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Understanding Jihad 1st (first) edition Text Only

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Jihad is one of the most loaded and misunderstood terms in the news today. Contrary to popular understanding, the term does not mean "holy war." Nor does it simply refer to the inner spiritual struggle. This book, judiciously balanced, accessibly written, and highly relevant to today's events, unravels the tangled historical, intellectual, and political meanings of jihad. Looking closely at a range of sources from sacred Islamic texts to modern interpretations, Understanding Jihad opens a critically important perspective on the role of Islam in the contemporary world.As David Cook traces the practical and theoretical meanings of jihad, he cites from scriptural, legal, and newly translated texts to give readers a taste of the often ambiguous information that is used to construct Islamic doctrine. He looks closely at the life and teaching of the Prophet Muhammad and at the ramifications of the great Islamic conquests in 634 to 732 A.D. He sheds light on legal developments relevant to fighting and warfare, and places the internal, spiritual jihad within the larger context of Islamic religion. He describes some of the conflicts that occur in radical groups and shows how the more mainstream supporters of these groups have come to understand and justify violence. He has also included a special appendix of relevant documents including materials related to the September 11 attacks and published manifestoes issued by Osama bin Laden and Palestinian suicide-martyrs.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

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About the author

David Cook

12 books7 followers
David [5^] Cook

David Cook Ph.D.

David Cook's interests include the study of early Islam, Muslim apocalyptic literature and movements for radical social change, dreams, historical astronomy, Judeo-Arabic literature and West African Islam.

His most recent books are Understanding Jihad and Contemporary Muslim Apocalyptic Literature. He is currently working on a book on the theme of Islamic martyrdom for Cambridge University Press, and has published on the subject of martyrdom operations.

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Robert Davidson.
1 review
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February 13, 2013
The author, based on Islam's own sources gives an exemplary definition of Jihad He cuts through the Islamic apologist rhetoric and gets to the heart of the issue. This was a very well researched and documented book. The Author has ambiguously attested to the true violent nature Jihad. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to know the true meaning Of Jihad and violence and Islam.
262 reviews24 followers
August 5, 2014
Cook helps his readers do exactly what his title says. He carefully works his way through the sources about Jihad from Mohammad until the present day. He finds the evidence that jihad meant an internal struggle rather than military conflict historically wanting. He is sympathetic with Muslims who make these claims in the hope of reforming Islam, but he finds these claims historically inaccurate. Cook also finds fault with those who believe that since Islam historically spread by the sword that modern day Islamic terrorists stand within the mainstream of Islamic jihad. The use of martyrdom or suicide bombers and the targeting of non-military targets are two significant departures from the jihad tradition. The careful discussion of primary sources and the distinctions of varying views of jihad make this perhaps the best book on the subject.
Profile Image for Talat.
22 reviews34 followers
January 4, 2012
After reading a quartet of books on jihad, this one emerges as the most comprehensive and detailed. Cook systematically traces the history of jihad across the centuries and the globe to demonstrate how vital this principle has been in Muslim history. His point that jihad was waged in the context of an end of the world view is intriguing but this argument is not clearly established. Cook is especially diligent at presenting 20th century jihdist and Islamist movements and in his appendix offers a rich selection of literature from contemporary jihadists.
Profile Image for Nhu.
214 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2015
A very good introduction to jihad and Islamism. My main criticism is that he spouted out so many names (of people and books) that it can be overwhelming but it gave me a better understanding and more background information to synthesize the events of the Middle East right now. I wonder what he has to say about the rise of ISIS and Boko Harem...
Profile Image for Antony.
128 reviews5 followers
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August 3, 2011
Great scholarly book, apart from a few errors. Deserves to be more widely read.
2 reviews
May 15, 2013
Well sourced academic evaluation of the history and current application of Jihad.
226 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2019
David's argument has some of the "No True Scotsman" fallacy, arguing that the "spiritual jihad" has no historical legitimacy, because jihad was at one point military, and condemning all who say otherwise as "apologists writing for a western audience." That seems to deny the ability of religions to reinterpret themselves- I'd argue that most do. At the same time, I think he does genuinely attempt to be even-handed, and articulates some of the appeal of jihad. It goes unobserved that one of the verses cited concerning warfare is 9:111... and the most lethal jihadi attack on American soil took place on 9/11/01.

Fuller discussion here: https://jacobklehman.com/2018/01/28/m...
Profile Image for Sara.
38 reviews
May 16, 2022
Comprehensive book for initial study of Islam and the central role of the concept of jihad in it.
Profile Image for David Smiley.
72 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2015
Being 10 years old now it doesn't necessarily speak to the most recent events, however it is still a great read!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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