Islam & Jihad (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

What is Jihad?

• Jihad, from the Arabic juhd, means struggle

  • It is used to mean the struggle faced by every Muslim to follow the teachings of Islam successfully

• The idea of jihad originates in the Qur’an

• According to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), there are two types of jihad: greater jihad (jihad al-akbar) and lesser jihad (jihad al-asghar)

• Jihad is important to Muslims because:

  • They are following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who practised both types of jihad

  • Allah blesses and rewards those who strive to improve themselves and become better Muslims throughout their lives

  • The Qur’an teaches Muslims to “fight in the cause of Allah”, and so they are obeying this teaching in both greater and lesser jihad

Greater jihad —- maintaining a Muslim lifestyle

What is greater jihad?

• Greater jihad, or inner jihad, is the inner struggle to become a better Muslim by doing good deeds

  • Greater jihad is divided into categories by Muslim scholars, including:

    • Striving with the soul (jihad be al-nafs), which means improving your inner character, for example, by fasting and resisting temptation

    • Striving with the tongue (jihad be al-lisan), which means being honest and speaking out for what is right or spreading the faith by telling people about Islam

    • Striving with the pen (jihad be al-qalam), which means writing positive things in defence of Islam or studying the Qur’an

Lesser jihad

What is lesser jihad?

• Lesser jihad, or outer jihad, is the outer struggle to defend Islam in the world by both non-violent and violent means

  • This may include fighting for one’s faith in a battle or war

  • The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) set the example by taking action against people who persecuted Muslims or tried to end Islam, and the Qur’an teaches:

• The Qur’an also states that there are certain conditions that would justify lesser jihad

• The terms for permitting lesser jihad are strict

•  Lesser jihad is permitted if one or more of the following conditions are met:

  • Extreme persecution (suffering for your beliefs)

  • Religious freedoms are removed

  • Islam needs defending from an enemy attack

  • A Muslim leader (khalifah) permits and authorises the action

• In all cases of lesser jihad:

  • It must be for a just cause

  • It must be a last resort

  • It must cause the minimum suffering possible

  • Innocent civilians must not be attacked

  • It must aim to restore freedom and peace

  • It must end as soon as the enemy surrenders