Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Jihad

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A checked version of this page, approved on 5 November 2021, was based on this revision.

Jihad جهاد in Arabic is the masdar or verbal noun of the verb 'jaahada" جاهد. This verb means to "struggle" or to "strive" in Arabic. As such, the word jihad means literally "struggle" or "striving." Within Islamic religious discourse though, the word has a special meaning. جهاد في سبيل الله "jihaad fi sabil Allah" or "jihad on the path of Allah" most usually refers to armed, religious struggle by the Muslim, believing inhabitants of Dar Al-Islam (the house or abode of Islam or the house of submission) against the unbelieving, infidel people of Dar Al-Harb (The house or abode of war). The word can also be used to refer to the inner struggle of the Muslim believe to follow the laws of Allah, but this is the less common meaning. By far the most common meaning is armed warfare in the name of spreading and/or defending Islam. This understanding of jihad continues to be taught in Islamic religious schools, even mainstream ones, to the present day.

Jihad in the Qur'an

The "sword verse" of the 9th surah of the Qur'an, verse 29, has been interpreted by Islamic scholars throughout history as a never-ending call for jihad against the Dar-al-Harb.

Verse 9:29

Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.

Quran 9:29

Explanation of verse 9:29

Allah then commanded fighting the disbelievers when He said:

(...until there is no more Fitnah) meaning, Shirk. This is the opinion of Ibn `Abbas, Abu Al-`Aliyah, Mujahid, Al-Hasan, Qatadah, Ar-Rabi`, Muqatil bin Hayyan, As-Suddi and Zayd bin Aslam.

Allah's statement:

(...and the religion (all and every kind of worship) is for Allah (Alone).) means, `So that the religion of Allah becomes dominant above all other religions.' It is reported in the Two Sahihs that Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari said: "The Prophet was asked, `O Allah's Messenger! A man fights out of bravery, and another fights to show off, which of them fights in the cause of Allah' The Prophet said:

(He who fights so that Allah's Word is superior, then he fights in Allah's cause.) In addition, it is reported in the Two Sahihs:

(I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight the people until they proclaim, `None has the right to be worshipped but Allah'. Whoever said it, then he will save his life and property from me, except for cases of the law, and their account will be with Allah.)

The Order to fight until there is no more Fitnah
Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Fight them till there is no sedition, no idolatry, and the religion, all worship, is for God, alone and none are worshipped apart from Him; then if they desist, from idolatry, do not aggress against them. This is indicated by the following words, there shall be no enmity, no aggression through slaying or otherwise, save against evildoers. Those that desist, however, are not evildoers and should not be shown any enmity.

Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow) 2:193
Tafsir al-Jalalayn

Others

The most beloved of deeds in the eyes of Allah are: offering prayers at the stipulated times; goodness and kindness towards parents; Jihad in the way of Allah.

Kanzul `Ummal, Volume 7, Tradition 18897

Thawban narrated that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said: "When the sword is imposed on my Ummah, it shall not be removed from it until the Day of Resurrection."

Tirmidhi 4:31:2202

Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Jihad

Jihad in the Qur'an

Others

See Also