Tantawi says Jihad meant for self-defence

The Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Mohamed Sayed Tantawi, said that there is a big difference between Jihad and terrorism pointing out that Jihad was legitimized to enable people to defend themselves, their religion, property and honour.

Addressing a forum on Islamic jurisprudence in Sharm el- Sheikh on Sunday, Tantawi pointed out that the numerous expeditions in the history of Islam were not of offensive but defensive nature. The forum was attended by 50 scholars (ulemas) representing all Islamic trends.