International Muslim students shared a panel discussion focused on misunderstandings about their religion entitled “Islamic Jihad – Truths and Misconceptions.”

Ahmed Hashim, graduate student in electrical and computer engineering from Sudan, defined Jihad as a “struggle.”

“It means to strive or achieve,” Hashim said. “But it must have a clearly defined purpose.”

Hashim said the “struggle” can refer to many things, but one thing it is not is “holy war.” He said this common reference is not true.

Raza Ul-Mustafa, graduate student in electrical and computer engineering from Pakistan, related Jihad to the struggles of raising a family and going to school.

Gamal Abdel-Azim, post-doctoral associate in animal science from Egypt, discussed the issues of aggression in the Islamic religion.

“The rules of Jihad clearly state that for those who do not start aggression on Islam, fighting is prohibited,” Abdel-Azim said.

Azim also said the rules of Jihad state that fighting must stop when the enemy shows any sign of peace.

“Making war is easier than making peace,” Azim said. “It’s a two-sided question.”

Ihab El-Kady, graduate student in physics and astronomy from Egypt, answered another question; “Is Islam really a violent religion?”

El-Kady said it may seem that way because the way people manipulate the Quran by taking certain passages out and using them for “hidden purposes.”

“Don’t dissect it,” he said. “Read it in its totality to get the true meaning.”

El-Kady referred to a letter to the editor published in the Iowa State Daily that instructed Muslims to kill.

El-Kady read the passage in its entirety for the audience.

The passage spoke of Muslims protecting themselves and never being the aggressor.

“Nowhere in the Quran does it encourage Muslims to strike first,” El-Kady said.

El-Kady, in fact, said Islam is one of the most tolerant religions.

“Islam will and always will be about peace,” El-Kady said. “But most importantly, tolerance.”