New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) The president of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind (JUH), Maulana Mahmood Madani, stated in an exclusive interview with IANS on Wednesday that the idea of 'jihad' is crucial not just for Muslims, but for the entire nation. He emphasized that it should be integrated into school curricula to help children grasp its true meaning and significance.

He explained that 'jihad', traditionally understood as a struggle against the adversaries of Islam or a defense of the Muslim community, has often been misconstrued and unfairly associated with violence.

Madani accused certain individuals, who claim to follow Sanatan Dharma and other faiths, of intentionally misrepresenting the sacred Islamic notion of jihad and linking it to terrorism.

His remarks surfaced during a time of controversy following the arrest of the Al-Falah University chairman, with some of those implicated in the Delhi blast connected to the institution. The JUH chief received significant backlash for recent comments made at a press conference in Bhopal, where he stated, “Whenever injustice occurs, there will be jihad.”

This statement elicited strong responses from political groups and citizens nationwide.

When asked about the importance of jihad, he reiterated its relevance extends beyond just the Muslim community.

“The citizens should understand what jihad is, the various forms it can take, under what circumstances it is justified, who can engage in it, and who cannot. It's crucial for the nation to acknowledge that jihad is a sacred term in Islam. If someone harbors animosity towards Islam, they should openly declare themselves as adversaries of Islam and reject Muslims, then they may interpret jihad as they wish,” he stated.

Madani further accused certain individuals identifying as followers of Sanatan Dharma and other faiths of misusing Islam to sow discord.

“I must caution the nation that these individuals are behaving inappropriately; they aim to instigate terrorism in the country. They are betrayers fulfilling the agenda of hostile nations such as Pakistan,” he told IANS.

He also condemned political figures for using the term 'jihad' as a “slur.”

“We strongly oppose the misuse of the term 'jihad' by Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and senior leaders of a particular political party to defame Islam. We will continue to resist this vehemently,” he asserted.

Madani reiterated that educating students about jihad would help clear up misconceptions.

“It should certainly be taught. This concept exists in all religions, and everyone should learn about it,” he stated.

Expressing sorrow over terrorism conducted in the name of Islam, he condemned the recent Delhi blast that resulted in the deaths of at least 13 individuals and numerous injuries. His comments followed a video of a bomber, Dr. Umar Muhammad, defending suicide attacks as “martyrdom operations.”

“One of the most misinterpreted concepts is suicide bombing; it is a martyrdom operation, as it has been labeled in Islam... There are numerous contradictions and debates surrounding it,” Umar remarked in the video.

Madani emphasized that such actions betray Islamic principles.

“Law enforcement agencies are performing their duties. Whether they are right or wrong will be determined in court. They deserve to carry out their work. Regarding this incident or the Pahalgam incident, we have condemned both. We oppose such acts. We believe that any attack on humanity—whether done in the name of Islam or jihad—is an attack on Islam itself,” he remarked.

He conveyed that the true essence of jihad is in combating violence.

“All Indians share the grief of the loss of innocent lives due to terror. We feel this pain as deeply as all citizens do—indeed, we feel it doubly, because not only were innocents killed, but the attack was executed in the name of Islam. We have been combating this issue for the past 30 years and will continue; this is the true 'jihad.' Ending terrorism is the genuine jihad,” he concluded.