Dejihadization Through Hadīth Reinterpretation and the Experience of Former Radical-Terrorism Prisoners

Abstract

The study of dejihadization has received increasing attention due to the emergence of acts of violence in the name of jihad, which are essentially a distortion of the correct understanding.Acts of terrorism that are often based on erroneous interpretations of the Prophet's Hadīth about jihad against infidels have raised concerns about the spread of radical ideologies and threats to social stability and national security.This study aims to explore the roots of these misunderstandings and offer an understanding of jihad that is more in line with Muhammad's prophetic mission, which emphasises peace and non-violence.Using a descriptive-exploratory phenomenological approach and desk study method, this research analyses muktabar Hadīths as well as media reports to reveal how radical groups interpret jihad.The results show that acts of violence and terrorism by certain groups cannot be categorised as jihad, as they contradict the principles of the Prophet's teachings.Jihad in its authentic meaning is in line with the prophetic mission of mercy and compassion, rejecting violence as a means to an end.This study emphasises the importance of the concept of dejihadization to trace the origins, networks and movements that spread the false interpretation of jihad.As such, this study contributes to the discourse of de-radicalisation and counter-terrorism in Hadīth studies and helps to dispel the negative stigma of jihad that is often misused in radical ideologies.