Civil war among Muslim in Syria not 'jihad', Kelantan Mufti

The involvement of alleged militants from Malaysia in the civil war in Syria cannot be called a 'jihad' or holy war.

Kelantan Mufti Datuk Mohamad Shukri Mohamad said in the Islam context, 'jihad' is a war between Muslims and the enemies of Islam.

"Who are they fighting against? Are the enemies non-Muslims? Have their enemies declared them as non-Muslims," he said when contacted from here, today.

Mohamad said based on this, he disagreed with the militants for labeling themselves as 'jihad' fighters.

"The concept of 'jihad' is wide as the word simply means commitment. The commitment to improve the economic status is 'jihad.' The fight against desire is also a form of 'jihad,' he added.

Meanwhile, Selangor Deputy Mufti Datuk Abdul Majid Omar said the main responsibility of Muslims in Malaysia is towards their own government.

"So, if there are militants from Malaysia fighting the civil war in Syria as claimed, then it is discouraged in Islam."

On Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry urged Syria to confirm claims that Malaysians are involved in militant activities over there.

The statement was referring to claims that 15 Malaysians involved in 'jihad' and militant activities were killed in Syria.