Does Jihad in Islam really mean a holy war of Muslims against all the non-Muslims? I chose this question because, in the 21st century, the term is commonly used in America and other non-Muslim countries as referring to this kind of religious military aggression, particularly in relation to terrorist organizations. However, Muslim population has long objected to such an interpretation and claimed that their religion is peaceful and tolerant. They state that terrorists are not devoted or misguided believers who violate the Qur’an and Islamic laws. On the one hand, I tend to think that the majority of peaceful Muslims must be right about their religion, as they know it better than anyone. On the other hand, Jihad as a holy war of Muslims is such a widespread concept that it must have at least some roots in Islam.
The research revealed that Jihad is a very broad concept often divided into four categories: Jihad by the heart, by the tongue, by the hand, and by the sword (Kabbani and Hendricks). In Arabic, the word “jihad” means “to strive for some objective” (Kabbani and Hendricks) or “exerted effort” (Handwerk). In Islam, it implies a struggle to become a better Muslim and to achieve justice and well-being of the society. Such a struggle can be internal and/or external. Most Muslims believe that the former is more important than the latter (Handwerk; Kabbani and Hendricks). Going by the categories, Jihad by the heart means constant self-improvement in terms of morality, fighting one’s personality faults and negative urges, and always keeping God in one’s heart. Jihad by the tongue implies spreading Islam through teaching, preaching, and explaining. Jihad by the hand means reinforcing Islamic values and justice via action – such as charity or helping others.
However, it is the misunderstanding of Jihad by the sword that led to the concept being perceived as a holy war. Jihad by the sword indeed implies military actions against non-Muslims. However, such actions are allowed only as the last resort in self-defense (Handwerk; Kabbani and Hendricks). In general, Islam calls its followers to be tolerant, just, and kind towards non-Muslims: “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not remove you from your homes (by force) and who do not fight you because of your religion, that you act kindly and justly towards them . . .” (The Qur’an 60.8). The only few exceptions to such a friendly attitude are when people of other faiths try to deprive Muslims of their legitimate land, forcefully prevent Muslims from following or spreading their religion, or directly attack Muslims with the intention to destroy or seriously harm them (Kabbani and Hendricks). These are the only reasons for Jihad involving military actions to achieve justice and only when all the other peaceful means of resolving the conflict are exhausted (Kabbani and Hendricks). Although being a holy war in this case, Jihad is never permitted as a means of forcefully spreading Islam (Kabbani and Hendricks). According to the Qur’an, “There is no compulsion in religion, the path of guidance stands out clear from error” (2.256). Even when Jihad implies military actions, they have very strict boundaries. Muslims are not allowed to kill or otherwise harm the innocent or non-combatants – women, children, the elderly, and the disabled (Handwerk; Kabbani and Hendricks) – and even to cause harm to infrastructure (Handwerk). The Qur’an states, “And fight in the way of Allah those who fight against you, and do not transgress [limits] for Allah likes not the transgressors” (2.190). Moreover, as soon as the opposite party stops its attacks and seeks peace, Muslims involved in Jihad by the sword must stop fighting: “. . . Therefore, if they leave you alone, refrain from fighting, and offer you peace, then God gives you no excuse to fight them” (The Qur’an 4.90).
I think that working on this paper clarified the meaning of Jihad and the spirit of Islam for me. Jihad is mostly the path of constant improvement of oneself and the society, while spreading Islam via peaceful means. However, when the Muslim community is seriously wronged, and nothing helps to improve the situation, Jihad by the sword allows Muslims to defend themselves and restore justice and the well-being of the community through military actions. Still, such actions can only be Jihad – or a just and holy war – when strict rules are followed during the campaign. Muslims who engage in military Jihad are not to harm or kill the innocent or even cause unnecessary harm to infrastructure. They have to be just and merciful. Therefore, the terrorist organizations who exploit the concept of Jihad by the sword to justify their actions are taking separate excerpts from Islamic holy texts out of context and pervert their meaning. They act against the spirit and main laws of their religion, which is why they are condemned by the majority of the Muslim population.
- Handwerk, Brian. “What Does “Jihad” Really Mean to Muslims?” National Geographic News, 24 October 2003, news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/10/1023_031023_jihad.html. Accessed 26 January 2018.
- Kabbani, Muhammad Hisham, and Seraj Hendricks. “Jihad: A Misunderstood Concept from Islam.” The Islamic Supreme Council of America, islamicsupremecouncil.org/understanding-islam/legal-rulings/5-jihad-a-misunderstood-concept-from-islam.html?showall=1. Accessed 26 January 2018.
- The Holy Qur’an. Translated by Maulawi Sher ‘Ali, Islam International Publications Limited, 2004.
