What is the purpose of Jihad in the Muslim religion?

Answer 1

Jihad is an Arabic word that means struggle. Accordingly, it could be either:

• self Jihad (or oneself struggle and is called the greatest Jihad), and
• military Jihad (or struggle with others and is called the smallest Jihad)

The purpose of self Jihad (or the major or the Greatest Jihad) is to self struggle to avoid doing wrong deeds and/or committing sins that are forbidden by Islam and by your community. For example, strive to do properly the ritiual worship, to do charity, to avoid committing sins, to be forgiving, to be tolerant, to be honest, to keep promise, etc.

The purposes of Military Jihad is:

• First: to defend home land and home people against any invaders.
• Second: to provide help and support to other people who are oppressed and unable to practice their own will and freedom of choice.

In both cases, Muslims (as in all other faiths) are commanded, by their religion, to be fair and just. They should not to kill a woman, child, or an old man or any civilian. They are commanded not to be excessive in using force and not to terrify civilians. America, in the media, refer to Jihad only as the military type, but forget about the self Jihad.

The above is general view about what is called Jihad (especially in Islam) and its purpose and about those who are practicing Jihad and are called, recently, jihadists.

This term is, however, wrongly used by some Western media. When they say that someone is doing Jihad by, for example, selling bombs to terrorist organizations, this has nothing to do with Jihad (reference to "Jihad Jane"). Also, killing civilians or terrifying the innocents to force some agendas is not Jihad but terrorism which is denounced in Islam. On the other hand, resisting invasion and occupiers is an act of self-defense and Jihad and should not be related to terrorism.

It is to be emphasized that Islam religion, per Quran revelation to prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is a religion of peace, tolerance, forgiveness, and respect of all people irrelevant to their colors, cultures, and faiths.

Answer 2

In the linguistic sense, the Arabic word "jihad" means struggling or striving and applies to any effort exerted by anyone. In this sense a student struggles and strives to get an education and pass course work; an employee strives to fulfill his/her job and maintain good relations with his/her employer; a politician strives to maintain or increase his popularity with his constituents and so on. The term strive or struggle may be used for/by Muslims as well non-Muslims; for example, Allah, One and Only True God says in the Qur'an:" We have enjoined on people kindness to parents; but if they strive (jahadaka) to make you ascribe partners with Me that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not..." (Qur'an 29:8, also see 31:15).

In the above two verses of the Qur'an, it is non-Muslim parents who strive (jahada) to convert their Muslim child back to their religion.

In the West, "jihad" is generally translated as "holy war", a usage the media has popularized. According to Islamic teachings, it is unholy to instigate or start war; however, some wars are inevitable and justifiable. If we translate the words "holy war" back into Arabic we find "harbun muqaddasatun", or for "the holy war", "al-harbu al-muqaddasatu". We challenge any researcher or scholar to find the meaning of "jihad" as holy war in the Qur'an or authentic Hadith collections or in early Islamic literature. Unfortunately, some Muslim writers and translators of the Qur'an, the Hadith and other Islamic literature translate the term "jihad" as "holy war", due to the influence of centuries-old Western Propaganda. This could be a reflection of the Christian use of the term "Holy War" to refer to the Crusades of a thousand years ago. However, the Arabic words for "war" are "harb" or "qital", which are found in the Qur'an and Hadith.

For Muslims the term jihad is applied to all forms of striving and has developed some special meanings over time. The sources of this development are the Qur'an (the Word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad) and the Hadith (teachings of Prophet Muhammad. The Qur'an and the Hadith use the word "jihad" in several different contexts which are given below: 1. Recognizing the Creator and loving Him most.

It is human nature to love what is seen with the eyes and felt with the senses more than the UNSEEN REALITY. The Creator of the Universe and the One God is Allah. He is the Unseen Reality which we tend to ignore and not recognize. The Qur'an addresses those who claim to be believers:" O you who believe! Choose not your fathers nor your brethren for protectors if they love disbelief over belief; whoever of you takes them for protectors, such are wrong-doers. Say: if your fathers, and your children, and your brethren, and your spouses, and your tribe, and the wealth you have acquired, and business for which you fear shrinkage, and houses you are pleased with are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His way: then wait till Allah brings His command to pass. Allah does not guide disobedient folk" (Qur'an 9:23,24).

