Much of what is called jihad is simply opposition to western influences within the Islamic world
But distinguish jihad (struggle) vs heraba (impermissible terrorism)
In Islamic law, much of what is referred to in the West as Islamic terrorism is actually extremism as arbitrary interpretations leading to deviation judged as heraba
ISLAMIC LAW
Spectrum really, interpreted locally in terms of Quran & haddiths, concept of fiqh as Islamic jurisprudence
Some elements very specific (e.g., just war doctrine)
Some matters more interpretation locally (e.g., veiling or hijab, not literally required under Quran or traditional practice, not to mention cultural influences like burkas as full body cover except eye slit, etc.)
GOD & CAESAR
Religion and the State different concepts in part as result of differing Sunni and Shia political philosophies re ruler’s qualifications
Sunni-> caliph as prophet’s representative consults with religious scholars, but need not be a technical expert on religion himself
Shia-> imam as religious expert necessary to be political leader, and so religious expert dimension makes popular selection problematic
SHARIAH
Islamic law as embodiment of divine will, but issues then of secular law in Islamic countries, who controls law (government vs clergy), and many more complication visible later in the course
