The Truth about Jihad

The word Jihad is very commonly used in the Islamic world and is often heard in the West in a negative context. As the word becomes more familiar, its true meaning is generally misunderstood.

Undoubtedly, one has to accept that the Holy Scripture of Islam, the Quran, does mention this term Jihad and has made it obligatory for all Muslims (followers of Islam). It is categorically wrong to assume that bloodshed of the innocent, creating disorder in the society, and indulging in malicious terrorist activity in the name of religion, is in anyway following the Islamic teaching. 

Neither does the Holy Quran teach this behavior to Muslims nor does one find an example of such heinous acts in the life of the Holy Prophet of Islam.

Jihad is an Arabic word.  It literally means to strive.  Jihad means to make an intense effort and go all out to achieve a grand objective. What grand objective, one might ask? Simply put the objective of benefiting oneself and the rest of humanity. 

These days, it is a general perception in the West that Islam promotes terrorism and encourages its followers to be violently disruptive. The fact is that such actions are totally opposite to what the word "Islam" means.  Islam means peace and state of constant submission to the will of God. 

There are a couple of reasons why there is such a misconception about Islam. One such reason is the behavior of certain radical Muslims and the other reason is the bias by some in the West against Islam and the ignorance of many throughout the world. The dreadful and horrific picture of Islam that is presented in the West by some, and the concept of Jihad that is practiced by some in the Islamic world today has no basis in the Holy Quran and no example of such practice is found in the life of the Prophet of Islam.

To maintain peace against all odds, his was the shinning example. Time and time again, he demonstrated utmost graciousness towards his bloodthirsty sworn enemies. Many a times he forgave his enemies who were bent on annihilating Islam. One must wonder about the apparent contradiction in the teachings of Islam and the action of some radical Muslims. So, what is the truth about Jihad?

In Chapter 25 verse 53 of the Holy Quran, God Almighty says, "and strive by means of it (the Quran) a great striving." The Muslims in this verse are obligated to do Jihad (strive) by introducing, through kind words and loving actions, the beautiful teachings of Islam to the whole world.  Islam dictates Muslims to be exemplary in submitting to the commandments of God and educate the masses about these teachings in an attractive manner.

Muslims believe that the Holy Quran is a very compelling word of God. The Quran makes the claim that it has an impact on people reciting and reflecting on what is stated in it.  In the earlier days of Islam, opponents tried to discourage people from listening to the Quran because even by listening to the word of God, one is moved. 

It is mentioned in the Holy Quran Chapter 41 verse 27, "And those who disbelieve say, Listen not to this Quran, but make noise during its recital that you may have the upper hand." History is a witness to that.  Many people accepted Islam simply by listening to the Quran being recited. So, one form of Jihad (striving) that God has invited Muslims to is to recite and reflect on the Holy Quran, act upon its commandments, and convey His message and commandments to others so that they can also obey God's commandments.

Another form of striving God makes obligatory for Muslims is self-purification.  One needs to constantly strive to cleanse oneself of negative tendencies and influences.  This struggle to fight the temptation to do wrong is important for nearness to God.  The Holy Quran, in Chapter 22 verse 79 states, "And strive in the cause of God as it behooves you to strive for it…" And in Chapter 29 verse 7 states, "And whoso strives, strives only for his own soul; verily, God is Independent of all His creatures." In these verses, God invites Muslims to self-purification. 

It is the most important form of Jihad.  It may be relatively easy to reform others, but to reform oneself is a difficult task and is the fundamental reason for religion. Through self-purification one gets nearer to God Almighty.  No doubt, it is difficult, and the more difficult the task, the greater the Jihad (striving). 

Another form of Jihad, which Muslims in the Holy Quran are directed to do, is the striving of self-defense.  If the opponents of truth attack you, and prohibit you from living your life in accordance with the religious teachings, it is only then that you [Muslims] can practice self-defense.

According to Islamic teachings, it is a fundamental right of every human to adopt a faith of their liking. There is no coercion in religion as is clearly indicated in Chapter 2 verse 257, "There is no compulsion in religion..."  Moreover in Chapter 2 verse 191, the God says, "And fight in the way of God against those who fight against you, but do not transgress. Surely, God loves not the transgressors." 

In this verse, etiquettes of religious war are set.  The religious war can only take place against those who indulge in religious persecution against Muslims, and those who coerce Muslims into a different faith. In such religious war, no aggression and excesses on the part of Muslims are permissible and if the opposing party refrains from war then fighting should cease immediately. In the context of the above stated Islamic teachings, to accuse Islam of encouraging warfare is false, unjust and tantamount to inflaming religious bigotry.