Bismillah

A retaliation, even if it is for an american military boot stepping on the territory of another country, for pointing a gun at an unarmed person and pressing dirty boot against his face to secure him,... there are too many specific instances to retaliate for. (Now don't just go and spin it into "MOCKBA supporting terrorists and approving bombing of London"). You can never stop tracing back the date of who started it first? However, September 11 is not beginning of era to me, as it is to some.

B: Mockba, this is a fair observation about the era going back further than 9/11 and also about wondering who started what.  Yes, this does add significantly to the complexity of what we're dealing with, making it harder to understand and more difficult to be dogmatic (for example to say "US EVIL" or to say "ISLAM EVIL."  In fact understanding, grace and forgiveness needs to happen on massive scales between Muslims and non-Muslims if we're ever to move on and up from here into anything resembling lasting peace..

As far as your difficult question is concerned. I personally believe that this is all happening primarily as a result of Islam not being reflected in action by Muslims. The leaders have traded Islam for royal thrones, and people have allowed themselves tricked into supporting such move and praising their Kings and Idols. Once people distance themselves from God's commands their destruction (moral, physical, spiritual etc.) is only a matter of time.

As far as "just jihad" is concerned, your question is not very clear. I believe in Allah, and if He prescribes jihad, whether reflected in seeking knowledge, restraining myself from evil deeds, earning a living or taking action to protect my family and brethren then i try to obey to the best of my ability. Jihad cannot be unjust... therefore using "just" as an additional emphasis is unnecessary. I undertsand you have launched a separate thread on the subject and there were some very good responses to your enquiry.  

B: Once again, very interesting comments.  Thanks for taking the time to elaborate.  Some questions: How do you, as a Muslim, personally know when Allah is 'prescribing' jihad?   What do you think about AQ co-opting Islam for their own purposes, or the regimes you spoke of - is jihad required against them too?  How will it look, how will it come about, how will Allah make it clear to you?  have you ever personally been involved in a jihad and do you anticipate being involved in a jihad?

Again, May the Great God bless and keep you and your family in peace..

Come to Spain. Okay, I agree on England. We will go to a nice bar,