The Misconceptions of Jihad

Jihad:

The Arabic word "jihad" means struggling or striving and applies to any effort exerted by anyone.

Jihad has long been used incorrectly, and is generally translated as "holy war". However,Islamic teachings show us that, it is unholy to instigate or start war; however, some wars are inevitable and justifiable. If we translate the words "holy war" back into Arabic we find "harbun muqaddasatun", or for "the holy war", "al-harbu al-muqaddasatu". The Arabic words for "war" are "harb" or "qital", which are found in the Qur'an and Hadith. We do not find jihad to translate into holy war. It is simply not the true meaning. The media has done much to incorrectly promote a jihad as a holy war.

For Muslims the term jihad has developed into different meanings. The sources of the true meanings are the Qur'an (the Word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad(S)) and the Hadith (teachings of Prophet Muhammad(S) [(S) denotes Sall-Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam meaning peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The Qur'an and the Hadith use the word "jihad" in several different contexts:

Resisting pressure to reject Islam:
"So obey not the rejecters of faith, but strive (jahidhum) against them by it (the Qur'an) with a great endeavor." 25:52

Following the correct path:
"And strive (jahidu) for Allah with the endeavor (jihadihi) which is His right. He has chosen you and has not laid upon you in the deen (religion) any hardship ..." 22:78

At another occasion a man asked the Prophet Muhammad(S):

"Should I join the jihad?" He asked, "Do you have parents?" The man said, "Yes!" The Prophet(S) said, "then strive by (serving) them!" Sahih Al-Bukhari #5972

Yet another man asked the Messenger of Allah:

"What kind of jihad is better?" He replied, "A word of truth in front of an oppressive ruler!" Sunan Al-Nasa'i #4209

The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad(S) said:

"... the mujahid (one who carries out jihad) is he who strives against himself for the sake of obeying Allah, and the muhajir (one who emigrates) is he who abandons evil deeds and sin." Sahih Ibn Hibban #4862



Fighting is allowed only to defend the religion of Islam and the Muslims:
Allah declares in the Qur'an:

"To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to defend themselves), because they are wronged - and verily, Allah is Most Powerful to give them victory - (they are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right - (for no cause) except that they say, 'Our Lord is Allah'.... " 22:39-40

The Qur'an permits fighting to defend the religion of Islam and the Muslims. This permission includes fighting in self defense and for the protection of family and property.

Muslims have freedom to inform, educate and convey the message of Islam:

Allah declares in the Qur'an:

"They ask you (Muhammad) concerning fighting in the Sacred Month. Say, 'Fighting therein is a grave (offense) but graver is it in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path of Allah, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its inhabitants. Persecution is worse than killing. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith, if they can. ..." 2:217

"And those who, when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, (are not cowed but) fight back." 42:39

To gain this freedom, Prophet Muhammad(S) said:

"Strive (jahidu) against the disbelievers with your hands and tongues." Sahih Ibn Hibban #4708

The life of the Prophet Muhammad(S) was full of striving to gain the freedom to inform and convey the message of Islam. During his stay in Makkah he used non-violent methods and after the establishment of his government in Madinah, by the permission of Allah, he used armed struggle against his enemies whenever he found it inevitable.

Muslims to do not force others into Islam:

The Quran tells us:

"Let there be no compulsion (or coercion) in the religion (Islam). The right direction is distinctly clear from error." 2:256

The media has helped fan the misunderstanding of what a jihad is. However, true Muslims following the Islamic teachings of the Qur'an know what the true meaning is:

The true meaning of Jihad is a personal mission for those struggling or striving for the freedom to be Muslim and to practice their faith. It is not a "holy war" undertaken in the name of religion. It is also not a campaign to takeover the world. It is the struggle to follow Allah.