Johad

Johad

Jihad in Islam

Meaning of Jihad

• Jihad is an Arabic term in Islam which roughly translates to ‘struggle’ or ‘strive’.
• This concept has two aspects: inner struggle and outer struggle.

Inner Jihad

• Inner Jihad, often referred to as the ‘greater jihad’, denotes the spiritual struggle against one’s self.
• This involves overcoming personal weaknesses, moral temptations and striving to become a better person in the eyes of Allah.
• It includes everyday challenges such as being kind and honest, controlling anger, and performing acts of charity.

Outer Jihad

• Outer Jihad, sometimes considered as the ‘lesser jihad’, refers to the external struggle to defend Islam when it is under threat.
• This could involve a physical battle, though this is the last resort and should be conducted under strict rules of warfare.
• It is crucial to note that the misuse of this term by extremist groups to justify violence is contrary to Islamic teachings which advocate peace.

Importance of Jihad

• Jihad is a way to practise the teachings of Islam and align oneself more closely to Allah.
• It reminds Muslims of their duties towards improving themselves and their communities.
• It encourages the act of standing against oppression and injustice.

Misunderstanding of Jihad

• Jihad is a complex concept that is often misunderstood outside of Islam, usually associated wrongly with exhaustive violence or terrorism.
• It must be emphasised that these associations are incorrect representations of jihad in authentic Islamic teaching.
• Islam mandates that the sanctity of human life must always be maintained.