Projection of jihad in jihadwatch.org : a critical study

Abstract

Nowadays, there are misconception about the word jihad which is often described in connection with violence and terrorism. These misconception cause hatred towards Muslims. The problems arise when people are inclined to believe these misconceptions especially when it comes from the Internet. Yet, it is difficult to differentiate the information about jihad on the Internet. Thus, this research chose the most up to date website who writes on jihad as a sample to understand the misconceptions of jihad. This research covers entries in 2013, specifically on the entries that used Quranic verses to support their arguments. Based on the result, there are three Quranic verses used most frequently to support the argument that jih?d is violence and it supports terrorism. The verses are 8:60, 9:5 and 9:29. The research is important to help people engage with the current issues on jihad and Islam.