16:20, NIV).