Jihad As a Form of Entertainment

My mom’s background is in psychology. She always tells me that the greatest enemy youths can succumb to, is too much free time. Here I’m posting a very thought provoking comment made by Finnpundit in a previous post of mine.

Islam doesn’t much discuss the problem of entertainment, and leisure, does it? When societies get affluent enough, there will be a surplus of free time. The notion of “struggle” becomes an anachronism. I don’t see why jihad needs to be thought of as a given. How about a life of living it easy? It’s possible, you know. And if everything needs to be seen as a struggle, then doesn’t that imply something about the person holding that view?

When I think of all the wealth in Saudi Arabia, with free medical care and cradle-to-grave social security, and masses of young people with nothing to do, - as immigrants do all the hard work - I can see all that free time creating conditions for some twisted forms of entertainment.

In a world where leisure is prevalent, the jihadist will probably see jihad as a form of entertainment.

13 Responses to “Jihad As a Form of Entertainment”

1. Aimster on August 24th, 2006 1:18 pm

   The concept of struggle often brings me to think about Mussolini and Fascism. Which I actually think is anachronistic in itself.

   If you’re not familiar with this particular story, Mussolini was of the opinion that only competition and conflict guarantee human progression and ensure that the strongest will prosper. Basically, it’s the survival of the fittest. Those who are talented and hardworking will be rewarded, but those who are lazy and incompetent will be punished.
   He was a strong advocator of Nietzsche’s “will to power” meaning all humans are motivated by emotions, rather than rationality. Natural qualities can only be cultivated through conflict and demonstrated by conquest and victory.

   Anyway, the point I’m trying to make, is that people don’t need to struggle to survive. [Fascism came undone in the end….]
   I agree with Finnpundit (though I don’t know if he will agree with me lol)
   In our modern society (emphasis on modern) where I don’t believe we “struggle” in the same way that the concept was initially created (though I do believe there are still struggles in daily life, Drima) It is very difficult to hold the same concept in our hearts.
   I those days, struggle was struggling to survive. Now it’s just struggling to make a living, or struggling to carry out a particular aspect of our life.
   LIke Finnpundit said, in Saudi Arabia, they probably do come up with some twisted form of Jihad because to them it is probably “a struggle” in their own sick way.

   and lets not forget, when struggle is involved, those who are deemed “unfit” are simply abandoned and victory of the strong is glorified. Power and strength are worshipped whereas weakness is despised and eliminated. The weak must be sacrificed for the common good.

   I’m not quite sure where this fits in, but when you talk about struggle, for me, this is what comes to mind. And it doesn’t sound very attractive does it?
   I guess it all depends on how we see “struggle” and after studying the ideology itself, this is the conclusion that I have made-though you might have your own definition…

   Anyway, this is getting very longwinded… I totally advocate entertainment and leisure. Struggle is a state of mind that keeps us going and pushing on to reach our goals. or we could just have determination instead -_-

2. Anonymous on August 24th, 2006 5:25 pm

   If someone is a practicing Muslim you would know because everything in their daily life revolves around Islam. The way we talk to people, they way we talk to our parents, we keep God close to our hearts, when we see something beautiful we say SubhanAllah, if you are truly devote you would not be in a void where you need to do something entertaining (what is entertainment, what senses does it please?), if Islam does rule the world, then we will go on doing what we devotes do now, spend time with our family, spend time with friends, read and listen and watch things that make us aware of this temporary life, and thank God for every good thing, inshallah everyone who says they are Muslim will follow the true Islam (submission of Allah), there is no other thing on this earth worth praise but God, and if you truly thought this over, I mean THINK, you would know the truth. God willing everyone will see peace in their lifetime. Back to the point on hand, entertainment for many people is basically a divulgence in the life of this world, the things that only benefit us for a small time and then we go back to a craving, Islam shows that you must strive for things that will benefit in the hereafter, and whatever that may be will surely benefit us in this world because it will keep us full, and we will not succumb to greed and we will be grateful and compassionate to our fellow man, muslim and non muslim alike, God willing.
   Assalaamu Alaikum

3. Finnpundit on August 24th, 2006 10:48 pm

   Sorry Anonymous, but all that airy-fairy talk in the end becomes too much effort. To be a Muslim who is devoted to the religion in a peaceful way is too much work! And, it is not exciting.

   It’s easier to indulge in more entertaining pursuits, such as imagining that Muslims have evil enemies which must be vanquished, in a jihad which, imaginatively, fulfills a lifetime and gives it meaning.

   In other words, it’s easier to give up the life of devotion, and pursue the life of jihadist adventure. Islam makes both interpretations possible, to the misfortune of millions of suffering people worldwide.

4. Anonymous on August 25th, 2006 7:57 am

   LOL, well that’s exactly the point, it is hard work, that is why it is the GREATER jihad the Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke of, it is a constant struggle (definition of Jihad),but it’s worth it for a sense of peace, and true salvation from God. Now I understand what you mean, but you have to realize that when the time comes, and we finally do get a leader to bring back our broken ummah (community). It would be at the same time Jesus Christ would appear, so to understand what I’m raving on about, you have to be religious yourself, this doesn’t fly well with agnostics or atheists ;0) When there is finally peace, the only Jihad we will be subjected to, is the one of the inner self.
   Salaam.

