Jihad- A Question Today

The concept of Jihad in Islam has been grossly misunderstood, rather
distorted. In the West, where it has been presented as barbarism, as
aggressive use of brute force. The term, militant Islam, which has
been in vogue in the world Press recently, is a follow-up of this very
approach to the fundamental concept of Islam and a continuation of the
old Jihad phobia of the non-Muslims.

The after-affects of the Crusades, which badly affected the relations
between the Muslims and the Christians, still linger on. European
Christians are still smarting under that defeat. They have, therefore,
tried all sorts of means to eliminate the spirit of Jihad from amongst
the Muslims, as it was this spirit that reduced their designs to dust.
Through malicious propaganda campaigns, distortion on the true concept
of Jihad and labeling of Muslims as barbarous killers and usurpers,
they have depicted a horribly ugly picture of Islam in the eyes of the
world. The significance of Jihad must, therefore, be elucidates in the
light of the Holy Quran.

Jihad means striving utmost to achieve an objective. The primary
objective before the Muslims is establishment of a social order based
on the Quranic fundamental principles. All efforts to that end fall
with in the meaning of Jihad. Armed fight against formidable
resistance by self-seeking people, which is called Qatal is also Jihad
and has been allowed by the Quran. Otherwise, Islam is a Deen of peace
and safety.

Three questions arise here:

(1) Is Islam really a deen of peace, justice, and tolerance?
(2) Does it allow discriminate fighting against the enemy, or has it
    laid down certain checks and rules for it?
(3) Under what circumstances did the Muslims fight against
    non-Muslims?

The remaining of what all findings i have explored will be discuss in
the next post inshAllah but in the mean time you guys may explore
grounds about this topic yourself.