owadays, there is a pressing need for a clear and comprehensive perception of certain Islamic concepts and terms. The misunderstanding of concepts and terms such as dar al-Islam, dar al-harb, ahl adh-dhimah, and jihad is responsible for serious mistakes on the part of both Muslims and non-Muslims. The lack of a correct perception of these terms, their historical contexts, their proper application, and their developing and changing nature has given rise to a set of ideas and acts that are totally alien to Islam.
At the same time, the lack of a proper understanding of these concepts and terms has produced a lot of prejudices against Islam and unfair judgments of its rulings. Some of these concepts emerged in certain historical contexts that should be taken into account. Otherwise, if they are taken out of their contexts, a misleading picture of Islam will inevitably be formed.
A good example is the categorization of the world into two abodes, the abode of Islam (dar al-Islam) and the abode of war (dar al-harb). Such categorization is not mentioned in the Qur'an, nor is it a fixed and unchangeable principle. Rather, it came in response to certain temporary circumstances within which this categorization was understandable and justified, but at the same time, it may not be suitable to our time.
Some Muslims want to put this categorization into effect nowadays; other people, such as the Western media, take it out of its context and judge Islam on its basis. Both attitudes are harmful and unfair.
This folder approaches these problematic questions, presenting moderate views on such issues as the abode of Islam and the abode of war, dhimmah and citizenship, security and force.
reffered by:http://www.islamonline.net
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