It is indeed a struggle to put Allah ahead of our loved ones, our wealth, our worldly ambitions and our own lives. Especially for a non-Muslim who embraces Islam, it may be a tough struggle due to the opposition of his family, peers and society.

2. Resisting pressure of parents, peers and society.

Once a person has made up his mind to put the Creator of the Universe above all else, he often comes under intense pressures. It is not easy to resist such pressures and strive to maintain dedication and love of Allah over all else. A person who has turned to Islam from another religion may be subjected to pressures designed to turn him back to the religion of the family. We read in the Qur'an:" So obey not the rejecters of faith, but strive (jahidhum) against them by it (the Qur'an) with a great endeavor" (Qur'an 25:52).

3. Staying on the straight path steadfastly.

Allah says in the Qur'an:" And strive (jahidu) for Allah with the endeavor (jihadihi) which is His right. He has chosen you and has not laid upon you in the deen (religion) any hardship ..." (Qur'an 22:78). " And whosoever strives (jahada), strives (yujahidu) only for himself, for lo! Allah is altogether independent of the universe" (Qur'an 29:6).

As for those who strive and struggle to live as true Muslims whose lives are made difficult due to persecution by their opponents, they are advised to migrate to a more peaceful and tolerant land and continue with their struggle in the cause of Allah. Allah says in the Qur'an:" Lo! As for those whom the angels take (in death) while they wronged themselves, (the angels) will ask: in what you were engaged? They will say: we were oppressed in the land. (The angels) will say: was not Allah's earth spacious that you could have migrated therein? ..." (Qur'an 4:97). " Lo! those who believe, and those who emigrate (to escape persecution) and strive (jahadu) in the way of Allah, these have hope of Allah's mercy ..." (Qur'an 2:218).

Allah tests the believers in their faith and their steadfastness:" Or did you think that you would enter Paradise while yet Allah knows not those of you who really strive (jahadu), nor knows those (of you) who are steadfast" (Qur'an 3:142). " And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and fruits; but give glad tidings to the steadfast" (Qur'an 2:155).

We find that the Prophet Muhammad and his clan were boycotted socially and economically for three years to force him to stop his message and compromise with the pagans but he resisted and realized a moral victory.

4. Striving for righteous deeds.

Allah declares in the Qur'an:" As for those who strive (jahadu) in Us (the cause of Allah), We surely guide them to Our paths, and lo! Allah is with the good doers" (Qur'an 29:69).

When we are faced with two competing interests, it becomes jihad to choose the right one, as the following Hadith exemplify.

Aisha, wife of the Prophet asked, " O Messenger of Allah, we see jihad as the best of deeds, so shouldn't we join it? He replied: But, the best of jihad is a perfect hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah)" (Sahih Al-Bukhari #2784).

At another occasion a man asked the Prophet Muhammad:" Should I join the jihad? He asked: Do you have parents? The man said: Yes! The Prophet said: then strive by (serving) them! (Sahih Al-Bukhari #5972).

Yet another man asked the Messenger of Allah:" What kind of jihad is better? He replied: A word of truth in front of an oppressive ruler!" (Sunan Al-Nasa'i #4209).

The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad said:" ... the mujahid (one who carries out jihad) is he who strives against himself for the sake of obeying Allah, and the muhajir (one who emigrates) is he who abandons evil deeds and sin" (Sahih Ibn Hibban #4862).

5. Having courage and steadfastness to convey the message of Islam.

The Qur'an narrates the experiences of a large number of Prophets and good people who suffered a great deal trying to convey the message of Allah to mankind. For examples see the Qur'an 26:1-190, 36:13-32. In the Qur'an, Allah specifically praises those who strive to convey His message:" Who is better in speech than one who calls (other people) to Allah, works righteous, and declares that he is from the Muslims" (41:33).

