Jihad in Islam

To most non muslim, the word Jihad carries a heavy connotation or bias secondary meaning of Holy War or Islamic violence and intolerance toward injustice cause. Such aggression is misattributed to the injunction of Islam. The word Jihad simply mean 'to struggle', 'to exert effort', 'to toil', or 'to strive'.

While the Quran generally uses the term 'jihad' in the broader sense of struggle in God's cause, which could include fighting for justice or self defense. It can also be referred to as internal and external efforts to be a good Muslims or believer, as well as working to inform other people about the faith of Islam. The word JIhad was first used in the Quran in verses revealed at Makkah:

"And whoever engages in jihad (striving) , he does so for his own soul..."(QS.29:6)

"And those who engage in jihad (striving) in Our (cause), We will certainly guide them to Our paths." ( QS 29:69).

"Therefore, listen not to the unbelievers, but engage in jihad (striving) against them (with the utmost endeavour), with it ( the Quran)".(QS.25:52).

Abu Dharr said that the Messenger SAW said, "The best jihad is for one to perform Jihad against his own self and against his desires."(Hadith collected by ad Daylami, Abu Nu'aim and Ibnu an-Najjar, authenticated by al-Albani in Sahih Jaami' as Sagheer no. 1099)

Another man asked, "What kind of jihad is best? " The Prophet SAW replied, " A word of truth before an oppressive ruler."(an Nasai, no. 4209)

'Aisha asked, "O Messenger of Allah, we see jihad as the best of deeds, so shouldn't we join it? " He replied, "Hajj is the most excellent of all jihad (for women)."(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Hajj, no 2784)

The Mesenger SAW also said,"...the one who engages in jihad (mujahid) is he who strives against himself for the sake of God , and the one who emigrates (muhajir) is he who abandons evil deeds and sinfulness."(Sahih ibn Hibban, no 4862)

Ibn Umar reported that the Prophet said,"The best jihad is that of one who strives against his own self in the Cause of Allah, Most Great and Glorious."Collected by al-Tabarani, authenticated by al-Albani, no 1129)

Ibn Umar reported, "A man came to the Prophet of Allah and said , 'Allow me to fight.' The Prophet SAW asked him, 'Are your parents alive?' 'Yes,' replied the man. 'Then go back and exert your utmost (jihad) in their service,' said the Prophet."(REported by al-Bukhari, Abu Dawood, an-Nasai, al-Tirmidhi)

The Prophet also said:
"...The true mujahid is he who performs Jihad bi an-Nafs(struggle in-within one-self) in the obedience of Allah..."(Ahmad, al-Hakim, at-Tabarani)

So you can see here, Jihad is not a violent concept. Jihad is not a declaration of war against other race or religions. The concept of jihad has been hijacked by many political and anti-Islamic groups over the ages in a bid to justify various forms of violence.


Wallahu'alam