Muslims

What connections do Muslims world wide have to Jerusalem?
To Muslims, Jerusalem is Al Quds (the Holy).  Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad made a journey from Mecca to Jerusalem in 621 C.E. (Christian Era) where he ascended to heaven and talked with God.  Al-Aqsa Mosque is known as the farthest mosque in honor of this farthest journey the prophet Muhammad made.  Along with the Dome of the Rock, it is located on the Holy Sanctuary (Haram ash-Sharif) in Jerusalem.  Praying at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem is a religious practice and it is suggested that it be visited in the same year as Mecca and Medina on the "long hajj".  A prayer offered there is worth 500 prayers elsewhere.

     In terms of government, Palestine, along with the city of Jerusalem, became predominantly Muslim and Arab by the end of the 7th century and was known by its Arab name, "Filastin". During the ups and downs of history it remained a predominantly Muslim and Arab area even though various empires overran it and ruled it.  In 1516 Palestine became a province of the Ottoman Empire, but it retained its Arab culture and language as well as its Muslim majority.

What is Jihad?
 The Arabic word "Jihad" means exerting an effort and struggling in the path of God.  It is basically a struggle for peace and justice, and outwardly carries a moral responsibility, while inwardly conveys a devotional struggle.  Jihad calls Muslims to stand for those who are occupied and who are oppressed because of their religion.  The highest form of Jihad is the personal struggle to make oneself a better Muslim and to overcome one's lower instincts. 

In the Western mind Jihad is equated with a war waged against non-Muslims or a Holy War (a Christian term).  Some Muslim extremists make reference to Jihad mainly in its military meaning.  Unfortunately the term has been used in the media to mean any and only war involving Muslims.  This means that the common usage in the West has now distorted its original use.

What is the Muslim attitude toward war and killing?
Islam teaches that the military option can be used if it is the only option to stop a greater evil.  It also allows for armed self-defense if Islam as a religion is threatened.  In this sense, Jihad is more like a Christian Just War concept than a Christian Holy War concept.  Not every military campaign is a Jihad.