Twenty-First Century Jihad

The term ¿jihad¿ has come to be used as a byword for fanaticism and Islam¿s allegedly implacable hostility towards the West. But, like other religious and political concepts, jihad has multiple resonances and associations, its meaning shifting over time and from place to place. Jihad has referred to movements of internal reform, spiritual struggle, social progress, self-defence and even poetic expression as much as to ¿holy war¿. Jihad, moreover, reflects principles and concerns by no means unique to Islam; understanding the evolution of this concept is crucial for engaging religion beyond Islam. Even among Muslim political, social and intellectual leaders, the meaning and significance of jihad remain subject to debate and controversy. Twenty-First Century Jihad contains vital analysis for those researching the role of religion in the modern world. It examinesthe ways in which the concept of jihad has changed, from its roots in the Qur¿an to its usage in current debate. It exploresfami