Jihad: The Struggle for Faith

This section explains greater and lesser Jihad. Jihad in Islam holds two distinct yet interconnected meanings. It is both a personal, spiritual struggle to improve oneself and an external struggle to protect the faith from harm. Jihad is often misunderstood, but in its true form, it encompasses efforts to live righteously and work for the well-being of others, while defending Islam in a just and lawful manner.

Greater Jihad: The Struggle for Personal Improvement

Greater Jihad refers to the internal, spiritual battle that every Muslim faces in their daily life. It is a personal effort to improve oneself, to strive to be a better person, and to live in accordance with the will of Allah. Greater Jihad is not about physical combat but about making the right choices, seeking self-discipline, and remaining committed to spiritual growth. It is considered a duty and an act of worship for Muslims.

To engage in Greater Jihad, Muslims are encouraged to:

• Follow the Five Pillars of Islam faithfully.
• Forgive others, showing compassion and mercy.
• Work towards social justice, helping to create a fair and equitable society.
• Study the Qur’an and reflect upon its teachings.
• Help those in need, including the poor, sick, and oppressed.
• Avoid negative qualities such as greed, arrogance, and hatred.
• Resist temptations, such as the consumption of alcohol or engaging in harmful behaviours.

A key verse in the Qur’an that highlights the personal nature of Greater Jihad is:
“No bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another.” (Qur’an 35:18).
This emphasizes that the struggle to be a good Muslim is individual, and each person is responsible for their own actions and faith journey.

The concept of Greater Jihad encourages Muslims to focus on moral integrity, self-discipline, and a life dedicated to the service of Allah and humanity. This personal struggle is seen as more significant than any external battle because it directly shapes the individual’s relationship with God.

Lesser Jihad: The Struggle to Defend Islam

Lesser Jihad refers to the external struggle or effort to protect Islam and its followers from threat or oppression. It is sometimes referred to as a "holy war," but it is important to understand that the term has very strict limitations and guidelines in Islam. While Greater Jihad focuses on personal growth and the battle against inner desires, Lesser Jihad is about defending Islam and ensuring that Muslims can practice their faith in peace.

Historically, Lesser Jihad was relevant in situations where Muslims were under attack, facing persecution, or struggling for survival. However, many contemporary scholars and Muslims believe that the relevance of armed conflict in the name of Islam is limited today, as the need for such a struggle has diminished in many parts of the world. Instead, the concept of Lesser Jihad now primarily revolves around non-violent forms of resistance and advocacy for justice and peace.

When Lesser Jihad does involve physical confrontation, such as defending a Muslim community or state, it must meet several strict criteria:

• It must be in defence of Allah and Islam, not for personal gain or conquest.
• No harm should be inflicted on innocent civilians, and non-combatants should be protected.
• The goal must be to restore peace, not to create further conflict or suffering.
• Mercy must be shown, even to enemies, and prisoners should be treated with respect and kindness.

These strict rules ensure that Lesser Jihad is carried out in a manner that aligns with Islamic values of compassion, justice, and peace.

It is crucial to note that Islam teaches that Lesser Jihad cannot justify terrorist attacks or any form of violence that harms innocent people or violates Islamic principles. Terrorism is strictly prohibited in Islam, as it involves indiscriminate violence and the targeting of non-combatants, which contradicts the values of justice and mercy that Islam upholds.

Key Principles of Lesser Jihad:

• Defence of Islam: Lesser Jihad must always be in response to threats against Islam and must be aimed at protecting Muslims from oppression or attack.
• No Harm: It is forbidden to harm innocent people, even in a state of war.
• Restoration of Peace: The ultimate goal is to bring peace and stability, not to fuel violence or prolong conflict.
• Mercy: Muslims are instructed to show mercy to their enemies, treat prisoners of war with dignity, and avoid unnecessary cruelty.

Jihad in Islam is a concept deeply rooted in the principles of justice, peace, and self-improvement. Greater Jihad represents the personal, spiritual struggle to be a good Muslim, while Lesser Jihad involves defending Islam when necessary, under strict ethical guidelines. Both forms of Jihad emphasise the importance of righteousness, moral conduct, and the protection of life. The true essence of Jihad is to strive for a life that is pleasing to Allah, to promote peace, and to live in harmony with others, always seeking to do good and avoid harm.