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Is Jihad a Holy War?

There is no concept of Holy War in Islam. Linguistically, Holy War when translated means Harb Muqaddasah and this term does not exist in the Quran nor in the traditions of the Prophet. War is never considered holy in Islam, it is described as instinctively hated by man. “War is enjoined on you, and it is an object of dislike to you.”

Jihad originates form the verb ‘jahada’ which means struggling in the way of Allah (fi sabilillah) with the entire body and soul till success comes.In the Holy Quran, the meaning of jihad takes various forms; from physical to spiritual efforts, encompassing the domains of family, community, nation and international that direct toward peace and security.

Harmony with Non-Believers

Such ideology has contributed towards misconception of Islam among non-Muslims. The response, to the above wayward thinking is by providing concrete proof founded on Islamic principles that Islam propagates peaceful co-existence with others.

Islam allows living together with non-Muslims. Allah has revealed in the Holy Quran;

“Allah does not forbid you respecting those who have not made war against you on account of (your) religion, and have not driven you forth from your homes, that you show them kindness and deal with them justly; surely Allah loves the doers of justice.”

Response against Fighting Non-Believers

In the Quran, Allah swt alerted Muslims to uphold the spirit of justice or ‘adl. Justice not only to Muslims but justice towards all, such as shown in the verse “Allah does not forbid you respecting those who have not made war against you on account of (your) religion, and have not driven you forth from your homes, that you show them kindness and deal with them justly; surely Allah loves the doers of justice.”

In relation to this, Sheikh Abdur Rahman As-Sudais, the current imam of the grand mosque on Mecca in his Eidul Adha sermon in January 2005 called on Muslims to protect non-Muslims in the Kingdom (Saudi) and not to attack them in the country or anywhere. He stressed that Islam is a religion of peace that abhors attack on innocents. He said that “Faith does not mean killing Muslims or non-Muslims who live among us, it does not mean shedding blood, terrorizing or sending body parts flying.”

Several Fields Of Jihad

There are various fields of Jihad. Those that especially is concerned with our time today are :

1. Jihad Against the inner self

2. Jihad Against the devil (satan)

3. Jihad Towards Economic Development

4. Jihad Towards Educational Development

5. Jihad Towards Family Development

6. Jihad Towards Correct Islamic Propagation