Explaining ISIS: Differences and misconception of Jihad and Qital

Jihad has long been at the center of debate on validity actions carried out by religion-based radical groups like Islamic State Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in justifying their acts using out-of-context Al-Quran verses Prophet Muhammad sayings to equate ancient war times with present day situation order create develop a heavily misled idea caliphate. This radicalization arguably contributes growing xenophobic sentiments toward Islam its followers through generalization made diverse parties especially Islamophobes. To unpack hugely contested notion jihad use ISIS, this study examines differences between concept qital. The non-war view is then presented discussions alternative interpretations Quranic hadiths exemplify wide understanding clarification jihad. paper employs qualitative approach analyze non-quantifiable variables that would include God’s decree Prophet. It further incorporates role important figures thoughts ultimately shaping warlike ideas are outdated disproportional current settings world. finds extremist have greatly influenced skewed thinkers eventually resulted negative connotations Such far from relevancy timely-appropriate if interpreted correctly. contemporary does not only apply person’s own struggles for his or her betterment but also advancement entire community non-aggressive manner. Keywords: hadith, jihad, misinterpretation, qital, takfirism.