Under adverse conditions it takes great courage to remain a Muslim, declare oneself to be a Muslim and call others to Islam. We read in the Qur'an:" The (true) believers are only those who believe in Allah and his messenger and afterward doubt not, but strive with their wealth and their selves for the cause of Allah. Such are the truthful" (49:15).

6. Defending Islam and the community.

Allah declares in the Qur'an:" To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to defend themselves), because they are wronged - and verily, Allah is Most Powerful to give them victory - (they are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right - (for no cause) except that they say, 'Our Lord is Allah...." (Qur'an 22:39-40).

The Qur'an permits fighting to defend the religion of Islam and the Muslims. This permission includes fighting in self defense and for the protection of family and property. The early Muslims fought many battles against their enemies under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad or his representatives. For example, when the pagans of Quraysh brought armies against Prophet Muhammad, the Muslims fought to defend their faith and community. The Qur'an adds:" Fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you, but do not transgress limits. Lo! Allah loves not aggressors. ... And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah. But if they desist, then let there be no hostility except against transgressors" (2:190,193).

7. Helping allied people who may not be Muslim.

In the late period of the Prophet Muhammad's life the tribe of Banu Khuza'ah became his ally. They were living near Makkah which was under the rule of the pagan Quraysh, Prophet Muhammad's own tribe. The tribe of Banu Bakr, an ally of Quraysh, with the help of some elements of Quraysh, attacked Banu Khuza'ah and inflicted heavy damage. Banu Khuza'ah invoked the treaty and demanded Prophet Muhammad to come to their help and punish Quraysh. The Prophet Muhammad organized a campaign against Quraysh of Makkah which resulted in the conquest of Makkah which occured without any battle.

8. Removing treacherous people from power.

Allah orders the Muslims in the Qur'an:" If you fear treachery from any group, throw back (their treaty) to them, (so as to be) on equal terms. Lo! Allah loves not the treacherous" (8:58).

Prophet Muhammad undertook a number of armed campaigns to remove treacherous people from power and their lodgings. He had entered into pacts with several tribes, however, some of them proved themselves treacherous. Prophet Muhammad launched armed campaigns against these tribes, defeated and exiled them from Medina and its surroundings.

9. Defending through preemptive strikes.

Indeed, it is difficult to mobilize people to fight when they see no invaders in their territory; however, those who are charged with responsibility see dangers ahead of time and must provide leadership. The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad, had the responsibility to protect his people and the religion he established in Arabia. Whenever he received intelligence reports about enemies gathering near his borders he carried out preemptive strikes, broke their power and dispersed them. Allah ordered Muslims in the Qur'an:" Fighting is prescribed upon you, and you dislike it. But it may happen that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that you love a thing which is bad for you. And Allah knows and you know not" (2:216).

10. Gaining freedom to inform, educate and convey the message of Islam in an open and free environment.

Allah declares in the Qur'an:" They ask you (Muhammad) concerning fighting in the Sacred Month. Say, 'Fighting therein is a grave (offense) but graver is it in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path of Allah, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its inhabitants. Persecution is worse than killing. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith, if they can. ..." (Qur'an 2:217). " And those who, when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, (are not cowed but) fight back" (Qur'an 42:39).

To gain this freedom, Prophet Muhammad said:" Strive (jahidu) against the disbelievers with your hands and tongues" (Sahih Ibn Hibban #4708).

The life of the Prophet Muhammad was full of striving to gain the freedom to inform and convey the message of Islam. During his stay in Makkah he used non-violent methods and after the establishment of his government in Madinah, by the permission of Allah, he used armed struggle against his enemies whenever he found it inevitable.

11. Freeing people from tyranny.

Allah admonishes Muslims in the Qur'an:" And why should you not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)? - Men, women, and children, whose cry is: 'Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from You, one who will protect; and raise for us from You, one who will help'" (Qur'an 4:75).

