One of the unique facets of Islam is jihad. Jihad means, "to struggle," and to some modern-day Muslims it is simply a "struggle with self." History, as well as the Quran proves, however, that jihad most commonly is understood to mean the holy war waged by the Muslim people throughout the ages, in order to reform the earth against those who reject Islamic law. According to Islamic law, the world is divided into three houses: the House of Islam, consisting of Muslims; the House of Peace, nations and peoples with whom Muslims have peace agreements; and the House of War, the rest of the world. It is the goal and duty of Muslims to spread Islamic law until it dominates the world. "Unlike other religions, Islam has as one of its most basic tenets the endless pursuit of jihad, the ongoing holy war being fought for conversion and domination, and all true Muslims believe in it and pursue it to some extent or another." The methods of jihad are varied however. Some Muslims might attempt economic jihad, others spiritual. But to many fundamentalists, the Muslims who take the Quran seriously and literally, spilling the blood of infidels (all who reject Allah) is true jihad. The power behind this type of jihad is promised rewards. According to David Hunt, "The only sure way in Islam of achieving Paradise is to sacrifice one’s life in jihad. Yes, suicide is forbidden as self-murder. But to sacrifice one’s life in killing infidels carries the highest reward. And what reward does Paradise bring to the jihad martyr? He is promised a palace of pearls in which are 70 mansions; inside each mansion are 70 houses and in each house a bed on which are 70 sheets and on each sheet a beautiful virgin. He is assured that he will have the appetite and strength of 100 men for food and sex. This fantastic dream is fed to Muslim boys from earliest childhood."
But does the Quran support the use of the sword in the spread of Islam? A strong case can be made in the affirmative since over one hundred verses command the Muslims to use violence to spread their faith. Following are some examples:
Sura 8:12 – Remember Thy Lord inspired the angels (with the message): "I am with you: give firmness to believers: I will instill terror into the hearts of the unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all their fingertips off them."
9:5 – Fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. (This is called "The verse of the Sword.")
17:16-17 – When we decide to destroy a population, we send a definite order to them who have the good things in life and yet transgress; so that Allah’s word is proven true against them: then we destroy them utterly. How many generations have we destroyed after Noah?
21:11 – How many were the populations we utterly destroyed because of their iniquities, setting up in their place other peoples.
5:33 – Those who make war against Allah and his apostle and spread disorders in the land shall be put to death or crucified or have their hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, or be banished from the country.
8:68 – It is not for any prophet to have prisoners until he has made wide slaughter in the land.
By reading some of these verses from the Quran I am sure that you realize that Islam is not a religion of peace. The media and people in general defend Islam and call it a religion of peace. After a careful study of Islam I find no peace in that religion. Islam is the biggest lies that the enemy has created. Millions of people follow Islam and the teachings of Mohammed and think that when they die they have a chance of being in heaven with Mohammed in eternity. I really hope that we as Christians deeply understand the deception of Islam and start praying so that God would open their eyes. I hear testimonies from people from all around the world how they converted from Islam to Christianity. Our God is a mighty God and answers prayers. I would humbly ask you to start praying and look for an opportunity to witness to Muslims.They too need the Savior. May the Lord help us not to forget this.