Practices in IslamJihad

Greater jihad

Greater jihad is the personal, inner struggle to be a good Muslim and to improve spiritually. It is a constant duty and is seen as an act of worship.

Greater jihad involves striving to:

• follow the Five Pillars of Islam
• forgive others
• work for social justice
• study the Qur’an
• help those in need
• avoid negative traits, such as greed or laziness
• avoid temptations, such as alcohol

The following quote shows that greater jihad is a personal struggle and that a believer is individually responsible for being a good Muslim: No bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another (Surah 35:18)

Lesser jihad

Lesser jihad is about defending Islam from threat. While the majority of Muslims see their religion as one of peace, sometimes Muslims have taken up arms against enemies when they or other Muslims have been persecuted. The Qur’an says: Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory (Surah 22:39).

While the Qur’an allows violence to defend Islam, it warns against going beyond the limits of what is necessary for this defence: Fight in the way of Allah those who fight against you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors (Surah 2:190).

Similarly, every opportunity should be seized to make peace with an enemy: If the enemy is inclined towards peace, do make peace with them, and put your trust in Allah. He is the One Who hears all, knows all (Surah 8:61).

Any form of war must be approved by a religious leader, fought in self-defence and not used to either convert people to Islam or gain land.

Strict rules exist about how lesser jihad can be carried out. For instance:

1. It must be in defence of Allah.
2. No harm must be done.
3. Peace must be restored.
4. Mercy must be shown.

Islam teaches that lesser jihad can never be used to justify terrorist attacks.