Serious contradictions

Unfortunately, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Hanson has made serious contradictions in his previous material regarding his interview after the 11 Sept tragedy. These include:

1. The definition of Jihad,
2. The virgins of Paradise,
3. Who are the Martyrs.

The correct and common understanding of these are:

1. The doctrinal meaning of Jihad is fighting against oppressive regimes/systems, and making the word of Allah superior against all non-Islamic systems. The greatest jihad is NOT the struggle of a man against his own evil influences.
2. The virgins of Paradise is not allegorical.
3. Islam defines marytrs. Marytrs have one of the greatest positions in Paradise. Non-muslims could NEVER be included. The highest degree of martyrdom is a person who is killed in Jihad.

For a full transcript of the Interview with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Hanson by Michael Enright on the September 11 Tragedy, and the comments made regarding the correct Islamic viewpoint, see [transcript].

"O you who believe! Take not my enemies and your enemies as friends and protectors, showing affection towards them, while they have disbelieved in what has come unto you of the Truth" Qur'an: Al-Mumtahanah: