Jihad: Types and Merits

In literal terms Jihad means to struggle or exert oneself to achieve a particular goal. In Islamic terminology, it means to struggle in the way of Allah to achieve and establish righteousness and shun evil. There are 3 main kinds of Jihad: Spiritual, Mental and Physical Jihad.

• Jihad bin Nafs (jihad by the self) (Spiritual Jihad) is the greater jihad in which a Muslim fights against his own evil desires and struggles to obey Allah and become a better Muslim. It lasts a lifetime, and affects every aspect of life. Prophet told warriors returning to Madina after a battle that they had returned from the lesser jihad (of warfare) to the greater jihad of struggle against one’s own heart, i.e. desires that lead to wrong doings. 

• Jihad bil Lisan (jihad of the tongue) (Mental Jihad) is speaking and upholding the truth, speaking out against what is wrong and immoral, and spreading the word of Allah and the teachings of Islam. Some scholars also relate it to acquiring knowledge and call it jihad by knowledge or pen. The Prophet Muhammad said: “The best jihad in the path of Allah is a word of justice to an oppressive ruler”.

• Jihad bil Yad (jihad by the hand) (Physical Jihad) refers to choosing to do what is right and to combat injustice and what is wrong with action. It is to stand up for what is right. Prophet said, “if anyone of you sees an evil action then let him change it with his hand…………

• Jihad bil Mal. (Jihad by maal) (Physical Jihad) is spending wealth in the way of Allah e.g. to improve the social conditions of people around, to help the weak and needy. Quran says, “Strive hard in Allah’s way with your person and property.” (Sura As-Saff)

• Jihad bis Saif ( jihad by the sword) (Physical Jihad) referring to qital fi sabilillah (armed conflict in the way of Allah) is the most common usage- a term that has been exploited and misused as ‘holy war’. It must be fought only as a last resort when all other options are explored and exhausted. However when there is injustice, oppression and the very existence of Islam and Muslims is threatened, and one’s faith is at stake, Jihad becomes obligatory on Muslims: “And why should you not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who being weak, are ill-treated men, women and children, whose cry is: ’Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from us from thee one who will help! (An-Nisa, 4:75)

                  According to the Qur’an, if the enemy ceased hostilities and sought peace, Muslims were to seek peace as well: ‘If your enemy inclines towards peace, then you should seek peace and trust in Allah’. (8:61) In Sura Baqara (2:216-217) Allah says that even though warfare is prohibited in the sacred months, yet Muslims may fight if the circumstances require them to do so. Qital is done to remove hindrances in the propagation of Islam and never impose Islam on non-believers as Qur’an says, “Let there be no compulsion in Religion”.
          Prophet laid down various rules for Qital e.g. Muslims were instructed to fight in self-defence and not to be the first ones to initiate fighting. This is limited to the area which is involved e.g. Palestine. It is not an excuse for open warfare all around the globe. Therefore, Jihad must be in the name of Allah and according to His will.








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