New State Department lexicon forbids use of the words "jihad" or "jihadist"

Jihad Watch ^ | April 22 08 | Robert Spencer

[camerakid400]

A reliable source has informed me that Condoleeza Rice has approved a new lexicon for State Department usage, absolutely forbidding the use of the terms "jihad" and "jihadist" by any State Department official.

The argument, of course, is the old Streusand/Guirard claim that by using the word jihad, we're validating the jihadist claim to be waging jihad. Of course, it's ridiculous to think that the U.S. State Department carries any validating authority within the Islamic world to determine what is Islam and what isn't. This would be the first time that unbelievers have set the meaning of Islamic theology for Muslims.

Also, the claim is that by using the word "jihad," we are insulting the peaceful Muslims who are waging the daily jihad of the struggle against sin, the struggle against the dirty dishes, etc. And that's great, if that's what any Muslim actually believes is the sum and substance of jihad, but it is an understanding of jihad that is at odds with the Qur'an, the Sunnah, and all the schools of Islamic jurisprudence. Will Muslims be insulted by a reference to other Muslims using the traditional primary meaning of jihad? Answer: probably. But that doesn't negate the traditional status of that meaning, or the influence of that traditional view in the Islamic world.

I will publish more information on this when possible.

[Blogger]

If true, she needs to go. We are not Europe.

[RSmithOpt]

What a bunch of spineless cowing yellow-bellied wimps running our government at all levels.

[pointsal]

Well, is S*** head okay?

[davidlachnicht]

It could be this:
In order to throw a bone to the so-called moderate-Muslims,
we'll now treat the word 'jihad' with reverence,
and try to rescue the word from the extremists.

It's probably too late, and 'jihad' in Islam has gone the
way of the Turk's swastika and the Confederates battle flag.

[SolidWood]

I won't put it past Rice, but "A reliable source has informed me that Condoleeza Rice has approved" is not enough for me. I sure hope it's not true.

[SolidWood]

Turk’s swastika? The swastika can be found in almost every culture from pre-Columbian Americas over China and India to Europe.

[Bahbah]

I guess the belief is that if we don’t say the word, the problem will simply disappear.

I’m sure this will work well.

[Fresh Wind]

So, how are they supposed to refer to the group “Palestinian Islamic Jihad”?

[Neidermeyer]

One of Bush’s bigest failings was in not cleaning State in Jan/2001 ... just look at how the disease is spreading..

[MrB]

If we don’t get over the PC crap of refusing to define the enemy and their goals,

we’re going to all be “assintheairtowardthewest” in a couple of generations.

[weegee]

BS that it doesn’t mean holy war. BS that it refers commonly to your own daily struggle against temptation and a general lack of Islamic belief in the Western world.

From Ask The Imam:

http://www.islam.tc/ask-imam/index.php

Ask-Imam.com > Search for > jihad > 40 matches found

Why is it that tabligh brother aren’t fighting jihad, Basic Tenets of Faith, 2006-03-24

Is Jihad a Fard ‘Ayn Duty on every Muslim at this point in time, considering Palestine, Chechnya, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Iraq, Phillipines... Islamic Politics, 2005-02-02

Some people from my colleg launched an attack on me, they floowed me out to Las Vegas and almost had some one kill me twice.Should i launch Jihad Psychological and Social, 2004-08-11

I have a question about offensive Jihad. Does it mean that we are to attack even those non-Muslims which don’t do anything against Islam just because we have to propagate Islam? Islamic Politics, 2004-07-13

I wish to inquire as to what the arabic term for holy war is. In the media that I came across lately, Jihad was used as term of reference which I understand is incorrect. Miscellaneous, 2004-06-15

http://www.islam.tc/ask-imam/view.php?q=11919

I want to go for jihad,but work prohibits me to do so,what could I do to go for Jihad as soon as possible Islamic Politics, 2004-05-26

Is Jihad Fardh on every single (Male) Muslim in UK (considering the fact that the majority of the Muslims don’t even perform their 5 times daily salaah - an immediate Fardh ??? Islamic Politics, 2004-03-10

Recently I saw a question on the status of women taken as prisoners during Jihad. Basic Tenets of Faith, 2004-02-24

Have most Imams declared a holy jihad against infidels, and that killing them assures them a place in heaven? Islamic Politics, 2004-01-08

A tablighi brother told that one of the conditions of Jihad to be a sharai Jihad is that there should be a Caliph among the Muslims. Jurisprudence and Rulings (Fiqh), 2003-08-11

1. Is Tabligh Jamath supports the Jihad (holy war)? 2. Is there anything called Islamic dress? Jurisprudence and Rulings (Fiqh), 2003-06-11

I have heard that musical instruments are only allowed to be used in jihad music. is this true could you prove with hadith and quran. Islamic Politics, 2003-04-17

Iraq’s central region follows the hanafi madhab also saddam hussiens rebublican guard. When scholars of Iraq issue fatwa for jihad, is it fardz upon the ummah ?... Islamic Politics, 2003-04-03

If the jihad in Palestine is true Jihad where everyone is supposed to go why is it no one is going to fight... Islamic Politics, 2003-02-26

the us claimed that the al qaida hijackers had a book that said they should shave off their beards ,is this allowed in jihad Islamic Politics, 2002-12-23

Is the Jihad in Chechny and Palestine a ligimit Jihad ? Islamic Politics, 2002-12-03

Why is there a difference of opinion in Ulema in considering Jihad as farz-e-aein or farz-e-kifaya these days? Jurisprudence and Rulings (Fiqh), 2002-10-10

