What is Jihad?

What is Jihad?

Linguistically, jihad means exerting effort, strength, and energy in the most complete and extensive manner. This effort can be moral or intellectual—such as mental exertion and emotional struggle—or material, including physical labor, financial contribution, or social engagement.

For example, God says: “Those who have believed, migrated, and striven hard in the way of God with their possessions and their lives have a greater rank with God, and it is they who will be the triumphant” (Quran 9:20). This verse highlights the merit and reward for those who endured the hardship of migration for the sake of God—expending wealth, bearing difficulties, and facing emotional strain. Such efforts grant them the highest ranks with Him.

At an even higher level is the struggle against the lower self (al-nafs al-ammārah bi-l-sūʾ), which inclines toward evil. Satan constantly attempts to lure a person toward wrongdoing, making this an ongoing battlefield throughout life. God encourages believers to remain steadfast and willing to endure struggle in His path: “As for those who strive in Us, We shall surely guide them to Our ways, and indeed God is with the virtuous” (Quran 29:69).

Fighting enemies on the battlefield is also considered jihad. However, in Islam’s scale of values, the jihad of combating one’s lower self is considered greater than armed struggle. It is narrated that the Prophet (pbuh & hp) welcomed a battalion returning from a military expedition, bearing visible signs of fatigue, hardship, and wounds. He said: “Welcome to a people who have completed the lesser jihad, and upon whom the greater jihad still remains.” They asked: “O Messenger of God, what is the greater jihad?” He replied: “The jihad of the self.”

Regrettably, some who understand Islam narrowly—due to ignorance, circumstances, or adherence to regressive customs—reduce its vast mercy, rationality, guidance, and moral teachings to a distorted notion of jihad, using it to justify violence, bloodshed, and destruction. From such misinterpretations have emerged groups like Wahhabism, the Taliban, ISIS, and others. Global media outlets and Islamophobic groups have often amplified these examples to portray Islam as a savage and bloodthirsty religion, contrary to its true teachings of peace, justice, and morality.