AL JIHAD IN ISLAM

Q1) What is the meaning of the word al-Jihad? 
The word Jihad is derived from Jahada, which means striving or exerting oneself against any evil.


Q2) What is Jihad an-Nafs? 
It means man's struggle against his own passions and weaknesses. The Prophet Muhammad described Jihad an-Nafs as the ‘greatest Jihad.’


Q3) What does al-Jihad signify in Shariah? 
In Shariah, it signifies the exertion of one's power and ability to the utmost of one's capacity in the way of Allah. It is Fard Kifayah (an obligation that must be discharged by the Muslim community as a whole) and Fard Ain (obligation that must be performed by each individual Muslim) as well.


Q4) In Hadith the word Jihad is not exclusively used for fighting. Explain. 
Jihad is a comprehensive word. It does not only include fighting. Prophet Muhammad said, "The hajj is the most excellent form of Jihad." He also said, "The highest kind of Jihad is to say the truth before an oppressive ruler." These Ahadith are evidence to show that Jihad is not exclusively war or fighting.


Q5) What is the viewpoint of Shariah regarding war? 
Islam makes war permissible for Muslims only in self-defence. It does not permit us to start a war of aggression. When the freedom of a Muslim's Faith is at risk, he is bound to take up arms in Jihad. Further, a believer can not afford to leave his fellow-believers defenceless. However, Jihad is not an offensive means to spread Islam.


Q6) What makes Jihad a sacred pursuit like Prayer and devotion? 
It is a sacred pursuit because it has been commanded by Allah in the Qur’an. As Salah and Ibadah brings us to closer to Allah, striving in His cause also brings us closer to Him. We have been commanded by Allah to do Jihad with our utmost ability.


Q7) On whom is Jihad obligatory? 
Jihad, striving against evil, is obligatory on every sane, adult male and female Muslim. But fighting in the war is obligatory on every sane, adult male Muslims only.


Q8) In what conditions is Jihad considered to be Fard Kifayah? 
As long a group of Muslims keeping performing the Jihad against evil, for example, it would be considered to be Fard Kifayah but when a certain evil is posing a threat to the existence of Muslims, then Jihad would cease to be Fard Kifayah and it would become Fard Ain.


Q9) What does the expression Fard Kifayah mean? 
It signifies a collective duty of the Muslim community so that if some people carry it out no Muslim is considered blameworthy; but if no one carries it out all incur a collective guilt.


Q10) When does the Jihad become Fard Ain? When does Islam permit war?
1) If the disbelievers enter or invade a land of the Muslims 2) If the rows meet in battle and they begin to approach each other. 3) If the Imam calls a person or a people to march forward in Jihad. 4) If the disbelievers capture and imprison a group of Muslims.
Islam does not allow killing of a human being merely because he or she does not believe in Islam. It permits war only in self-defence, that is when non-Muslims oppress Muslims, or interfere with the spread of message to mankind.


Q11) What role may Muslim women play in the time of war?
In the time of war, Muslim women can give water to the soldiers and can nurse the wounded.