It is well known that the concept of Jehad is subject to certain conditions. Jehad is meant for upholding the uprightness of the Word of Allah, for the victory of the suppressed, for safeguarding the places of worship and for defence against the aggression and atrocities of the tyrants. It is not meant for eliminating other religions, destruction of their places of worship or unwarranted massacre of Non-Muslims. For propagation and acceptance of its teachings Islam recommends interesting and suitable form of preaching, persuasion and discussion.

"Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious. "(Surah Al Nahl, verse 125) Do not utilize power of the sword and so-called ‘Jehad'.

Permission for Jehad has been given for defence or in un­avoidable circumstances, that too, subject to certain conditions. It does not mean that if you find a Non-Muslim or their group, you rush for beheading them.

In Islamic Shariah, the direction or order for killing is ap­plicable to those enemies of Islam, engaged in fight against Muslims. It applies to such enemies of Islam who are determined to seize their lands. Not only that they are determined to deny the freedom to pronounce the name of Allah on the earth. So far as peace ­loving and non-fighting parsons are concerned, who are not inclined to murder the servants of Allah, nor they are interested in throwing them out of their homes, Islamic Shariah does not recommend or permit Jehad against them. On the contrary Islamic Shariah empha­sizes treating them in fair and just manner, as explained earlier.

Objectives of Jehad:

Objectives of Jehad as laid down in Islamic Shariah do not provide that the earth should be free from the followers of religions other than Islam. The main object of Jehad is defence against the tyrants by restraining the aggressor from continuing atrocities.

"To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged;-and verily, Allah is Most Powerful for their aid;- (They are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right, - (for no cause) except that they say, "Our Lord is Allah". (Surah Al Hajj. Verse 39-40)

The suppressed are permitted to fight against enemies of Islam and infidels, because they are oppressed and Allah has the power to help them. The victims are those who have been thrown out of their houses for no fault of theirs. Their only fault is nothing else but thy claim that their Providence is Allah.

Verse 190 ofSurah Al Baqarah recommends fight with those who take the initiative to fight Muslims. Further it has been provided hat there would be no excess in the matter.

"Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress limits. " There are many similar verses in the Holy Quran, in which the object of Jehad has been defined 'self-defence'. The suppressed Muslims are those who are victims of aggression..

2. There is another purpose of the fight. It may be fought to save others, who are weak and suppressed by the tyrants.

It has been stated in the verse 75 ofSurah Al Nisaa: "And why should ye not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed}?- Men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town.

Whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from Thee one who will protect; and raise for us from Thee one who will help!"

The verse refers to two objects of Jehad, for Allah as well as in support of the weak and suppressed. The latter is included in the former. Jehad in support of the suppressed is also for Allah. That verse confirms that Jehad is the practical response to the cry for assistance by the afflicted and suffering to their God.

3. According to Holy Quran an important object of Islamic Jehad is the protection of places of worship. The definition of a place of worship does not include the places of worship belonging to only Muslims. That refers to the places of worship belonging to the followers of other religions also.

"Did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosque, in which the name of Allah is com­memorated in abundant measure." (Surah Al Hajj, verse 40)

It is worth noting that by according priority to the places of worship, belonging to other religions e.g. Jews and Christians, Islam has provided an ideal specimen of tolerance.

4. Another important object of Jehad is end of mischief in the Society and upper hand for the religion of Allah. Mischief implies everything, which creates problems on account of distinction between the Right and Wrong. Among them, the pride of place belongs to paganism and blasphemy, as they qualify for death. Paganism and blasphemy refer to elements that are inimical to Believers. Those who are bent upon destroying Islam and Muslims. That definition excludes Non-Muslims who are peace loving and willing to live with cordial relations with Muslims.

Surah AI Baqarah, which advocates Jehad against enemies of Islam, for end of mischief, also recommends peaceful living with fraternal and cordial relations with peace-loving Non-Muslims. Verses 190 to 194 clarify the position, "And fight them on until there is no more persecution and the religion becomes Allah S. But if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression. "                        (Surah Al Baqarah, verse 193)

Wherever Jehad for killing is mentioned in Holy Quran, it refers to defense in the state of war. In normal conditions of peace, fight with peace-loving followers of other religions is not envisaged. However, if information is available about the preparations for aggression by a group and if strategy demands, initiative for Jehad is permitted. However, that is rare. In the history of Islam many among the battles are of defensive type and not of the aggressive type. For propagation of Islam the right method is of peaceful proclamation and not Jehad and fight.