Jihad in Islamic Theology
Suggest editLinguistic and Legal Meaning
Jihad (جهاد) literally means 'struggle' or 'striving.' In Islamic theology, it encompasses a broad range of meanings from inner spiritual struggle to physical combat in defense of the Muslim community. Reducing jihad to only one of its meanings distorts the Islamic understanding of the concept.
Types of Jihad
Jihad al-Nafs (struggle against the self): The ongoing struggle to discipline one's desires, overcome sinful inclinations, and maintain righteousness. Many scholars consider this the greatest form of jihad, based on the hadith: 'The mujahid is the one who strives against his own self in obedience to Allah' (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1621). Jihad of Knowledge: Striving to learn and teach Islam. The Quran calls this a great jihad (Quran 25:52). Jihad of Wealth: Spending in the cause of Allah for charitable and community purposes. Jihad of the Tongue: Speaking truth, commanding good, and forbidding evil. Jihad by Combat (Qital): Armed struggle, which has strict conditions and regulations.
Conditions for Armed Jihad
Islamic law places strict conditions on armed combat: it must be authorized by legitimate authority, it must be defensive or to remove persecution, non-combatants (women, children, elderly, monks, farmers) must not be targeted, destruction of crops, animals, and buildings is prohibited, prisoners must be treated humanely, and envoys are inviolable. The Prophet said: 'Do not kill women, children, or the elderly' (Sunan Abu Dawud 2614). These rules were codified centuries before modern international humanitarian law.