Few words in the modern world generate as much controversy as jihad. In the wake of terrorist attacks across different parts of the world, Islam has increasingly been linked with violence by critics who describe extremists as "Islamic jihadists." But is terrorism truly rooted in Islamic teachings, or has the faith been misunderstood and misrepresented?

Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, General Secretary of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, enters this conversation to challenge prevailing narratives. Drawing from his studies in Qur'anic exegesis and Islamic scholarship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he argues that terrorists are criminals whose victims include Muslims themselves and insists that their actions should not be used to define an entire religion.

He offers his understanding of the concept of jihad, explains its place in Islamic teachings, and addresses what he sees as a growing assault on Islam's image in global discourse.