Sheikh Moussa Kamara's Islamic Critique of Jihadists

Shaykh Moussa Kamara was a prolific 20th-century writer who opposed jihad, arguing that it could not be conducted without killing other Muslims or innocent civilians and that it breached one of Islam's main principles of preserving life. He drew evidence from Prophet Muhammad's social life, the bloody legacy of jihad among his companions, the opinions of pious scholars and Sufi saints, and his lived-experience of the economic devastation caused by jihadists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Shaykh Moussa Kamara, a towering figure in the realm of literature during the 20th century, left an indelible mark on numerous disciplines. His intellectual prowess encompassed the study of human civilizations, the ethnography of Sudanic Africa, theology, and poetry, making him a polymath of remarkable proportions. Among his most influential works, his stance against jihad stands out as a seminal contribution to the discourse. Presented in this English translation and commentary, it expounds upon the futility of waging jihad bis-Sayf, as it inherently involves the killing of fellow Muslims or innocent civilians of any persuasion. By its very nature, jihad violates one of the fundamental principles of Islam, which is the preservation of life. To reinforce this argument, Kamara draws upon a wealth of evidence, including the social life of Prophet Muhammad, the bloody legacy of jihad among his companions after his death, the opinions of pious scholars and Sufi saints on the subject, as well as his personal experiences of the economic devastation caused by jihadists, or Pseudo-Jihadists, as he himself coined them.

Furthermore, Kamara goes beyond mere theoretical discussions and presents a compelling case for the necessity of self-defense in the name of jihad. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a balance of power with the enemy, fostering unity among Muslims, and appointing a legitimate leader who can authorize the waging of jihad. Through his profound insights and meticulous scholarship, Shaykh Moussa Kamara has left an enduring legacy that continues to shape our understanding of religion, society, and the complex dynamics of conflict.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666933864