What is Jihad

Islam is a complete code of life, offering a comprehensive mechanism for living a righteous life. Among other important aspects of faith in Islam, Jihad is the centre of attention. Islamic scholars interpret this term in different ways. The key to understanding the essence of the concept is to understand what is jihad in the true sense. 

What Does Jihad Mean

The word jihad is derived from the Arabic word ‘Jahd’, which means ‘to fight’, to struggle’, or ‘to exert the most effort. The jihad meaning refers to a meritorious effort and struggle to fulfill Allah’s will. It involves internal spiritual striving and external efforts to defend Islam and build a good society based on justice according to the commandments of Allah. 

Jihad Definition 

The literal meaning of Jihaad is to strive or exert. The jihad definition in the juridico-religious sense refers to the exertion of one's power to the utmost of one's capacity in the way of Allah. In Islamic Shariah, Jihad can be defined as the exertion done for the religion or in the way of Allah to eliminate evil and promote justice. 

Jihad in Islam is not an act of any kind of violence inflicted indiscriminately against non-Muslims. Rather, it is an all-around struggle that a Muslim should launch against evil in whatever form it appears.

In Surah Hajj verse 78, Allah says;

وَ جَاهِدُوْا فِی اللّٰهِ حَقَّ جِهَادِهٖؕ

‘Strive for the cause of Allah in the way He deserves.’

Types of Jihad

Jehad is a broad term and have been interpreted in different ways by Muslim scholars. The theologian and jurisprudence have highlighted different aspects of jihad. Ibn Qayyim, a famous muslim theologian, categorises the fourteen aspects of jihad. However, according to Muslim scholars, there are five main types of jihad. 

Jihad Bil Nafs

Jihad bil nafs, which means striving against oneself, is the struggle to conquer one's own inner desires and temptations. It is considered the greater jihad in Islam. It involves combating the nafs, the ego, and its negative tendencies like pride, greed, and lust, to align one's actions and thoughts with the will of Allah.

In Surah Al-Baqarah verse 216, Allah says;

“Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not”

The Holy Prophet (SAW), while returning from a military campaign, said to the companions;

 “We have come back from the lesser jihad to the greater jihad.” They said, “Is there any greater jihaad than jihad against the kuffar?” the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “Yes, jihad al-nafs”. 

In another Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says;

"The struggler is the one who strives against his self/soul in obedience to Allah, the Mighty and Majestic." (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah) 

Jihad Bil Ilm

Jihad bil ilm, which means ‘jihad through knowledge’, is a struggle to promote truth, justice, and prevent evil in all its forms. This form of jiahd emphasizes the importance of learning, teaching, and the application of knowledge for the betterment of oneself and society.

Inviting people to Allah’s path is the best example of Jihad bil Ilm. In Surah Nahl, verse 125, Allahh says;

‘Invite all to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and kind advice, and only debate with them in the best manner. Surely your Lord alone knows best who has strayed from His Way and who is rightly guided.’

Hazrat Abu Said al-Khudri reports that the Prophet(PBUH)said, 

“Verily, among the greatest acts of jihad is a word of justice before a tyrannical ruler.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2174)

Jihad Bil Maal 

Jihad bil maal means jihad through wealth. It is a struggle against evil, tyranny, and oppression through wealth. It includes helping people who fight in the way of Allah by providing food, water, and other necessities. It also includes acts like charity, supporting the poor, investing in education, and spreading Islamic teachings through various means. 

In Surah Tobah verse 20, Allah says;

الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَهَاجَرُوا وَجَاهَدُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بِأَمْوَالِهِمْ وَأَنفُسِهِمْ أَعْظَمُ دَرَجَةً عِندَ اللَّهِ ۚ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْفَائِزُونَ

‘Those who have believed, emigrated, and strived in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives are greater in rank in the sight of Allah. It is they who will triumph.’

Jihad Bil Saif

Jihad Bil Saif, which means ‘Jihad with the sword’, is an armed struggle in the way of Allah. It includes fighting against non muslims and disbelievers who fight against muslims. It is an Islamic war fought to defend Islam and the homeland of Muslims. 

In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 190, Allah states;

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

Purpose of Jihad 

Jihad is a sacred act in Islam. It is beyond just fighting. The essence of jihad lies in the collective defence against all kinds of evil and wrongdoings, be they internal or external. The purposes of jihad are as follows.

Defence

The primary purpose of jihad is to defend the muslim community against the transgressors. In the holy Quran, Allah permitted the Muslims to practice Jihad to defend the Muslim community (Ummah) after the fight is inflicted on them by its enemy. Surah Al-Hajj verse 39 presents it as;

اُذِنَ لِلَّذِیْنَ یُقٰتَلُوْنَ بِاَنَّهُمْ ظُلِمُوْاؕ-وَ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَلٰى نَصْرِهِمْ لَقَدِیْرُ

‘Permission to fight back is hereby granted to those being fought, for they have been wronged. And Allah is truly Most Capable of helping them prevail.’

Justice and Equality

The core purpose of Jihad is to promote justice and equality. It is the struggle against the tyrant, oppressor, and the unjust. Allah encourages Muslims to fight in His way to save oppressed men, women, and children. 

In Surah Nisa verse 75, Allah says that;

“And what is it with you? You do not fight in the cause of Allah and for oppressed men, women, and children who cry out, “Our Lord! Deliver us from this land of oppressors! Appoint for us a saviour; appoint for us a helper—all by Your grace.” 

Freedom 

Freedom is a basic human need and the right of every person. Islam frees every human from any kind of slavery. Jihad can be performed to free muslims from persecution. As it is stated in the Quran;

‘Fight against them until there is no more persecution, and your devotion will be entirely to Allah. But if they desist, then surely Allah is All-Seeing of what they do.’ (Surah Anfal, 39) 

Conclusion 

Jihad in Islam is a concept encompassing striving or struggling in the path of Allah. It is interpreted in many ways, ranging from personal struggle for spiritual development to the defense of Islam. The core purpose of jihad is to fight against any kind of evil.