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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Aug 178 min read

How Is Jihad Understood in Islam?

Jihad, a term commonly encountered in discussions about Islam, is often misunderstood and can hold various connotations depending on the context. A literal translation from Arabic renders the word as "struggle" or "striving." It's a concept of significant complexity and nuance, and its interpretation has evolved over time, sometimes leading to contestations and conflicts.


At its core, Jihad is seen as an essential duty of every Muslim, a spiritual struggle towards betterment, the pursuit of a moral and virtuous life, a battle against one's own evils, and the desire to follow the path of righteousness as per Islamic teachings. This internal form of Jihad, often called "greater Jihad," involves self-discipline, introspection, ethical choices, patience, and a continuous endeavor towards personal growth and spiritual enlightenment.



The So-Called Lesser Jihad


HLesser, there is another form of Jihad, often referred to as the "lesser Jihad," which is commonly associated with military or violent action. This is the notion of Jihad as a holy war, a collective armed struggle against those perceived as enemies of Islam. It must be noted that this interpretation of Jihad is not universally accepted among all Muslims (15% of 1.8 billion), and views diverge widely among scholars, denominations, and cultural groups within Islam.


The theological basis for this concept can be traced back to the Quran and Hadiths. Several Quranic verses, called "sword verses," are interpreted as sanctioning military action under specific conditions, such as self-defense or protection of religious freedom. For instance, Sura 2:190 states, "Fight in the way of God those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors."


Some would argue, these violent undertakings are not without rules. Classical Islamic law sets forth regulations for conducting Jihad, which include supposed prohibitions against harming women, children, or the elderly, damaging crops, or killing livestock. Furthermore, the intention behind the military struggle should not be for worldly gains but for the glory of God.


Radical Islamic Jihad is indeed a grave issue, and our concerns are valid. It's true that in recent history, we have seen a disturbing rise in violent activities carried out by extremist groups who identify as Islamic and justify their actions as Jihad. This has resulted in the loss of many innocent lives and has sowed fear and discord worldwide.


Some of these extremist groups, like Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Boko Haram, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Taliban, among others, have used the concept of Jihad to sanction acts of violence, including suicide bombings, mass shootings, and other forms of terror. They have indeed targeted civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, which is a direct violation of what classical Islamic scholars have outlined as the rules of engagement in Jihad.


Furthermore, these extremist actions are gross violations of international human rights law and sadly, they are not widely condemned within the Islamic community. Some Islamic scholars and some of Muslims worldwide denounce these acts of violence as distortions of the teachings of Islam. However, when we are dealing with 1.8 billion Muslims numbers can be misleading, for 15% of that number is 270 million that support radical Islam.


It is true, the activities of these radical groups, however, do not represent the beliefs and practices of the majority of the world's 1.8 billion Muslims. A good number of Muslims do not subscribe to these extremist ideologies and are often the most adversely affected by their actions. There are 1.8 billion Muslims, of which fifteen percent support radical Islam; this is almost the size of the United States.


However, the harsh reality is that these extremist interpretations of Jihad have indeed led to a significant amount of violence and suffering. The repercussions of these acts extend beyond the immediate loss of life, contributing to heightened tensions, distrust, and Islamophobia globally.



It is essential to confront and address these issues honestly, and doing so requires acknowledging the misuse of Jihad by extremist groups. At the same time, it is equally critical to differentiate these extreme actions from the beliefs of most Muslims, who interpret Jihad as a spiritual or personal struggle rather than a call to violence.


Even if we assume a figure like 15%, that will indeed represent a substantial number of individuals, given the global Muslim population of approximately 1.8 billion. However, it's crucial to bear in mind that this doesn't imply all these individuals would actively engage in extremist activities or support violence. There's a wide range of beliefs within what might be broadly labeled as "radical" Islam, from those who may merely hold more conservative or fundamentalist views, to those who explicitly endorse or participate in acts of terrorism. This is a fine line that is crossed all of the time.


The presence of such a potentially large group of individuals is indeed a challenge, particularly considering the risk of radicalization and the potential for violent extremism. This is a global issue that requires a comprehensive response, involving political, social, educational, and law enforcement strategies.


