Jihad, a term widely misunderstood in today’s world, is often equated with violence or terrorism due to its misuse and manipulation by certain groups and media. However, in Islam, the term has a much deeper and nuanced meaning. Derived from the Arabic root “j-h-d”, which means to strive or exert effort, jihad refers to any kind of struggle in the way of God. This struggle can be internal or external, spiritual or physical, and encompasses a wide array of actions that contribute to the betterment of society, the soul, and faith.
This article explores the true meaning of jihad, its significance in Islam, relevant Qur’anic verses, and how the term has been co-opted and distorted by extremists and misrepresented in global discourse.
The True Meaning of Jihad in Islam
In its most fundamental sense, jihad means to strive or struggle in the pursuit of goodness and justice, whether in one’s personal life or the broader social context. There are different types of jihad in Islamic teachings, which are outlined below:
1. The Greater Jihad (Jihad al-Nafs)
The Greater Jihad refers to the inner struggle every Muslim faces in maintaining faith and striving to live a righteous and moral life. This is the battle against one’s own weaknesses, desires, and temptations, which Islam teaches is the most significant and difficult of all struggles. It’s a continuous personal effort to purify one’s soul, develop virtues such as patience, honesty, and humility, and avoid sinful behavior.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of this greater jihad when he said upon returning from a battle:
“We have returned from the lesser jihad to the greater jihad – the striving of the self.”
(Hadith from Al-Bayhaqi)
This makes it clear that the inner spiritual struggle is considered the most significant form of jihad in Islam.
2. The Lesser Jihad (Jihad al-Sayf)
The Lesser Jihad refers to physical struggle or defense, which may involve warfare, but only in very specific and controlled circumstances. In Islamic jurisprudence, physical jihad is strictly regulated and is only permissible under defensive conditions—when Muslims are attacked or oppressed, or when freedom of worship is under threat. Even then, strict guidelines ensure that non-combatants, such as women, children, elderly people, and even the environment (e.g., trees, crops, animals), are protected.
Physical jihad is not a call to aggression or unprovoked violence; rather, it is a last resort when all peaceful options have been exhausted. The Qur’an makes it clear that Islam prefers peace and reconciliation over conflict:
“But if the enemy inclines towards peace, then you also incline towards peace and trust in Allah; indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing.”
(Qur’an 8:61)
This highlights the priority Islam gives to peace, only allowing fighting in self-defense or against oppression.
Qur’anic Verses About Jihad
The Qur’an provides several references to jihad, but the context often highlights non-violent, personal, or societal struggle. Let’s explore a few key verses:
1. Striving in the Path of God (Jihad al-Amal)
The Qur’an encourages Muslims to strive in various ways to uphold justice, truth, and faith:
“And those who strive (jahadu) for Us—We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.”
(Qur’an 29:69)
This verse emphasizes striving through good deeds, which aligns with the broader, non-violent understanding of jihad as an effort to uphold righteousness and seek God’s pleasure.
2. Jihad in Patience and Perseverance
The Qur’an also frames jihad in terms of personal endurance and resistance against hardship:
“So be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth. And let them not disquiet you who are not certain [in faith].”
(Qur’an 30:60)
Here, the struggle or jihad is an internal one—maintaining patience and faith in the face of adversity, which is central to a Muslim’s spiritual development.
3. Jihad for Justice
The Qur’an calls Muslims to strive for justice in society:
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.”
(Qur’an 5:8)
This verse shows that jihad also encompasses working for social justice and fairness, regardless of personal feelings or biases.
How Jihad Has Been Misrepresented
Unfortunately, the term jihad has been heavily misused and misunderstood, particularly in modern times. Certain extremist groups have co-opted the term to justify acts of violence, terrorism, and aggression, actions that are starkly opposed to the true teachings of Islam. These groups often cherry-pick Qur’anic verses or take them out of context to propagate their own political or ideological agendas. For instance, references to fighting in the Qur’an are strictly in the context of self-defense or protecting the community from oppression.
Propaganda and Extremism
Extremist groups have distorted the concept of jihad to serve their political narratives. By misinterpreting the religious texts, they justify violent actions as a form of jihad, when in reality, they violate the core principles of Islam, which prioritize peace, justice, and mercy. These groups not only mislead their followers but also damage the global image of Islam, fueling Islamophobia and misconceptions in non-Muslim societies.
Media and Misrepresentation
Western media, especially after events like 9/11, has played a significant role in perpetuating the idea that jihad is synonymous with terrorism. The term has been used as a catchphrase for violence, with little or no effort to explain its true meaning. This one-dimensional portrayal has reinforced negative stereotypes about Islam and Muslims, while ignoring the greater, peaceful aspects of jihad that most Muslims engage in daily, such as charity work, community service, and spiritual growth.
This has led to the unfortunate consequence where, in the eyes of many non-Muslims, jihad is perceived solely as a violent concept, when in fact, it is much more about personal and social betterment.
Jihad: A Concept of Peace, Justice, and Striving
To truly understand jihad, it’s crucial to place it within the broader ethical and spiritual framework of Islam. Islam advocates for peace, self-discipline, and justice. The vast majority of Muslims around the world engage in jihad every day, but not the jihad that’s often shown in headlines. Rather, their jihad is the struggle to be better parents, to care for their communities, to fight poverty, to resist temptations, and to live in accordance with their faith.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The best jihad is to speak a word of truth in front of a tyrannical ruler.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
This highlights that one of the most honored forms of jihad is standing up for justice and truth in the face of oppression—not violence.
The Real Jihad
The true meaning of jihad in Islam is a multi-dimensional concept centered on personal growth, social justice, and defending the faith in appropriate, non-violent ways. While extremist groups and global media have distorted the term to align it with terrorism and violence, these interpretations betray the essence of Islamic teachings. Jihad, in its most significant form, is an internal struggle for righteousness, patience, and moral strength.
To reclaim the true narrative of jihad, it is essential to promote a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings, which emphasize peace, tolerance, and the moral struggle to create a better world.
