Jihad literally means to strive or exert effort. In Islam it means striving in the way of Allah to establish good and repel evil. It is not confined to fighting; it has several types:
Jihad an-Nafs (striving against the self). This is the struggle to purify oneself, to obey Allah, perform acts of worship and restrain the soul from its evil desires. The Prophet called returning from battle to this struggle the "greater jihad".
Jihad ash-Shaytan (striving against Satan). Resisting the whisperings and temptations of Satan by strengthening faith and doing righteous deeds.
Jihad bil-Lisan (striving with the tongue). Spreading the message of Islam, preaching, teaching, calling to good and forbidding evil, and speaking a word of truth before a tyrant.
Jihad bil-Mal (striving with wealth). Spending one's lawful wealth in the cause of Allah, such as funding da‘wah, helping the needy and supporting the community.
Jihad bil-‘Ilm / bil-Qalam (striving with knowledge and the pen). Writing, learning and teaching to defend and propagate Islam and refute falsehood.
Jihad bil-Yad (striving with the hand). Changing evil by action where one has the ability and authority.
Jihad al-Qital / bis-Sayf (armed struggle). Fighting in defence of Islam, the Muslim land, life, honour and religion against aggression, under proper authority and rules. This is the "lesser jihad".
All these forms aim at pleasing Allah, establishing justice and defending the faith. Allah says: "And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him" (Q22:78).
Jihad literally means to strive or exert effort. In Islam it means striving in the way of Allah to establish good and repel evil. It is not confined to fighting; it has several types:
Jihad an-Nafs (striving against the self). This is the struggle to purify oneself, to obey Allah, perform acts of worship and restrain the soul from its evil desires. The Prophet called returning from battle to this struggle the "greater jihad".
Jihad ash-Shaytan (striving against Satan). Resisting the whisperings and temptations of Satan by strengthening faith and doing righteous deeds.
Jihad bil-Lisan (striving with the tongue). Spreading the message of Islam, preaching, teaching, calling to good and forbidding evil, and speaking a word of truth before a tyrant.
Jihad bil-Mal (striving with wealth). Spending one's lawful wealth in the cause of Allah, such as funding da‘wah, helping the needy and supporting the community.
Jihad bil-‘Ilm / bil-Qalam (striving with knowledge and the pen). Writing, learning and teaching to defend and propagate Islam and refute falsehood.
Jihad bil-Yad (striving with the hand). Changing evil by action where one has the ability and authority.
Jihad al-Qital / bis-Sayf (armed struggle). Fighting in defence of Islam, the Muslim land, life, honour and religion against aggression, under proper authority and rules. This is the "lesser jihad".
All these forms aim at pleasing Allah, establishing justice and defending the faith. Allah says: "And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him" (Q22:78).
