Jihad is misused by fundamentalists. The Quranic meaning is not meant for war at all, in the sense of killing.
Asghar Ali EngineerI am not an individualist in the Western sense. Collectivism can become oppressive when it tries to dictate; the rights of the two should not clash.
Asghar Ali EngineerQuran says do not abuse others' gods, they will abuse Allah. But most people do not believe in this... they feel their way is the only right one. This is to maintain religious hegemony.
Asghar Ali EngineerReligion helps you relate with the universe. Buddha was indifferent to the concept of god yet he gave us values.
Asghar Ali EngineerThe individual cannot exist on his/her own and the collectivism should respect freedom of conscience. My struggle is about the freedom of thought.
Asghar Ali EngineerThose who take to guns could do so due to deprivation, suppression, or historical legacy. The Afghans have lived through violence for centuries, by the Mughals, the Russians, their own people, so they have always had to fight for freedom... we cannot take away the context. But they legitimised it by using jihad, a religious sanction, so they could be seen as mujahids, fighting for Allah. And you cannot say there is nothing concrete.
Asghar Ali Engineer