What are the four types of jihad in Islam?

Answer 1

Jihad, that means in English striving or struggling, is of two types:

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

Self Jihad is that any Muslim should practice Jihad or self struggle to avoid doing wrong deeds and/or committing sins that are forbidden by Islam and by his community. It is also doing good things that Allah wants you to do, such as following the morals of Quran and prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), reciting the Quran, helping the poor, striving to fulfill your family requirements, learning and studying useful sciences and arts, etc.

Regarding Military Jihad, it is licit only in two cases:

• 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 are forbidden; by Quran and prophet Muhammad teachings; 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. They are forbidden from spoiling the nature, cutting a tree, or polluting/poisoning air or water.

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

Answer 2

Literally the word Jihad means 'struggle, striving, doing effort'. In Islam, Jihad means striving in the Way of Almighty Allah (God). In fact it is the Sacred Struggle made to maintain peace in human society which everybody should do irrespective of his religion.

Jihad in Islam is of many kinds. The highest is 'striving' to control one's own animal, ruthless, brutal and evil passions. It is very difficult to remain cool and composed in the face of aggression. Islam demands 'patience' from its followers. Speaking truth, refraining from corruption of all kinds, being just to all humans and even all creatures, being honest in all matters of life, and being steadfast and upright in the face of temptation are among the actions which are the demand of Jihad of the Highest kind.

Preaching Islam by the word of mouth and practicing it in one's daily life is also Jihad. Spending money in the way of Almighty Allah, doing acts of charity, helping the needy and the poor is also Jihad.

When the enemies of Islam attack the Muslims, the Muslims must take up arms if negotiation fails and there is no alternative but to fight. Almighty Allah says in the holy Qur'an:

Sura (chapter) Al-Baqra-2: Aya: 190; "Fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight you, --But do not transgress limits. For Allah does not love transgressors. Aya-193: And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah, but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who are oppressors."

Thus it must be clear in the minds of the true Muslims that killing human beings in the name of religion is not permitted in Islam. Killing of one innocent human being irrespective of his religion, caste, color or country is like killing of all human beings in the Eyes of Almighty Allah (God). Almighty Allah has created all human beings and loves them all.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

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.

Answer 5

They are two types of Jihad not four. Refer to question below.