Many of the imprisoned leadership of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group—previously a close and violent al-Qa`ida affiliate—published an over-400-page recantation against al-Qa`ida’s violent ideology on 17 September 2009. 

The text includes the following translated quotes:                          

The reduction of jihad to fighting with the sword is an error and shortcoming.

It is impermissible to leave for jihad without the permission of parents and lenders.

There are ethics and morals to jihad—among which are: that the jihad is for the sake of God, and the illegality of killing women, children, the elderly...

Also among the ethics and morals in jihad is the proscription of treachery, the obligation to keep promises, the obligation of kindness to prisoners of war, the impermissibility of the mutilation of the dead…

The opinion of those that follow the traditions of Muhammad has settled upon the impermissibility of resorting to arms to change political situations.

Fighting because of sectarianism, tribalism, or social position and fighting for worldly matter or power falls under the category of forbidden civil war.

The legitimate alternatives to using violence for reform and change are enjoining good and forbidding evil and da'wah.

The historical examples which the people of the Prophet's tradition have agreed upon: the impermissibility of fighting rulers and governors, and their agreement that patience and calling to God and enjoining good and forbidding evil is the correct way.

Some of the reasons for extremism are the prevalence of sins in Muslim societies, an absence of a correct understanding of religion and reality, emotional reactions, unqualified people taking the lead and the absence of comprehensive education among others.

 http://www.quilliamfoundation.org/images/a_selected_translation_of_the_lifg.pdf