Extremism, Violence and Jihad: Nature of Terrorism in Pakistan and its Impact on Higher Education

Abstract

This research paper rejects the proposition of Western conception built in the mindsets about Islam that ‗Muslims are terrorists‘ and ‗Islam teaches Terrorism‘ or ‗Islam is against Modernity‘. The paper argues that these conceptions are imaginary and has no validity to stand on. It is explained that the 9/11 was reaction against the western domination and policies; the historical kettle of Islamic world of grievances was already boiling and explosion occurred 9/11. Nationalism and religion provided sentiments in searching for the cause of clash and confrontation. This research paper further reveals that according to Islamic ideology the Jihad postulates striving or self-exertion in the path of God and has been the central significant to Muslim‘s self-understanding and mobilization. In its most generic meaning the term Jihad signifies battle against the devil, and self discipline.