Nowadays the term ‘Jihad' that is used by the media is greatly misunderstood by not only the non-Muslims, but some Muslims as well. It is important for us to learn about the true meaning of Jihad in Islam. Today we shall learn the truth about Jihad and its different types by exploring its correct definition from the Noble Qur'an and the Sunnah of the messenger Muhammad (S.A.W.). We will benefit greatly by understanding the truth about Jihad, and we can begin to clear up any myths that may exist about it.

The definition of Jihad is “To struggle to the utmost of one's ability and to make great efforts at striving to please Allah (S.W.T.), and to uphold His word.”

One could make Jihad by using good words, using one's wealth for the sake of Allah, or by using their physical strength to do good. We can use these three different types of jihad depending on the time, the place, the situation, or the individual. We may apply these different types of jihad all together or individually.

Now we will discuss the different categories of Jihad and what they encompass.

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim has said in his Book Zaadul Ma'aad : “Jihad can be classified into four categories:

• The first type of jihad is to struggle against one's own self and desires.
• The second type of jihad is to struggle against the temptation of Satan.
• The third type of jihad is to struggle against the disbelievers.
• The fourth type of jihad is to struggle against the hypocrites.

Struggling against one's self desires means forcing yourself to follow the orders of Allah and to stay away from what Allah has ordered us to stay away from. This includes performing the obligatory and the voluntary, and to abandon all acts that are Haram (unlawful) or Makrooh (disliked). This type of jihad also includes forcing oneself to behave with the best manners, the best morals, and to stay away from bad behavior at a time when our desires tell us the opposite.

Struggling against Satan means to defend yourself from his evil whisperings, his doubtful matters, his temptations, and his lustfulness. This type of jihad is an obligation for all individuals and no one can do it on another ones behalf. We should understand that Satan's whisperings will never go away, and therefore, we must keep struggling throughout our lives.

The struggle against the disbelievers and the hypocrites has four levels, which are: In the heart, the tongue, one's wealth and one's soul. When struggling with the disbelievers, more than likely, we will use our hands or physical strength. On the other hand, when struggling against the hypocrites, we will make jihad by using our tongue to preach to them. These two types of Jihad are called Fard Kifayah , which basically means if some Muslims successfully perform these two types of jihad, then it will no longer be obligatory for other Muslims to perform it. Otherwise, it remains obligatory upon all Muslims until the goal of Jihad is achieved.”

Verbal Jihad

Allah ordered the Prophet to give Da'wah six months after he received the first revelation; the prophet and his companions practiced Da'wah all their lives, and generations of Muslims must carry on this task until the Day of Judgment. We should make the message of Islam clear to our offspring, our relatives, all Muslims and ourselves so that we may follow the rules of our Deen. Verbal jihad also includes calling non-Muslims to Islam and approaching them with the words of Allah and His teachings, among these teachings are enjoining good and forbidding evil.

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said: “The most excellent type of Jihad is speaking a true word in the presence of a tyrant ruler.” {Reported by Imams Abu Daood, At-Tirmithi and Ibn Majah.}

And He (S.A.W.) also said: “The most excellent type of Jihad is to practice jihad against your own self and own desires for the sake of Allah.” {Reported by Imam At-Tirmithi who said this is a good and sound Hadith .}

All scholars of Islam have agreed that the Jihad by fighting the disbelievers was not allowed at the time of Makkah before immigration to Madinah, and there are many evidences for this.

Among these are what Allah (S.W.T) said in surat An-Nisa', what can be translated as, “ Have you not seen those who were told to hold their hands (from fighting) and offer prayers perfectly, and give Zakat (obligatory charity) . But when the fighting was ordained for them! A section of them fear men as they fear Allah or even more….” (Verse 77) Imam Ash-Shawkaani in his explanation said: “These are a group of the companions who wished to fight the disbelievers in Makka and were told not to fight.

Imams An-Nassai', Ibn Jareer and Al-Hakim reported that “Abdu Arahman Ibn Awf and some other companions came to the prophet (S.A.W.) and said: ‘O prophet of Allah we were honored while we were Mushrikeen (taking partners with Allah) and when we became believers we are humiliated.' Then the prophet (S.A.W.) said: “I have been ordered to forgive them (the Mushrikeen) and not to fight them.” And when they were in Madinah and Allah ordered them to fight, they turned away, then Allah revealed this verse from surat An-Nisa'.”

