hmmmmmmm..........

I found Milestones to be almost confusing as it tried to justify Jihaad. Qutb repeatedly writes that “Islam is a declaration of freedom of men from the servitude of other men,” for which Jihaad is condoned by God to create this freedom (133). Islam’s goal is to rid the earth of all governments that oppress the practice of Islam; the religion that is to be followed by the whole world. First, what confuses me is that Islam wants to get rid of all other governments to establish another government that derives its laws from only God. However, wouldn’t this government need people to take an authority position to make sure God’s laws are adhered to? And if that is so, then there would still be men in an authority position over other men. Furthermore, Qutb says that under a government run by Islam that people would be free to choose whether or not they want to follow Islam. Yet, if it is a government run by Islam, with laws established that are directly from the Islamic god; doesn’t that defeat the purpose of the freedom Islam is working toward? Islam would then be creating a government that is oppressing a different religion to follow the laws of their religion, removing that freedom of choice. Now, I understand the Muslims believe that Islam is the only correct religion in the world, like most religions, but they would still be violating the spiritual freedom they think is so important. And if this freedom is only the freedom to try the practice of Islam, then it is not truly freedom at all. Lastly, I was in no way convinced that Jihaad is acceptable, even as I tried to read this article objectively. I understand that God gave Muslims steps to follow in order to spread the word of Islam, and that war and violence was a part of these steps (side note: I also feel that these step sounded more like the strategy created by a man on how to take religious control, not God, who should only want those whole heartedly believe to worship him and not those who are forced). However, I personally do not think a war for religion is appropriate, as it usually contradicts the religion’s teachings. I have never been able to understand why we can’t just let people worship they way they wish to. Why is one way correct? Why must other people believe what we do? And why is it ever worth killing another human over?