JL

From Rap Dictionary

JLA CODE [JIHAD LASHKARZ-E-ALLAH, JIHAD LASHKARZ OF ALLAH, JIHAD LASHKAR, JIHAD LASHKARS ALLIANCE, JIHAD LASHKAR UMMAH]

· Faith - trust in Allah (known as the One, the Creator, or the Architect of the Universe). Note that while the default religion held by JLA is Islam, the question of whether a non-Muslim can be a JLA is not unanimously resolved; an adherent of a monotheistic belief is accepted as a JLA by some if s/he follows JL code, but even a Muslim who doesn't will never be accepted as a JLA.

· Unity - above the languages we speak, above the bloods we keep, above the amount of money we make, religion keeps us in due bounds with all fellow muslims, humankind and God.

· Social justice - the belief that we are limited in knowledge (objective truth), and therefore should put human needs above anyone’s notion of deity and work for social justice.

· Freedom and independence - the belief that freedom in physical, mental, religious, spiritual, political and economic realms is for all to pursue, man and woman, so long as it is done without bringing harm to others. The free have nothing to gain of freedom without discipline.

· Hospitality - being hospitable to all, especially guests and strangers, and, at times, even the most hostile of enemies is a key teaching. The exception that makes the rule is when one has come to take advantage of JL Code for their own corrupt ends, bringing harm to you in the pursuit of their aims.

· Justice and forgiveness - if one intentionally wrongs you, you have the right, though not the obligation, to avenge this injustice in equal proportion. As long as you do not overzealously avenge the injustice done to you, whomever has wronged you may not avenge your justified reaction. If one has intentionally wronged you, and you did not seek justice nor his/her forgiveness, a debt, however understood, is owed to you by him/her. However if (s)he continues to wrong you, or tyrannically wrong others, you are required to avenge the wrong doings until the person stops his activities. It should always be remembered, violence begets violence, long-standing cycles of violence cannot be broken until one or both parties stands morally superior to lead both out.

· Brotherhood, friendship, and trust - the belief that fellow brothers should be trusted and assisted to the greatest extent possible without bringing harm to oneself.

· Honour - the belief that JLA should maintain their independent human dignity.

· Self-respect - the belief that individuals must respect themselves, and respect others in order to be able to do so, especially those they do not know and do not share common beliefs with. Respect begins in the home, with wives, mothers, and children.

· Sacredness of life - the belief that life is sacred and not to be wasted. To upset the balance of living on petty grounds is unwise.

· Compassion, understanding, and cooperation - the poor, the weak, and the challenged must be supported. Inclusion must be preferred to exclusion. To defend against tyranny, fascism and overzealous groups and to work smart first and then hard.

· Family - the belief that the family unit must be glorified under a sacred conviction of responsibility and duty with respect for wives, daughters, elders, parents, sons, and husbands. Also, recognizing that new wisdom is without the barrier of age or gender, encouraging good ideas through the support of elders creates the most enlightened community of all.

· We are one family - the belief that fellow JLA must be cared for. There may be hundreds, but they have one destiny in union with each other.

· Knowledge - seek objective knowledge in life, art, science, and culture, which are considered fruits granted by God.

Primary concepts

· Imaan (faith/belief) - Belief in the Angels (mala'ika). Belief in the holy books (kutub) sent by God: Belief in all the prophets (nabi) and messengers (rasul) sent by God (making no distinction between them i.e. one is not better than another.) Belief in the Day of Judgement (qiyama) and in life after death - heaven (jannah) and hell (jahannam). Belief in Fate (qadar).

· Melmastia (hospitality) - to show hospitality to all visitors, regardless of whom they are, their ethnic, religious, or national background, without hope of remuneration or favor.

· Badal (justice/revenge) - to seek justice over time or over space to avenge a wrong. This applies to injustices committed yesterday or 1000 years ago if the wrongdoer still exists.

· Nanawatay (settlement) - derived from the verb meaning to go in, this is used when the vanquished party is prepared to go in to the house or hujra of the victors and ask for their forgiveness.

· Nang (honour) - the various points below that a JL must observe to ensure his honour, and that of his family and crew, is upheld. Secondary concepts

Secondary Concepts

· Lashkar - the tribal army/crew. It implements the decisions of the jirga.

· Jirga - an assembly of JLA elders and high ranks called for various purposes whether waging war or composing peace, outside or inside the crew

· Badragga - a escort composed of members of that JL crew through which the travelers are passing. If a badragga is violated a feud will follow.

· Hamsaya - a non-JLA dependent group who attaches themselves to a JLA group, usually for protection. The JLA protector group is called a JL naik. Any attack on a hamsaya is considered an attack on the protector.

· malatar - literally, tying the back. This refers to those members of the crew who will actually fight on behalf of their brothers.

· Nagha - a fine decided by the council and imposed upon the wrongdoer.

· Rogha - settlement of a dispute between warring factions.