Muslim understandings of jihad? Flashcards
Understandings of jihad?
Jihad, meaning “struggle,” has both greater and lesser forms. Greater jihad is a personal spiritual struggle for every Muslim, focusing on striving to do the right thing for Allah, often through overcoming temptations. Lesser jihad, historically associated with specific conditions, can involve both violent and nonviolent actions, such as defending Islam. Averroes identified four types of jihad: the heart (against temptations), the word (spreading the truth), the hand (acting righteously), and the sword (holy war). While interpretations vary, all Muslims agree on jihad’s significance, with scholars often categorising it into greater (personal) and lesser (active) jihad.
The greater jihad?
The greater jihad refers to the daily personal struggle of a Muslim, focusing on striving for peace, virtue, and character development, as taught by the Prophet. It involves practices like daily prayers and fasting, which require time and effort, especially in challenging situations. This inner struggle against temptation is considered by many scholars to be the most important form of jihad. Some Muslims, particularly Sufis, view it as a deeper spiritual practice, using meditation (zikr) to connect with Allah. However, not all Muslims accept this inner interpretation, as some believe jihad originally referred to military struggle during the early Islamic empire.
Quote from Quran 5:48?
“strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah.”
Lesser jihad?
Lesser jihad is often associated with “holy war” in Western media but can also involve nonviolent actions like preaching, charity, and community work. It refers to efforts to improve conditions for Muslims and may include violence in specific contexts, like defense. The Quran mentions both war and peace, reflecting the historical context of Muhammad’s leadership during 7th-century tribal Arabia, where warfare had rules such as protecting women and children. Lesser jihad can also include protests for Muslim rights or social justice, as seen in figures like Imam Fazlur Rehman and Farid Esack. Shi’a Muslims believe lesser jihad can only be declared by an Imam from the Prophet’s family, with the hope of a future return to bring justice.
Significance of the greater jihad?
The Greater Jihad is highly valued in Islam, with the Prophet emphasizing its significance. A key Hadith states, “the muhjhaid is the person who makes jihad against himself for the sake of Allah.” Sufi Muslims, in particular, stress the importance of overcoming selfish desires. Sufi figures like Rabia of Basra focused on selflessness, rejecting material luxuries and seeking closeness to Allah through contemplation and devotion. Rabia’s act of carrying a bucket of water to extinguish the fires of hell and a torch to burn down rewards for heaven symbolizes her belief in love for Allah, not selfish motivations for paradise. True Muslims seek to do good for Allah’s sake, not for personal gain.
Jihad of the Nafs ( soul or inner self)?
The Jihad of the Nafs is the inner struggle to overcome the ego and deepen one’s relationship with Allah. Sufis view it as a journey through seven stages, aiming for self-awareness, modesty, and compassion by fighting selfishness, hypocrisy, and self-pity. While some Muslims reject these Sufi practices as innovations (Bid’ah), Sufis argue they align with the Prophet Muhammad’s own meditative practices. Many Muslims, especially in Western countries, face challenges in balancing their faith with cultural pressures. Islamic traditions encourage maintaining the right company to avoid being led astray from the faith.
Historical context for conditions of lesser jihad?
The Quran contains passages about war, which require careful interpretation due to their historical context in 7th-century tribal Arabia. Some verses support jihad as war, but they call for defensive action against oppression, not aggression. For example, Quran 21:90 advocates fighting only in self-defense. Muhammad’s battles, such as the Battle of Badr, were defensive against enemies and tribal rivals. The Quran’s references to Jewish tribes, in particular, must be understood within the context of tribal dynamics. Muhammad and his companions, including Abu Bakr, emphasized limiting harm in warfare, forbidding attacks on civilians or property. Despite this, the early Muslim empire expanded rapidly, and historians suggest that the motivations were often more about territorial gain than religious jihad.
Modern warfare?
In the modern world, Muslims have reacted to colonialism and foreign oppression, with figures like Hassan Al-Banna and Abdullah Azzam calling for jihad against British rule and Soviet occupation. This militant movement spread globally, sometimes evolving into terrorism. Some modern jihadists believe their actions are religiously justified, using Quranic verses, while others denounce these acts as un-Islamic. Mainstream Muslims argue that the Quran condemns the killing of innocent people and suicide bombings. The internet has facilitated radicalization, especially targeting vulnerable youth. Jihad should not be tied to any one sect, and groups like Saudi Arabia’s deradicalization program aim to reeducate extremists. Prominent scholars like Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri stress that terrorists are not martyrs but are headed toward hell.
Pacifism?
Islamic law does not have a pacifist tradition, but the Quran’s story of Cain and Abel, where Abel does not retaliate against Cain, is sometimes cited as an example of nonviolence. Some Muslims, like Abdul Ghaffar Khan, have embraced pacifism, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s peaceful resistance. In the context of the nuclear arms race between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, some Muslims argue nuclear weapons bring power and deterrence, while others oppose them, citing the Quran’s prohibition of killing innocents. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, supported by people of various faiths, includes Muslim members advocating for nuclear disarmament.
