A Critical Exposition of the Popular 'Jihád': Showing that all the Wars of Mohammad Were Defensive; and; that Aggressive War, or Compulsory Conversion, is not; Allowed in The Koran - 1885

Lion's Mark Library edition.

The specter of religious conflict continues to shape our world, often fueled by interpretations of sacred texts that seem to encourage violence. Published in 1885, *A Critical Exposition of the Popular ‘Jihád’* offers a strikingly direct challenge to such interpretations, arguing that the wars waged by the Prophet Muhammad were fundamentally defensive and that aggressive war or forced conversion finds no sanction within the Koran. This is not a work of theological debate for academics alone; it is a passionate plea for understanding and a powerful argument against the misuse of religious doctrine to justify violence – a message as relevant today as it was over a century ago.

About the author: Cherágh Ali (1844–1895) was a prominent Indian scholar, journalist, and civil servant who dedicated his life to promoting reform and interfaith harmony within British India. Born into a Shia Muslim family in Lucknow, he served in the British administration, eventually rising to the position of officiating superintendent of government presses in Calcutta. This position afforded him a unique platform to disseminate his ideas, which were often critical of conservative religious practices and colonial policies. Ali’s primary occupation was, in essence, that of a public intellectual, and his writing reflects a deep concern for social justice and religious tolerance.

This edition includes:

• An original 301-word introduction by Lion's Mark Library, situating the work for the contemporary reader.
• A focused 273-word biography of the author and their context.
• Lion Library house typesetting and editorial standards.
• Source verified against the cleanest available public-domain text.

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