Jehad means financial and physical sacrifice made for the protection and promotion of Islam. Jehad not only means to fight against the enemy but also to make a struggle for the promotion and enforcement of Islamic teachings. Jehad also teaches individuals to keep their desires and wants under the order of God (Allah) and uttering words of truth before tyrant ruler.
It is often how extremist groups justify their actions. Jehad is the name of an organized effort and its rules are defined in Islam e.g. nobody is allowed to kill enemy’s women, children and old ones during Jehad, likewise it is forbidden to burn crops or houses. All the terms and conditions are defined in Islam. So, any battle fought for Islam taking into account the rules the rules defined by Islam is Jehad. These rules differentiate Jehad from an ordinary battle. Without any organization and an “Amier” (commander), if someone starts an armed struggle then it cannot be called as Jehad.
However, it contradicts with the actions of terrorist groups like the LeT.
Kashmir Conflict
From the map, it can be seen that "Jammu and Kashmir" are along the border of India and Pakistan. For decades, three countries have been involved in the Kashmir conflict; India, China and Pakistan. The Kashmiris are also involved.
- India claims the entire former Dogra princely state of Jammu and Kashmir and presently administers approximately 43% of the region.
- India's claim is contested by Pakistan which controls approximately 37% of Kashmir, mainly Azad Kasmir(meaning "liberated kashmir")and the northern areas of Gilgit and Balistan.
- In addition, China controls 20% of Kashmir including Aksai Chin which it won following the brief Sino Indian War.
For years, Pakistan and India have been fighting for Kashmir. There has been three wars, in 1947, 1965 and 1999.
Why must we understand the Kashmir conflict?
Many of the LeT's activities are also related to the conflict between India and Pakistan.
Here is a link to an interesting article written recently that will give you more in-depth knowledge on the link between the LeT and the Kasmir conflict:
http://blogs.reuters.com/pakistan/2009/03/25/lashkar-e-taiba-threatens-more-violence-in-kashmir/
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Acknowledgements:
Wow, why are so many terrorist groups which justify their brutal actions as Jihad claimed that they are carrying out for Jihad?
ReplyDeleteinteresting posts with sufficient background information on the various conflicts. it would be better to include videos?
ReplyDeleteJenn^^ : " For years, Pakistan and India have been fighting for Kashmir. There has been three wars, in 1947, 1965 and 1999. "
ReplyDeleteCan you clarify who actually won or are they still fighting for Kashmir?
rachel: iteresting post and lots of information. mayi know what happened after this conflict? ;D
ReplyDeleteWow, very informative posts. It would be more attractive with more pictures/videos. :D
ReplyDeleteHsienhoon
very interesting blog, there is enough information on the terrorist group. Very well done.
ReplyDeleteJing Wen and gang -
ReplyDeleteThese are extremist views we're dealing with. These people will do anything if they are brainwashed over and over again that it is only right for the country and their religion.
Jenn -
ReplyDeleteHaha, I know. I guess that wasn't put up as clearly.
While China already gained control to Aksai Chin, India and Pakistan haven't ended the conflict. Both countries want full control.
Till now, there's tension between India and Pakisten, and it went overboard after the Mumbai attacks 2008.
Extra bit of information: Some Kashmiris now do not want to be with India or Pakistan. They want to be independent. The conflict continues till now.