Jihad in Islam

GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL DAN-ALI
ISLAMIC STUDIES NOTE
Jihad
Jihad means striving in the cause of Allah, ( it involves efforts and struggles made to advance in the cause of Allah, truth and justice).
Kinds of Jihad and Manner of Carrying them out

1. Jihadun Nafs.
2. Striving with one’s wealth, body, health, intellect, self or life in the cause of Allah.
3. Military struggle against aggressors or in self defence.
4. Jihadun Nafs: means Jihad with oneself. This is the striving and struggling to avoid evil no matter how attractive it is, and to do good no matter how difficult it is. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) regarded it as greater jihad with the others.
5. Striving with one’s wealth, body, health, intellect, self or life in the cause of Allah (doing what is good and right and removing evil and injustice. Going to school to learn or removing harmful objects from the road is jihad)
6. Military struggle against aggressors or in self defence: (and fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but transgress not the limits. Surely Allah does not love the transgressors: but if they cease then Allah is forgiven and most merciful. And fight them until there is no more oppression and worship is for Allah. But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against the aggressors. Q 2:190, 192-193)
   Islamic guidelines in warfare
7. Muslims are to be peaceful but if they are under attack they can fight back.
8. Islam provides that women and children should not be harassed even in war. Similarly, plants, crops, and property should not be destroyed.
9. Prisoners of war are to be ransomed.
   Some of the lessons of Jihad
10. It teaches discipline ( including self-discipline).
11. It teaches self sacrifice.
12. It teaches every Muslim to strive hard in acquiring beneficial knowledge.
13. It teaches Muslims to put their hope in Allah.