Islam is a religion that offers a complete framework for living a successful life. Like many other significant aspects of the Islamic faith, jihad is an aspect that holds an elevated status. It has its roots in the start of Islam and is one of the most essential branches of the religion.
Sadly, Western media has dramatically skewed the concept of jihad and has equated it with random shooting sprees and mass murder. This blog will explain the concept of jihad in Islam, its early stages, and what guidelines surround it.
Linguistic Meaning Of Jihad
The word ‘jihad’ comes from the Arabic language and is derived from the Arabic root words J, H, and D, which in Arabic means to exert the most effort. If jihad is used casually, it could be used for studying, advancing in a career, or achieving goals because all those things require effort. However, in the shariah (Islamic law), jihad has a slightly different meaning. When used within the context of Islam, jihad can be defined as the exertion done for the religion or on something related to it.
Jihad & The History Of Islam
As jihad is one of the significant aspects of the religion, various Quranic verses and hadiths describe it. Most of the Quranic verses about jihad originated after the Battle of Badr. At the beginning of the revelation in the city of Makkah, the earlier verses stated that the meaning of jihad pertained to the jihad of the heart. The Muslim community was still in its earliest stages, and the Muslims received hope through the following verses:
“Whoso looketh forward to the meeting with Allah (let him know that) Allah’s reckoning is surely nigh, and He is the Hearer, the Knower. And whosoever striveth, striveth only for himself, for lo! Allah is altogether independent of (His) creatures. And as for those who believe and do good works, We shall remit from them their evil deeds and shall repay them the best that they did.”
This and other verses like this talk about strengthening one’s relationship with God to develop self-control and discipline. Another critical aspect of the early revelations was their assurance to the Muslims. The people needed that assurance to build confidence as they were going forth for Islam while rejecting their family beliefs.
“In Allah’s help to victory. He helpeth to victory whom He will. He is the Mighty, the Merciful. It is a promise of Allah. Allah faileth not His promise, but most of mankind knows not.”
Initially, the Prophet PBUH only spread the message of Islam to his companions and immediate family. The process of calling people to Islam in private lasted for a few years before the Prophet PBUH invited people to Islam publicly. Once the message of Islam reached the public, hostility and ill-treatment of the Quraysh followed suit because they considered Islam a threat to their traditions and old beliefs.
During this period, the Muslim community faced extreme oppression at the hands of the Quraysh to convert them back to pagan worship. This lasted for thirteen years. Throughout this period, the Muslims were told not to respond but rather endure the oppression peacefully. They were asked to be patient. But when the persecution against the Muslim community reached an intolerable level, the Prophet PBUH migrated to Medinah.
The migration to Medina was a turning point for Islam. When the Prophet PBUH and his companions resided in the city, they were aiming to secure the city borders from attacks while also forming relationships with the Arabs so that they could neutralize their position and could stop the Arabs from forming coalitions with the Qurayhs who wanted the Muslims defeated. After this, the meaning of jihad changed, and it acquired the definition of armed struggle and was deemed necessary to protect Medina. And thus began the period of the battles. During the last nine years of the Prophet’s life, jihad was pursued, and the Prophet PBUH took part in it twenty-seven times.
Jihad & Mercy
Whenever the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) sent a commander to lead an army, he would personally advise him to be mindful of Allah (Taqwa) and to treat the Muslim soldiers accompanying him with kindness. He would instruct: “Do battle in the Name of Allah and in Allah’s curse. And against those who disbelieve in Him. Remember, do not act treacherously, mutilate, or kil children.”
The world has painted jihad as an attack on innocent people for no reason. But mercy is found in every ruling in the Shariah. The same is the case for jihad. In the Quran and hadiths, certain rules and regulations laid out the foundational basis of jihad and provided a complete framework for battle while respecting the rights of those involved. Such as,
Sanction (to fight) is given to those who fight because they have been wronged, and Allah is indeed able to give them victory. Those who have been driven from their homes unjustly only because they said, Our Lord is Allah.” For had it not been for Allah’s repelling some men by means of others, cloisters and churches and oratories and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft mentioned, would assuredly have been pulled down. Verily Allah helpeth one who helps Him. Lo! Allah is strong, Almighty.
This verse highlights the integral justice component in jihad and ensures Muslims know who to fight. In other verses, the Quran emphasizes that jihad must be carried out with strict observance of moral guidelines. It also stated that jihad should only be carried out when it is entirely inevitable. In the Quran, Allah SWT says,
“As often as they light a fire for war, Allah extinguisheth it. Their effort is for corruption in the land, and Allah loveth not corrupters.”
There are many other verses like this in the Quran that indicate Muslims weren’t allowed to engage in warfare until it became absolutely necessary. They were allowed to fight only when the other party attacked. Muslims were permitted to defend themselves, but even then, they were reminded to proceed with balance and remain within their limits at all times.
“Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors.”
Purpose Of Jihad
The purpose or goal of jihad in Islamic law is as follows:
Defense
Self-defense and fighting against oppression are the main goals of jihad. When anyone threatens the ummah, it is their religious right to defend themselves against it. In the Quran, Allah SWT gives clear permission to the oppressed and says:
“Sanction (to fight) is given to those who fight because they have been wronged, and Allah is indeed able to give them victory.”
Therefore, it is permissible for Muslims to fight to protect their family, honor, etc., as long as it is done while remaining within the limits described by the Shariah.
Freedom
Islam aims to establish a safe and stable community where every individual can practice their beliefs without persecution. This is another purpose of jihad. It strives to ensure people can think freely and practice their religion without coercion.