Indept meaning of Jihad

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Jihad: A Misunderstood Concept
from Islam - What Jihad is, and
is not

WHAT JIHAD IS
The Arabic word "jihad" is often translated as "holy
war," but in a purely linguistic sense, the word "
jihad" means struggling or striving.
The arabic word for war is: "al-harb".
In a religious sense, as described by the Quran and
teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (s), "jihad" has
many meanings. It can refer to internal as well as
external efforts to be a good Muslims or believer, as
well as working to inform people about the faith of
Islam.

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If military jihad is required to protect the faith
against others, it can be performed using anything
from legal, diplomatic and economic to political
means. If there is no peaceful alternative, Islam also
allows the use of force, but there are strict rules of
engagement. Innocents - such as women, children, or
invalids - must never be harmed, and any peaceful
overtures from the enemy must be accepted.
Military action is therefore only one means of jihad,
and is very rare. To highlight this point, the Prophet
Mohammed told his followers returning from a
military campaign: "This day we have returned from
the minor jihad to the major jihad," which he said
meant returning from armed battle to the peaceful
battle for self-control and betterment.
In case military action appears necessary, not
everyone can declare jihad. The religious military
campaign has to be declared by a proper authority,
advised by scholars, who say the religion and people
are under threat and violence is imperative to defend
them. The concept of "just war" is very important.
The concept of jihad has been hijacked by many
political and religious groups over the ages in a bid
to justify various forms of violence. In most cases,
Islamic splinter groups invoked jihad to fight
against the established Islamic order. Scholars say
this misuse of jihad contradicts Islam.
Examples of sanctioned military jihad include the
Muslims' defensive battles against the Crusaders in
medieval times, and before that some responses by
Muslims against Byzantine and Persian attacks
during the period of the early Islamic conquests.
WHAT JIHAD IS NOT
Jihad is not a violent concept.
Jihad is not a declaration of war against other
religions. It is worth noting that the Koran
specifically refers to Jews and Christians as "people
of the book" who should be protected and respected.
All three faiths worship the same God. Allah is just
the Arabic word for God, and is used by Christian
Arabs as well as Muslims.
Military action in the name of Islam has not been
common in the history of Islam. Scholars says most
calls for violent jihad are not sanctioned by Islam.
Warfare in the name of God is not unique to Islam.
Other faiths throughout the world have waged wars
with religious justifications

From: The Islamic Supreme Council of America

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