In Islam, jihad means “striving” or “struggle” in the path of God.

It includes both the inner struggle against sin and the outer struggle to defend the Muslim community.

Jihad is allowed when defending against aggression, oppression, or occupation,

but it is forbidden when used for injustice, harming innocents, or violating Shariah guidelines.

Meaning of Jihad

• Linguistic meaning: Jihad comes from the Arabic root jahada, meaning “to strive” or “to exert effort.”
• Spiritual dimension: The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the
  • “greater jihad” as the struggle against one’s own ego, desires, and sins.
• Physical dimension: The “lesser jihad” refers to armed struggle, but only under strict conditions.

When Jihad is Allowed

• Defense against aggression:
  • If Muslim lands are invaded, jihad becomes a duty for the inhabitants to resist.
• Protection of faith and community:
  • Jihad is permitted to safeguard religious freedom and protect the community from persecution.
• Resistance against occupation:
  • When foreign powers occupy Muslim territories, resistance is considered obligatory.
• Collective obligation: In normal circumstances, jihad is a communal duty (fard kifayah), requiring leadership approval and proper intention.

When Jihad is Forbidden

• Aggression or expansionism:
  • Islam forbids initiating jihad for conquest, revenge, or worldly gain.
• Harming innocents:
  • Killing non-combatants,
    • women,
    • children,
    • monks, or
    • destroying crops and property is strictly prohibited.
• Without just cause:
  • Jihad cannot be declared without legitimate reason, such as defense against oppression.
• Ignoring Shariah guidelines:
  • Any struggle that violates justice, mercy, and honor is invalid.

Key Principles

• Justice and honor: Jihad must align with Qur’anic principles of fairness and compassion.
• Leadership and intention: Except in cases of direct invasion, jihad requires proper authority and sincere intention.
• Continuous struggle:
  • Even outside armed conflict,
  • Muslims are encouraged to practice jihad through
    • patience,
    • charity,
    • knowledge, and
    • resisting temptation.

In summary: Jihad is a broad concept of striving for God’s (Allah SWT) cause, primarily through self-discipline and moral effort.

Armed jihad is only allowed in defense, never for aggression, and must follow strict ethical rules.

Misuse of jihad for violence or injustice is forbidden in Islam.