الضواء- v ISSN 2415-0444 ;E 1995-7904 Volume 36, Issue, 55, 2021 Published by Sheikh Zayed Islamic Centre, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590 Pakistan Western Rhetoric on Jihad: A Critical Appraisal Maryam Azam  Abstract: Jihad being one of the most significant conceptions in Islamic thought has been a contested concept within western academia and policymakers. It is being observed that Jihad is considered a violent and aggressive doctrine by western countries. Therefore, it is considered a major threat and security risk by the western bloc. This perception has increased incidents of Islamophobia, faith-based hate, and animosity between Muslims and non-Muslim societies. This paper intends to develop a qualitative analysis to critically evaluate the main themes of Jihad believed by the west and their actual interpretation in Islam. The main objective of this paper is to differentiate between the western view about Jihad and its actual placement within the Islamic thought. It is being observed that acts of terrorism in the name of religion and a generic hatred within the west towards the Muslims are the main causes of a misleading western perception of Jihad. Keywords: Jihad, West, Islam, Violence, Terrorism Introduction Religion has been an important source of articulating a set of beliefs, ideas and concepts which are deeply embedded within the thinking patterns of individual, groups and the society. It is being observed that religious notion tends to have a profound influence on societal practices as well. Therefore, divine rules and guiding principles are taken as some uncontested concepts on which people believe and act as they are. In this context, Islam is based on a comprehensive theology that incorporates the Quran, a complete charter, Hadith in which the principles of Quran have further elaborated and the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺwhich provides an exemplary description and practical manifestation of Quranic doctrines. Consequently, the historical records entail that inclusion of Islamic ideology was a common feature among Muslim rulers in statecraft. Later, * Assistant Professor,Department of International Relations,Lahore College for Women university,Lahore,Pakistan