A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
The decline of jihad and its causes.
Today, jihad has receded significantly from the state it was in during the time of the Muslims' glory and dominance.
Several factors have contributed to this, among the most important of which are:
First, the spread of Sufi thought, which posits that isolation is the "greater jihad."
Second, the pressure and aggression from Christians, Jews, hypocrites, and the rest of the disbelievers.
They have deliberately distorted the concept of jihad and attached the label of terrorism to it.
They have prevented any attempt to engage in it, unless it serves their own interests.
Just as they permitted it in Afghanistan at the beginning, in order to eliminate the Soviet Union.
Then, once they achieved their objective, they reaped the rewards and persecuted the mujahideen.
Third, the domination of tyrannical rulers over Muslim lands and their allegiance to the disbelievers.
Their suspension of jihad, their war against it, and their persecution of the mujahideen instead of supporting them.