The mission of the Prophet Muhammad was to free people from tyranny and exploitation by oppressive systems. Once free, individuals in the society were then free to chose Islam or not. Prophet Muhammad's successors continued in his footsteps and went to help oppressed people. For example, after the repeated call by the oppressed people of Spain to the Muslims for help, Spain was liberated by Muslim forces and the tyrant rulers removed. After the conquest of Syria and Iraq by the Muslims, the Christian population of Hims reportedly said to the Muslims:" We like your rule and justice far better than the state of oppression and tyranny under which we have been living".

The defeated rulers of Syria were Roman Christians and Iraq was ruled by Zoarastrian Persians.

Muslims should remove tyranny, treachery, bigotry, and ignorance and replace them with justice and equity. We should provide truthful knowledge and free people from the bondage of associationism (shirk or multiple gods), prejudice, superstition and mythology. Muslims remove immorality, fear, crime, exploitation and replace them with divine morality, peace and education. The Qur'an declares:" Lo! Allah commands you that you restore deposits to their owners, and if you judge between mankind that you judge justly. Lo! It is proper that Allah admonishes you. Lo! Allah is ever Hearer, Seer" (Qur'an 4:58).

" O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah's witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to Piety and fear Allah. And Allah is well acquainted with all that you do" (Qur'an 5:8).

" And of those whom We have created there is a nation who guides with the Truth and establishes justice with it" (Qur'an 7:181).

" Lo! Allah enjoins justice and kindness, and giving to kinsfolk, and forbids lewdness and abomination and wickedness. He exhorts you in order that you may take heed" (Qur'an 16:90).

" Those who, if We give them power in the land, establish prescribed prayers (salah) and pay the poor-due (zakah) and enjoin right conduct and forbid evil. And with Allah rests the end (and decision) of (all) affairs" (Qur'an 22:41). The unequivocal and emphatic answer is NO! The Qur'an declares:" Let there be no compulsion (or coercion) in the religion (Islam). The right direction is distinctly clear from error" (Qur'an 2:256).

Here is a good study of the question of the spread of Islam by a Christian missionary, T.W. Arnold:"... of any organized attempt to force the acceptance of Islam on the non-Muslim population, or of any systematic persecution intended to stamp out the Christian religion, we hear nothing. Had the caliphs chosen to adopt either course of action, they might have swept away Christianity as easily as Ferdinand and Isabella drove Islam out of Spain, or Louis XIV made Protestantism penal in France, or the Jews were kept out of England for 350 years. The Eastern Churches in Asia were entirely cut off from communion with the rest of Christiandom throughout which no one would have been found to lift a finger on their behalf, as heretical communions. So that the very survival of these Churches to the present day is a strong proof of the generally tolerant attitude of the Mohammedan [sic] governments towards them" (Emphasis added).

Islam does not teach nor do Muslims desire conversion of any people for fear, greed, marriage or any other form of coercion.

In conclusion, jihad in Islam is striving in the way of Allah by pen, tongue, hand, media and, if inevitable, with arms. However, jihad in Islam does not include striving for individual or national power, dominance, glory, wealth, prestige or pride.

M. Amir Ali, Ph.D.

References 1. For the sake of simplicity and easy reading, masculine pronouns have been used throughout this brochure. No exclusion of females is intended.

2. Haykal, M.H., THE LIFE OF MUHAMMAD, Tr. Ismail R. Faruqi, American Trust Publications, 1976, p. 132.

3. Haykal, pp. 216, 242, 299 and 414 for the Battles of Badr, Uhud, Al-Khandaq and Hunayn, respectively.

4. Haykal, p. 395 for the Conquest of Makkah.

5. Haykal, pp. 245, 277, 311 and 326 for campaigns agaist the tribes of Banu Qaynuqa', Banu Al-Nadir, Banu Qurayzah and Banu Lihyan, respectively. Also, see p. 283 for the Battle of Dhat Al-Riqa'.

