The universalism of Islam, in its all-embracing creed, is imposed on the believers as a continuous process of warfare, psychological and political, if not strictly military. . . . The Jihad, accordingly, may be stated as a doctrine of a permanent state of war, not continuous fighting.” — Majid Khadduri
The Quranic Concept of War
http://strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/parameters/Articles/06winter/win-ess.pdf
‘Universalism’— That’s very true. It’s how they sell it to non-belivers & believers alike, when at an active war or not.
I had a few discussions with a ‘quiest’ muslim several yrs ago. When i talked about islamic concepts, ranging from pre-zoroastrian times to post christianity, concepts such as equality among people (not genders), war, civilization, alcohol, fasting, food, monotheism, dresscode, politics, countries & their boundaries, education, etc.. her words were whatever you say is/has been part of islam; ‘that’s islam’ (even when i said & quoted pre-islamic facts); that islam was obviously & relatively a newcomer in ‘world religions’. She maintained her ground that all i suggested were positive & perfected elements in islam.
Now, i can personally argue with that; but as a selling tool how can we convince believers & those gullible otherwise? Islam is positioned as ‘universal, all embracing’.
In the end, she said islam completes all flaws noted & stemming from other preceding religions, and perfects them.
In relation to war, she didn’t take it as a negative & said there are 2 types of jihad. 1) defensive; when others attack you. 2) offensive; when you attack to bring ‘true belief & faith’ to others - whatever the means.