NSW: Jihad does not equate with holy war: Muslim spokesman

AAP General News (Australia)
08-28-2005
NSW: Jihad does not equate with holy war: Muslim spokesman

SYDNEY, Aug 28 AAP - The Arabic word jihad does not solely equate with holy war and
the rise of Osama bin Laden has caused widespread misuse of the term, a Muslim cultural
spokesman has told a seminar.

More than 500 people gathered at the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque in Sydney today to hear
a series of lectures on the teachings of Islam during the mosque's annual open day.

Ahmet Keskin, director of Affinity Intercultural Foundation, a cultural group which
provides seminars and education on Islam, today told a group of about 30 people the word
jihad had been "misused and misunderstood".

"Jihad really means to strive or struggle - it does not equate to holy war," Mr Keskin said.

"It (the misconception) may have unfortunately made people apprehensive of the word."

The word jihad is used in a much broader context, such as a mother's struggle to bring
up her child in the best way possible, he said.

But al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden had used the word jihad in a more global
and political context, Mr Keskin said.

"Osama bin Laden is not my leader and his understanding of jihad is really outside
the context of true Islam," he said.

"He may have his agenda but the overwhelming majority of Muslims including this mosque,
condemns his acts in the name of Islam."

The Affinity Intercultural Foundation will hold an anti terror summit at Sydney's Seymour
Theatre Centre on September 11.

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KEYWORD: MOSQUE

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