Jihad
The meaning of the Jihad is to struggle while if we consider its meaning in the Islamic ideology, its meaning is to struggle in the way to ALLAH Almighty. Jihad is not related to the holy war only but it is not limited to the concept of holy war only rather it is far behind than that. Commonly this term is referred to the holy wars for the expansion and defense of Islam. If any Muslim gets martyrdom in Jihad, he is called Shaheed which is considered a great honor which ALLAH Almighty gives only very few people.
Importance of the Jihad in The Holy Quran
Though Jihad is not an essential pillar of Islam but in the Quran, many times said to go for Jihad. On one place it is said in the Holy Quran that:
“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors”.
On another place it is said that:
“Fighting is enjoined on you, though it be hateful to you”.
One another ayat is:
“And strive in the way to ALLAH as there is right to strive”.
Again in the holy Quran:
“And [as for] those who strive hard in Our cause, We will most certainly guide them in Our ways; and ALLAH Almighty is truely with the good-doers”.
In many places, the jihad is discussed here in the holy Quran while here only four ayaat are discussed in this article. Repetition of the ayaat regarding Jihad explain the importance of Jihad in the religion of Islam.
Importance of the Jihad in Hadith
There are not only two hadiths which discussed here regarding the jihad while there are many hadith which discuss it. Some of the hadiths are discussed below:
“Heaven is under the shadow of the swords”.
The Prophet said,
"The person who takes part in (Holy battles) in Allah's cause and nothing compels him to do so except belief in Allah and His prophet, will be recompensed by Allah either with a reward, or war booty (if he survives) or will be admitted to Paradise (if he is killed in the battle as a martyr)”.
Except for these, there are many other hadiths which could be discussed and explain the topic of Jihad.
Types of Jihad
Jihad Bin Nafs
This is jihad which is considered against our bad and wrong intentions and to prevent ourselves from the actions which are prohibited in Islam.
Jihad Bil Maal
This type of Jihad is referred to as the Jihad through finances or spending money on the way to ALLAH Almighty. It may be for the help of those who go for the fight in the way of ALLAH or to help the needy people in the society.
Jihad Bis Saif
This is main type of jihad to whom the term is commonly referred. It may be considered as the holy war of the Muslims against the non-believers. If any Muslim gets martyrdom in this battle, according to the holy Quran he will be considered alive, not dead. As the Quran says:
“And those who are killed in the way of ALLAH, don’t call them dead. They are alive but you can’t perceive it”.
The main purpose of this jihad is to expand Islam or to defend the Muslims all over the world.