Striving in the Path of God

"Striving in the Path of God" by Asma Afsaruddin offers a comprehensive analysis of the concept of "jihad" and the associated ideas of martyrdom in Islam. In mainstream literature, jihad is often exclusively associated with armed struggle, leading to a one-sided perspective. Afsaruddin questions these assumptions and sheds light on the diverse meanings of the term that have developed over the centuries. By examining historical and contemporary discourses, she demonstrates that the military interpretation of jihad is not the only or authentic one. The book encourages readers to understand the complex and often contested meanings of jihad and martyrdom that have emerged in various social and political contexts. It is a critical engagement with the language and ideologies used by radical groups and provides a nuanced perspective on the religious and philosophical dimensions of these concepts.