Other proof that shows that fighting was not permitted before immigration to Madinah was that one of the companion from Ansar said to the prophet (S.A.W.) after the pledge of Al-Aqaba: “I swear by the one who sent you with the truth, if you order us to use swords against the people of Mina, we will do it.” Then the prophet (S.A.W.) said: “ We have not been ordered to do that yet.”

There are Qur'anic verses revealed during the period when the prophet was in Makkah that discussed Jihad. Some of these verses that Allah sent down, strictly talked about the Jihad against one's desires, against Satan, and the jihad to give Da'wah using verbal means with patience and forgiveness, because at that time, Jihad in the form of physical fighting was not yet permitted.

Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Al-Furqan, what can be translated as, “Obey not the disbelievers, but Jahidhum strive against them (by preaching) with the utmost endeavor, with it (the Qur'an) .” (Verse 52) Imam “Ash-Shawkaani said: do not obey the disbelievers when they call you to worship their Gods, but continue to strive by preaching and calling them to Allah and read to them and warn them from the Qur'an, then Imam Ash-Shawkaani said: This surah revealed in Makkah and the order to fight was after migration to Madinah.

Other evidences revealed during the Makkan period, Allah (S.W.T) praises the believers for practicing jihad rather than fighting the disbelievers in surat Al-Ankabout, what can be translated as, “As for those who Jahado strive hard in our cause. We will surely guide them to our paths...” (Verse 41) Imam “Ash-Shawkani explained this by saying those who strive in the cause of Allah, to earn the pleasure of Allah, and to hope for good things from Him, they will be guided to the path that will lead them to Allah. Imam Ibn Attiyyah said this verse was revealed during the Makkan period when Jihad in the form of fighting was not yet permitted. In this verse, Jihad meant to work hard to spread the Deen of Allah and to ask for His pleasure. Imam Ibn Al-Adham called those who practiced this jihad: “Those who applied there knowledge and they do what they learned.”

And also Allah (S.W.T) said in surat An-Nahil, what can be translated as, “Then, verily Your Lord – for those who emigrated after they had been put to trials and thereafter strove hard (for the Cause of Allah) and were patient, verily, your Lord afterward is Oft-Forgiving and Most Merciful.” (Verse 110) This was another verse that was revealed in Makkah. According to most scholars, this immigration occurred during a time when torture of the Quraysh was at an all time high for Muslims.

During the Makkan period, Allah (S.W.T) ordered the Prophet (S.A.W.) and the believers to spread the message of Islam among the people even if they were met with accusations, bad manners, and emotional and physical torment. Allah ordered them to be patient and to forgive those people that reject the message. Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Az-Zukhruf, what can be translated as, “So turn away from them (O Muhammad) , and say: Salaam (peace) ! But they will come to know.” (Verse 89) And also Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Al-Hijr, what can be translated as, “…So overlook (O Muhammad) , their faults with gracious forgiveness.” (Verse 85) And also Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Al-Jathiyah, what can be translated as, “Say (O Muhammad) to the believers to forgive those who (harm them) and do not hope for the Days of Allah (i.e. His recompense) …” (Verse 14)

Da'wah should be given with patience, and forgiveness for those who reject the message. This is the most practical strategy for giving da'wah, which was established during the 13 years of the Makkan period. Although the Muslims were met with disapproval or oppression, not using violence made the best atmosphere for the Muslim's to convey the message openly and effectively. They did not have to waste their time and energy responding to every harsh comment or action with similar behavior. This bad behavior would only contaminate the environment, and how many people would listen to the truth if they are busy fighting? Violence only fills people's hearts with hatred.

Jihad is misconceived today as a term that suggests violence. Today we learned that our jihad means to struggle against our desires, against the evil whisperings of the devil, and to carry out the message of Islam to all people. Always carry the message of Islam to people using the best words, as well as with patience and forgiveness, even if we are hurt in the process.

Next week “Insha Allah” will explore the Jihad in form of fighting, and we will see its wisdom, goal, stages, rules and conditions.