Explain the meaning of jihad with reference to three incidents from the life of the prophet?

Answer 1

Jihad is a word that has a special significance in the history of Islam. It is understood by many in wrong context today. One of the most important aspect of Jihad is that it is a war to protect Islam and not spread Islam. Islam is not supposed to be spread by swords.

Types of Jihad: There are two types of Jihads

1. Jihad-e -Kabira:Jihad-e-kabira or the bigger ( or major) Jihad is the war against the evil within. It is the resistance of a person against his evil desires.
2. Jihad-e-Saghira: Jihad-e-saghira or smaller jihad are wars that have been fought to protect Islam.

Jihad in context of Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W)

The inhabitants of Mekkah would not accept any one turning to Islam. They brutally tortured any person who turned to Islam. Prophet Mohammad commanded Muslims to migrate to other cities. Some of the Muslims migrated to Medinah. People of Medinah were hospitable and they accepted the concepts of Islam. Islam was at rise in Medinah.

The chiefs of different clans in Mekkah decided to kill Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W) and he too migrated to Medinah with his faithful friend Hazrat Abu Bakra Siddique. Thus the first Islamic colony was established in Medinah under supervision of Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W). Like any terretory, Medinah also organised an army. The Mekkan attacked the city of Medinah after the Treaty of Hudibiyah was broken and thus the first war of Islam was fought.

Jihad just give Muslims as a community and as an individual , right to self defence. This right has been exercised by all the nations, religions and tribes in history. All major religions that have heroes related to war. Same is the concept of jihad in Islam.