Preventing radicalization is a complex task, as it often involves addressing various contributing factors like social exclusion, economic disadvantage, political disenfranchisement, and a lack of education. It also involves challenging the narratives and ideologies put forth by extremist groups and promoting a more peaceful, inclusive interpretation of Islam.


It's also vital to remember that the majority of Muslims around the world do not hold radical beliefs and are often themselves the victims of extremist violence. They could play a significant role in combating extremism, whether through community leadership, education, or cooperation with law enforcement. It's important that these efforts are recognized and supported as part of the broader fight against extremism.



Financial Support for Radical Islam


Absolutely, financial support for extremist groups is a significant concern, and it comes from a variety of sources. These sources may range from private individuals, who might sympathize with or be manipulated by extremist ideologies, to more organized forms of fundraising and money-laundering operations. Some individuals may contribute financially to these groups without realizing their true nature or may be misled by appeals purportedly supporting charitable or humanitarian causes.


To tackle this issue, many nations and international organizations, such as the United Nations and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), have supposedly put in place stringent counter-terrorism financing laws and regulations. These measures aim to monitor and control financial transactions, identify suspicious activity, and ultimately cut off the flow of funds to extremist groups. But are we to believe that the United Nations, a no teeth UN which put the terrorist nation Iran in charge of human rights for the UN. A nation that is one of the greatest violators of human rights.


These laws and regulations are supposed to apply to everyone, including banks, non-financial businesses, and non-profit organizations. They require these entities to carry out due diligence checks on customers, maintain records of transactions, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.


However, despite these efforts, terrorist financing remains a challenging problem due to the covert nature of these transactions and the increasing use of informal or alternative financial systems. Also, the rise of digital currencies has introduced a new level of complexity to the issue, as they can be used to transfer funds quickly and anonymously across borders.


There's a continuing need for vigilance, cooperation, and innovation in this area. The fight against terrorist financing isn't just about law enforcement; it also involves promoting financial inclusion, transparency, and literacy, so that individuals are less likely to unwittingly become involved in these activities. Public awareness about the ways extremist groups raise funds can be a powerful tool in this regard.


The transformation of the term Jihad into a political tool can be traced back to the early stages of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad and his followers engaged in military expeditions, or Jihad, to protect their community against hostile forces. As Islam expanded beyond Arabia into other regions, these campaigns became mechanisms for unifying diverse tribes, consolidating power, and defending the Islamic state against external threats.



However, as the world moved into the modern era, the notion of Jihad underwent further shifts. The dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, colonization of Muslim lands by Western powers, and subsequent struggles for independence stirred renewed discourse around Jihad. It was increasingly invoked as a tool for mobilizing resistance against foreign invaders or oppressive regimes. A controversial aspect of this modern interpretation has been the rise of radical Islamist movements that exploit the notion of Jihad to justify terrorism, creating a narrative of a global struggle against "infidels (non Muslims)."


Contrary to this, many Muslims around the world today resonate more with the idea of Jihad as a personal, spiritual struggle than a militant one. They strive for self-improvement, righteousness, social justice, and peaceful propagation of their faith. They embark on the journey of Jihad by seeking knowledge, helping the less fortunate, and working towards societal harmony.


In the diverse tapestry of Islamic beliefs, the term Jihad remains multifaceted. It continues to be a focal point in debates on Islam's role in contemporary society. The discourse around Jihad remains complex, intersecting with global politics, religious ideology, cultural contexts, and socio-economic realities. It is an essential concept in Islam, reflecting the religion's evolution over the centuries and symbolizing the ongoing struggle to understand and practice faith in an ever-changing world.


Understanding Jihad in its full complexity helps build an enlightened perspective. It allows for the recognition of the term's misuse for violent agendas and the acknowledgment of its profound significance in the personal spiritual journey of millions of Muslims worldwide. Misinterpretations and oversimplifications of Jihad can lead to misconceptions and biases, fostering divisions and hostility. Therefore, engaging with the depth and breadth of what Jihad signifies in its struggle and strive is crucial for fostering interfaith understanding, mutual respect, and peace.


Our concern highlights the importance of continued dialogue, education, and efforts to counteract extremism and promote peace and mutual understanding. It is an ongoing challenge for both the global community and for Muslims worldwide, who must confront the distortions of their faith and work towards solutions.



About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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