5. Finnpundit on August 25th, 2006 4:21 pm

   That’s all very fine and good, but why do the religious have to oppress others who simply want to enjoy life? Religion is a pain in the ass, pure and simple. What’s more, it seems to be a source of great evil in the world. The evidence is all there for all of us to see, on a regular basis.

   I have respect for religion that is quiet and contemplative. Yet most religion is all about making a statement to others, as if others are needed to validate its tenets. If that is so, then it ceases in being spiritual, and just becomes a form of fascism.

   Anyway, jihad is an especially insidious facet of the Islamic faith, as it neatly preys on those who find the quiet and contemplative aspects of religion quite boring. Furthermore, it provides a form of identity which is psycho-sexual in nature: the sense of completion as a human being which every human imagines is needed to reach satisfaction (though completion is always elusive, as dissatisfaction always steps in after a while). Finally, it provides a way to pass the time; it entertains.

   The certainty of jihadism, - the conviction that this or that particular struggle is ordained by God - reveals its real roots as the desire for completion. Thus it cannot abide the notion of momentary completions, or stages in life, or drift, or evolution, - or, for that matter, learning. It needs a constant struggle in an ideologically straight line, leading to completion in the eyes of God. This would be very boring indeed if necessary challenges and conflicts weren’t forthcoming from outside sources. Therefore, the jihadists becomes more entertained when real-life enemies are created, to challenge the attempt at completion.

   And the bigger the enemy, the better, as comic book artists know. It makes it all the more entertaining.

6. Drima on August 25th, 2006 10:21 pm

   Entertainment is enshrined in Islam but it all depends on how you define it. For example Allah gave us the gift of sex so we may enjoy it in this life. However He clearly instructs us to not abuse it but to engage in it within the bounds He has set. Hence, sex within marriage is a form of entertainment. Sex outside marriage is a sin. Some Muslims say sex is only to reproduce and that you’re not allowed to enjoy an orgasm. Ya, sure thing!

   The concept of inner struggle isn’t an ongoing process, Finnpundit. Once you attain peace of heart and mind, inner Jihad lessens considerably. We can live an easy life if we want to but we’re advised to struggle towards eliminating things like poverty and oppression.

   There’s huge disagreement amongst Muslims on the method of “elimination”. Also there’s huge disagreement regarding the meaning of entertainment. Someone questioned my dad previously over how he could allow me to have my own band, perform live, go to concerts, hang out with girls etc. My dad simply replied “if he’s not getting drunk, getting stoned, getting girls pregnant and he still manages to bring me home a nice grades, I don’t see any problem.” We can have fun but not “sinfull” fun.

7. hipster on August 26th, 2006 11:02 pm

   This post has been removed by the author.

8. hipster on August 26th, 2006 11:22 pm

   Drima, well-said.

   Yup, we can hang out in malls, go to the movies, go to the beach, have our own un mixed parties or even go to mixed parties(with our hijab on), have our own fashion shows,engage in all kind of fun sports,attend concerts(but my brother has to be with me), invite male friends at home(as long as my mom is around).We even have private beaches for the ladies.We do wateva we want as long as we do our prayers on time, are wearing the hijab, do not drink, do drugs,sleep around or harm others(as Drima stated above).The only places I don’t frequent are clubs & bars.The best part about the UAE is that no matter where you go, you will find mosques or prayer rooms everywhere.Heck, Islam is not a choking religion.We are allowed to laugh & enjoy ourselves as long as it is not over-indulgent & at the expense of our religious & moral duties.

9. The Raccoon on August 27th, 2006 5:12 am

   Uhm. Whatever has happened to the wild parties at the palace in Cordoba back in 972 AD?

   And did you read my argument on that thread about Islam-vs-Atheism at your blog, Hipster (was reminded by “religious & moral duties”)? I am eagerly looking forward to your reply

10. hipster on August 27th, 2006 6:16 am

    Yup, I have & I am currently in the process of collecting info to support my counter-refutal.Brace yourself:D

11. Anonymous on August 27th, 2006 12:48 pm

    Hipster, I can help you out on proof of religious moral obligations vs moral obligations in a secular stand view. Look at the behavior of people during the tsunami in Indonesia as opposed to the anarchy that erupted in New Orleans during Katrina, when the damage was not even a fourth of what occured in Aceh. The people of Aceh have acted in a way that just amazed people especially the kids in my old school who were the only students to help out during the crisis, International Islamic School in Malaysia, while New Orleans just become a running joke because of the way people who were suppose to be patrolling and helping civilians turned into criminals themselves, you can get accounts at CNN about the KATRINA KILLINGS.

12. Drima on August 27th, 2006 8:23 pm

    Anonymous, small world indeed. IIS huh? I know a few people who studied there. I bet you’re the same angry anonymous loitering around this blog 24/7. Get a freaking nickname please. I also bet you’re one of those angry American students who left and came here to Malaysia to study in IIS! I’ve heard tons of stories about that school. From your previous angry comments about America, I’m also guessing you’re of African origins.

    Anyways, do whatever suits you but venting your anger out on me won’t help at all. You’re simply wasting your time so I suggest you chill out a little bit.

    Peace

13. hipster on August 27th, 2006 11:29 pm

    Anonymous, thankx, an interesting observation.

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