Q What is the true meaning of Jihad in Islam?
A The Arabic word Jihad literally translates to "striving" or "struggling" in the way of God, rather than "holy war." Islamic theology divides Jihad into two primary forms:
1. The Greater Jihad: The internal, spiritual struggle against one's own ego, desires and sins to live a righteous life.
2. The Lesser Jihad: An outward struggle, which can include military defense against aggression. Islamic law strictly limits military jihad to defensive or anti-oppressive warfare and forbids harming non-combatants, women, children and infrastructure.
A The Arabic word Jihad literally translates to "striving" or "struggling" in the way of God, rather than "holy war." Islamic theology divides Jihad into two primary forms:
1. The Greater Jihad: The internal, spiritual struggle against one's own ego, desires and sins to live a righteous life.
2. The Lesser Jihad: An outward struggle, which can include military defense against aggression. Islamic law strictly limits military jihad to defensive or anti-oppressive warfare and forbids harming non-combatants, women, children and infrastructure.
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What is Islam?One of the major religions of the world, Islam literally translates to "submission," as a follower of Islam (Muslims) devotes their life to that of their God. The religion began with the teachings of Muhammad in the 7th century. The theology of Islam is based on the Qur'an, which was given to Muhammad by God. Some of the major fundamental principles of Islam include the Five Pillars, which hope to unite all Muslims into a community. Two different factions of Muslims exist - the majority are known as Sunni, with a small percentage known as Shi'a - both predominantly reside throughout the Middle East. Muhammad died in 632 AD and the religion of Islam formally started after his death. The Quran was formally compiled and finalised in 650 AD, prior to which it was 'memorised' and written across many parchments.
What is Jihad?Jihad is an Arabic word which literally means striving or struggling, especially with a praiseworthy aim. It can have many shades of meaning in an Islamic context, such as struggle against one's evil inclinations, an exertion to convert unbelievers, or efforts toward the moral betterment of society, though it is most frequently associated with war. In classical Islamic law, the term often refers to armed struggle against unbelievers, while modernist Islamic scholars generally equate military jihad with defensive warfare. In Sufi and pious circles, spiritual and moral jihad has been traditionally emphasized under the name of greater jihad.