6. Haykal, pp. 284, 327, 366, 387, 393, 443 and 515 for the Battles of Dawmat Al-Jandal, Banu Al-Mustaliq, Khayber, Mu'tah, Dhat Al-Salasil, Tabuk and the Campaign of Usama Ibn Zayd, respectively.

7. Hitti, Philip K., HISTORY OF THE ARABS, St. Martin's Press, New York, 1970, p. 153.

8. Arnold, Sir Thomas W., THE PREACHING OF ISLAM, A HISTORY OF THE PROPAGATION OF THE MUSLIM FAITH, Westminister A. Constable & Co., London, 1896, p. 80.

Answer 3

Jihad means literally to struggle. One may struggle in many different ways: pay the bill, study for a test, raise a family, fight a war, etc.

Jihad in Islam is of two types:

• Self-jihad (or major Jihad): This is your struggle against yourself desires to do something against God commands and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) teachings. Examples are struggle not to practice fornication, not to drink alcohols, not to gamble, not to lie, to charities to needy people, not to revenge, not to be angry, to forgive, ...
• Military jihad (or minor Jihad). This Jihad has conditions placed on it:

o - Fight only in self-defense or against oppression

o - Never Kill Innocent People

o - Never Injure Prisoners of War

o - Never Kill Animals

o - Never Destroy Crops or Infrastructures

o - Never Mutilate Bodies of Enemies dead or alive

o - All Prisoners Should be Given Fair Treatment

o - Women & Children Should be Protected From Harm

o - Always Bury the Dead With Respect

If these conditions are met, military jihad is justified. Military jihad is basically like a crusade.

Answer 4

Trust me it is nothing to do with Terror attack or anything like that, the extremist took it too far, Jihad if basically if some attacks you you can attack back, but only if they attack you first

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Jihad is an Arabic word that means struggle. Struggle for earning money, struggle to learn, struggle to raise your family, struggle to get better job, struggle to do good deeds for benefit of mankind, struggle not to do wrong, struggle to follow your God teachings, ... etc. It is a basic rule of life. Refer to question below for more information on Jihad in Islam.

Answer 5

The Arabic word Jihad literally means struggle. This term, especially in Islam, is applied to the struggle or work done in the way of Almighty Allah (God). Unfortunately, this word is confused with the word Qitaal that means Armed fight against enemies of Almighty Allah. The greatest Jihad is against one's own self, one's wicked passions, lust, selfishness etc. An armed fight is the last resort which not only the Muslims but also the other nations/religious followers adopt when their existence is in danger. Islam is a peace loving religion. It does not aim at killing any innocent human being. The Qur'an orders its followers to take up arms and fight against the enemies of Islam if they attack the Muslims. It, however, does not allow the Muslims to fight against peaceful people belonging to any religion.

Answer 6

Jihad is a tenet of Islam and a religious duty to strive in the way of God. There are two general ways to do this, the Greater Jihad and the Lesser Jihad. The Greater Jihad is an introspective journey to conquer your internal demons and follow the Divine Laws more closely than previously; this kind of jihad should be entirely peaceful. The Lesser Jihad refers to conflicts and confrontations between Muslims and Non-Muslims or other Muslims, which often erupt in war, but can also be performed through non-violent protests, debate, and advocacy. It is the Lesser Jihad which is often cast as a Holy War.

Answer 7

Jihad is a tenet of Islam and a religious duty to strive in the way of God. There are two general ways to do this, the Greater Jihad and the Lesser Jihad. The Greater Jihad is an introspective journey to conquer your internal demons and follow the Divine Laws more closely than previously; this kind of jihad should be entirely peaceful. The Lesser Jihad refers to conflicts and confrontations between Muslims and Non-Muslims or other Muslims, which often erupt in war, but can also be performed through non-violent protests, debate, and advocacy. It is the Lesser Jihad which is often cast as a Holy War.

Answer 8

Jihad literally means to strive.Jihad always refers to fighting the enemy.

Answer 9

The Jihad is a holy war waged against perceived enemies of their faith. By dying in the name of Jihad some Muslims believe that they will be guaranteed a spot in heaven.

Answer 10

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