Jihad

Jihad in Islam

Striving in Faith, Self, and Society

Introduction

Jihad, from the Arabic root jahada meaning “to strive” or “to struggle,” refers to efforts in the path of Allah. It covers self-improvement, speaking truth, supporting the community, and at times defensive combat. Misunderstandings about Jihad are widespread, yet in Islam it remains a comprehensive and ethical concept.

“And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him.” Qur’an 22:78

Types of Jihad

1. Jihad al-Nafs (Struggle Against the Self)

Personal effort to resist sin and cultivate righteousness.

“The best Jihad is the Jihad against your own soul, against your own desires and against your own whims.” (Narrated by Ibn Hibban)

2. Jihad al-Lisan (Struggle by the Tongue)

Speaking truth, inviting to Islam, and defending faith through dialogue.

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.” Qur’an 16:125

3. Jihad al-Qalam (Struggle by the Pen)

Promoting knowledge, refuting misconceptions, and preserving the truth through scholarship and writing.

4. Jihad al-Mal (Struggle by Wealth)

Financial support for those in need and causes that serve Allah’s path.

“Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and then do not follow up what they have spent with reminders of it or injury will have their reward with their Lord…” Qur’an 2:262

5. Jihad al-Saif (Struggle by the Sword)

Armed defense of the Muslim community, governed by strict ethics.

“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.” Qur’an 2:190

Ethical Guidelines for Jihad al-Saif

1. Intentions: Jihad must be for justice and faith, not personal gain.
2. Conduct: Civilians, property, and the environment are to be protected; prisoners treated with dignity.
3. Peace: War must end if the opponent seeks peace.
   

   “But if they incline towards peace, then incline towards it [also] and rely upon Allah.” Qur’an 8:61

Misconceptions About Jihad

• Extremist misuse: Groups that commit terrorism in Islam’s name distort Jihad’s meaning.
• Only fighting? Jihad includes personal and social struggles, not just combat.
• Ends justify means? In Islam, Jihad follows ethics, never violating justice or compassion.

Classical scholars emphasized that Jihad is always rooted in justice, mercy, and balance.

References

Primary Sources

• Qur’an 22:78 : Strive in Allah’s path.
• Qur’an 16:125 : Call to Islam with wisdom.
• Qur’an 2:262 : Spending for Allah’s sake.
• Qur’an 2:190 : Ethics of warfare.
• Qur’an 8:61 : Inclining to peace.

Secondary Sources

• Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmoo‘ al-Fatawa : Discussions on Jihad’s scope.
• Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan : Modern explanation of Jihad’s meanings.