Should i Ask my mothers permission to go to jihad in AFGHANISTAN or PALESTINE? Jurisprudence and Rulings (Fiqh), 2002-10-01

I would like to goto Jihad in Palestine to free MAshid Al-Aqsa, without my mothers permission is allowed? Islamic Politics, 2002-08-13

Is it permissible to wage (Physical War) Jihad against Israel, U.S. and India (for there role in Gujrat Muslims Carnage)? Islamic Politics, 2002-07-28

recently I’ve been talkin’ to ‘jihadis’, who say if Islam brings me peace, I have chosen the wrong religion, they say blood of kafir is halal, it is permissible to kill any nonmuslim Islamic Politics, 2002-07-18

As jihad is fard ayn why are scholars so scared to incite the believers to do jihad, Islamic Politics, 2002-05-24

Will it be fardh for every muslim to go for jihad if it is declared? Islamic Politics, 2002-03-29

Could you please tell me if the Prophet of Allah, Muhammad s.a.w. ever killed anybody in Jihad ie. by his own hands or sword. JazakAllah History and Biography, 2002-02-02

ass. wr. wb. I heard some one said there are 12 branches of Jihad, and Qithal is one of them. Please kindly explain! wass. wr.w b. Miscellaneous, 2001-12-21

http://www.islam.tc/ask-imam/view.php?q=4170

Salam.Can true lovers atleast see each (not enganged)and why aren’t we Muslims everywhere in Jihad against America yet? Inviting to Islam, 2001-12-21

Is it fardh on the muslims of america britain etc. to go for jihad in afghanistan ? Jurisprudence and Rulings (Fiqh), 2001-11-04

Q.1:what are the duties of muslim women if war (jihad) breaks out ? Q.2:Is Qunoot-e-nazila recited after surah Fatiha, or after any surat after surah ?Fatiha Miscellaneous, 2001-09-24

What is your opinion of Sheikh Abdullah Faisal who is currently in London, UK (www.islamicjihad.com). And Sheikh Salman al-Awdah and Sheikh Safar al-Hawaali? History and Biography, 2001-06-30

Are Hind and Isa (AS) times’ Jihad more favourable to Allah (SWT) than Badr, Uhud etc. that our beloved Prophet (PBUH) fought himself? Which martyrs are great amongst those Jihads? Beliefs and Practices (Aqeedah), 2001-06-16

can u take steriods to train yourself for jihad is this allowed? Food and Nourishment, 2001-05-12

Social obligation for going to Jihad Psychological and Social, 2001-04-14

if you want to go to jihad do you have to get permisssion from your parents, please explain. Beliefs and Practices (Aqeedah), 2001-03-29

Please give me details of the hadith refering about the Jihad in Hind(India)? Hadith, 2001-01-29

What does shariah say regarding the rights of parents when going on Jammat/Jihad? Please explain with daleels if possible. Inviting to Islam, 2000-11-03

Can you take steriods to train yourself for jihad, is this allowed? Health and Wellness, 2000-10-24

Respected Mufti Saheb Is it permissible to have photos and videos taken of the Jihad that is being fought in Chechnya and place it on the internet for keeping the Muslims informed. Beliefs and Practices (Aqeedah), 2000-10-15

Is it obligatory for Muslim all over the world to go for Jihad against the Jews this time to liberate the Holyland in Palestine? Islamic Politics, 2000-10-15

I want to go jihad, I’m 18 years of age and read namaz 5-times a day, Do I need to have more knowledge of Islam to go to jihad or not? Please explain in detail, thanks. Basic Tenets of Faith, 2000-10-14

Is going to school (as in studying math and science) Jihad? Basic Tenets of Faith, 2000-08-27

[Flintlock]

Ane they’re pushing this JERK for VP?
God help us all.
What has happened to the very CONCEPT of leadership in the GOP?

[RipSawyer]

I agree with Rice that we should not call them “Jihadists”, that is their term and a name they are proud to wear. I propose that we call them what they are, rag head idiots.

[Vanders9]

Its not a question of treating the word with reverence, or even of throwing bones to the muslim majority. Words are IMPORTANT. By calling them Jihadists, by extension we are admitting their claim to be waging Jihad. We are admitting that we are fighting a war against Islam, and therefore, every muslim should be fighting us.

In fact, they have no legitimate grievance against us, even by the tortured logic of the Koran. Call them what they are: thugs, criminals, terrorists, anti-freedom fighters. People who think they know all the answers and want to IMPOSE those answers on the rest of us, at the point of a gun. People who are hate-filled, people who want to break down and destroy rather than build up and progress. Call them fascists, call them hypocrites, call them control freaks. If this is a cultural war (and I think it is) then label them what our culture thinks of them, now what theirs does.

[clee1]

Palestinian Death Cultists?

[niteowl77]

I detest the State Department almost as much as is possible without bursting an artery upon the mere mention of that benighted cadre of appeasers. From flipping off Finland prior to and during the Winter War, to screwing Mihailovic (and stopping for 30 years the acknowledgement of his help to downed American airmen as well... a very "progressive" tactic), to... well, whatever the H they are up to as of 08:00 CDT this morning, they have a history of sucking up to the worst monsters the world has to offer, and have an aptitude for being fooled - or co-opted - by evil every flippin' time.

Mr. niteowl77

[Just A Nobody]

OooooKay.

Hows about ..... Islamofacist Warmongers?

[Vanders9]

Great isnt it? “please tell me is this permissable”? “Can I do that?” “Is such and such allowed”? Anything rather than think yourself...

[weegee]

The proper name is the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Coalition. There can be no mention of Islamic or Jihad in the name of recognized Islamic Jihadist groups.