Facts About Jihad You've Never Heard!

Though Islam is the second largest religion in the world, there are many misconceptions about it and its teachings. It’s not far from reality to say that “jihad” is the most controversial Islamic concept and not many are aware of its real meaning. While Islam is generally misunderstood in the West, perhaps no other Islamic term evokes such strong reactions as “jihad”.

What does jihad really mean? Does jihad mean war? Here are 5 interesting facts about jihad which you’ve probably never heard before!

What is the meaning of Jihad in Islam?

Jihad is an Arabic word, which literally means striving or struggling, especially with a praiseworthy aim. In an Islamic context, jihad can refer to almost any effort to make personal and social life conform to God’s guidance, such as struggle against one’s evil inclinations, proselytizing, or efforts toward the moral betterment of the society. While jihad is most always mistranslated as “holy war”, it is incorrect to imagine that jihad is synonymous only with fighting or war, for this is but one particular aspect of the term. In simple terms jihad is a struggle to do good. Indeed, the concept of jihad is one of life, and it is vast, not limited only to armed conflict. Jihad can be spiritual, social, economic and political. For example, one finds in the Quran mention of “jihad by means of the Quran”, meaning invitation to the truth, evidence, clarification and presenting the best argument. There is also “jihad of the soul”, which means striving to purify the soul, to increase its faith and incline it toward good while keeping it from evil and from unlawful desires and temptations. Then there is “jihad through wealth”, which means spending it in various beneficial ways, including charities and welfare projects. And there is “jihad through the self”, which comprises all good works done by a believer, such as propagation, teaching and finally, lawful armed struggle against aggression and oppression.

In the name of jihad, Islam calls for the protection of societies from oppression, foreign domination and dictatorships that usurp rights and freedom, that abolish just and moral rule, that prevent people from hearing the truth or following it, and that practice religious persecution. In the name of jihad, it endeavors to teach belief in Allah, the One supreme God, and worship of Him and to spread good values, virtue and morality through wise and proper methods.

In the name of jihad, Islam calls for social reform and the elimination of ignorance, superstition, poverty, disease and racial discrimination. Among its main goals is the protection of rights for weaker members of the society against the impositions of the powerful and influential.

Now, aren’t we all Jihadists?!