[Coach]

>i meant jihad not fatwah. where does jihad come in? seems
>clearly forbidden by the verse above.

Jihad does not mean 'forcing someone to convert to Islam'. Jihad means "to struggle", "to strive" or "to exert utmost effort". There are two types of Jihad, Jihad Akbar (greater Jihad) and Jihad Asghar (lesser Jihad). Greater Jihad is that of the SELF, striving to become a better person which is of great benefit to the person and those around him/her. The Lesser Jihad is a military struggle, Holy War, defence of Holy lands etc. When the early Muslims came back from a battle against the polytheists of Mecca who had attacked them, the Prophet Muhammad PBUH famously said..."We are finished with the lesser jihad (struggle) and now we are starting the greater jihad". His companions were shocked as they thought fighting against enemies of God was the greatest thing there was...he explained to them that the struggle against one's own 'lust', 'ego' or 'self' was a much greater struggle.




>BTW : sorry to ask Coach, but are you a Muslim?

No need to be sorry mate, yes I am a Muslim.