2.7 Jihad

Question 1

What is the meaning of Jihad?

Answer 1

Jihad is ‘to struggle’ for Allah - there are three meanings to it:

• a Muslim’s individual struggle to follow the teachings of Islam and to resist evil = ‘GREATER JIHAD’
• the struggle to build a good community
• the struggle to fight for Islam = ‘LESSER JIHAD’

Question 2

What is Greater Jihad?

Answer 2

Greater Jihad is the effort of every Muslim to live their life in the best way possible according to the rules of Allah and the Qur’an.

Question 3

What are the conditions of Lesser Jihad?

Answer 3

1. War must be declared by a religious leader.
2. Should only be done in self defence, to strengthen Islam or to protect Muslims against oppression.
3. Should be a last resort.
4. Fought to bring about good and not evil.
5. Innocent people should not be killed.
6. Enemies should be treated with justice and mercy.

Question 4

Why is Jihad important to Muslims?

Answer 4

• daily struggle and resisting temptation was important to Muhammad
• it’s an act of sacrifice for Allah
• sometimes, fighting is the right action