Why is jihad important?

Answer 1

There is, perhaps, no term today that is more misunderstood than the term "jihad". Nowadays, the word jihad has solely come to signify "holy war", terrorism, or the mass murder of innocent people. However, what is jihad really about and what is its correct meaning? The term jihad is in fact derived from the Arabic verb "jahada", which linguistically means to strive or struggle. In Islam, however, jihad means to exhaust utmost effort striving to please God. This, unsurprisingly, includes fighting, as fighting is a form of struggle. In fact, majority of the time the term jihad is mentioned in the Qur'an it means "fighting in the way of God" (for His sake), and to make His Word the highest. The one who engages in jihad is called a mujaahid; the plural is mujaahideen.

Jihad is a very important part of Islam. Unlike Christians, Muslims do not believe in the idea of "love thy enemy" or turning the other cheek when we are attacked. Instead, we believe in the divine principle, "fight those who fight you." This general guideline and rule agrees with our human nature and survival instinct. That is because it is only natural for one to retaliate against aggression and defend one's life, property and wealth from any external attack.

Sadly, this basic human right - the right to defend oneself - is nowadays denied to Muslims by modern-day democracies and so-called free nations, such as Britain and the USA. This is clearly evident in the fact that Muslims in Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine, Chechnya and Kashmir who are resisting the brutal occupation of their lands are continually branded and portrayed as terrorists and violent extremists by Western powers.

On top of this, any Muslim in the West that has the fortitude to condemn the evil actions of Coalition forces is similarly branded as a "terrorist sympathiser" or accused of "glorifying terrorism" for believing in the right of Muslims to defend their land from occupation. It is not even allowed for us to discuss the causes of 9/11 or 7/7 - in order to gain lessons - without fear of being labelled a terrorist fanatic.

The irony of this situation is that if tomorrow Britain is under occupation, every Briton would consider it their right, without any question, to fight for their country and defend their land, even if such actions were deemed terrorism by other nations.

So, in summary, jihad does not translate as "holy war" or the killing of innocent people. It is to strive, with utmost effort, to please God and fight in His way. It is famously reported that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The best form of jihad is to speak the truth in the face of a tyrant ruler."(Abu Daawud and Al-Tirmidhi)

The greatest tyrants today are those who prefer the rule of man over the laws of God (Sharia law). Jihad and the establishment of Sharia law on earth are the only two things which will unite all people, of all races, and rid the world of oppression, poverty and corruption for good.

Answer 2

"Jihad" means to struggle or strive, and Islam means submission to the will of God.

The struggle to submit to God's will has existed about as long as man has.

Jihad has the literal meaning of exerting our best and greatest effort to achieve something. It is not the equivalent of war, that is called in Arabic 'qital,. Jihad has a much wider connotation and embraces every kind of striving in God's cause. A mujahid is one who is sincerely devoted to his or her cause; who uses all physical, intellectual, and spiritual resources to serve it; who confront any power that stands in its way; and, when necessary, dies for this cause. Jihad in the way of God is our struggle to win God's good pleasure, to establish His religion's supremacy, and to make His Word prevail.

However, there should not be confusion between Jihad and terrorism. See related question below on terrorism to understand the difference.

In the early beginning of Islam, the nonbelievers in Mecca (a city currently belongs to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) tried to assassinate Prophet Muhammad and waged wars against Prophet Muhammad and his followers. That is why Islamic Jihad was legalized at that time to allow Muslims to defend themselves and their religion.

Afterward, when Islam religion spread in the area and no more hostilities happened, Prophet Muhammad (peace upon him) said that finished the Minor Jihad (defending yourselves against enemies) and started the Major Jihad (defending yourself against the forbidden pleasures such as drinking alcohol, gambling, prostitution, cheating, terrifying the innocents, stealing money and properties, false witness, etc..)

Answer 3

Islamic Jihad is an important Islamic requirement. Its proper practice is subject to conditions. Jihad means struggle for a cause. Every one struggles in all phases and stages of his/her life. He/She struggles (practice Jihad) to fulfill life requirements, earn money for living, building up career, etc.

Islamic Jihad is of two types: greater (major or self) jihad and lesser (Minor or military) jihad.

Greater or self Jihad means self struggle to obey the Creator and avoid sins as well as working for the benefit of yourself, your community, your religion, your family, your neighbors, your environment, etc.

Lesser or Military jihad is licit only when you fulfill the following conditions:

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 the above conditions are met, then the lesser or military jihad is licit and justified.

Answer 4

Jihad is very important when enemies attack and oppress Muslims.