The Misappropriation of Jihad: Understanding the 9/11 Attacks, True Islamic Teachings, and the Impact of Educational Failures

The September 11, 2001 attacks were orchestrated by al-Qaeda under the guise of jihad, led by Osama bin Laden, who framed the attacks as a response to grievances against the United States and its allies. Bin Laden cited various injustices, including U.S. support for Israel and military presence in Saudi Arabia, as motivations for the assaults. However, the term "jihad" has a broader meaning in Islamic teachings, defined as "struggle" or "striving," encompassing both an internal (greater) and external (lesser) dimension. The greater jihad refers to the personal, spiritual struggle to align with Islamic principles, while the lesser jihad pertains to defense against aggression. Misinterpretations of jihad, particularly by extremist groups, have emphasized its military aspects at the expense of its spiritual significance. Such groups manipulate Islamic texts to justify violence, often targeting vulnerable individuals for recruitment. While modern scholars have highlighted the non-military aspects of jihad, extremist interpretations dominate the narrative, leading to a distorted understanding of the concept. Overall, the misuse of jihad for violent ends contrasts sharply with its foundational teachings in Islam, which prioritize internal struggle and peaceful coexistence.