What is Jihad?

Question

All I know is it is the Muslim holly war and I'm not sure it is accurate.

Would like to learn more.

Thanks

Answer 1

Jihad - Holly war.

As previous noted, only if justified.

But what is justified?
Anything, if its against the infidels.
By Infidels, I mean - anyone who is not a Muslim!!!

Answer 2

You're most welcome.

The Qur’anic Arabic term jihad has been commonly mistranslated as “holy war.” The Qur’an was revealed in Arabic, not in English. The Arabic equivalent of the English expression “holy war” is harb muqadasah, an expression that is not found anywhere in the Qur’an or in the authentic sayings of the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings be upon him). Even when the Qur’an speaks about defensive war, it never glorifies it or calls it “holy”; rather, it is described as something which is inherently hated (Al-Baqarah 2:216-217). However, as a last resort, it may be better than doing nothing in the face of aggression or oppression.

Furthermore, the term holy war means, lexically, a fight on behalf of one religion against the other(s). There is no verse in the Qur’an that condones fighting any peaceful non-Muslim on the sole ground that he or she is a non-Muslim. The Qur’an prohibits compulsion in religion (Al-Baqarah 2:256) and even allows one form of interfaith marriage. For example, a Muslim male may marry a Jewish or Christian woman (Al-Ma’idah 5:5).

It may be argued, from a religious perspective, that the expression holy war is a contradiction in terms, as there is nothing “holy” about war and its results—bloodshed, destruction and human suffering. It may be a lesser evil in some instances, but it may not be holy in itself. It may be useful to discuss the meaning of jihad in both its literal and religious meanings.

Jihad is an Arabic term derived from the root J-H-D, which means, literally, “to strive or exert effort.” It is the same root from which the legal term ijtihad is derived, as ijtihad refers to the exertion of intellectual effort by scholars so as to come up with an informed religious opinion on a new issue or problem. The term jihad and similar terms derived from the same root are used in the Qur’an and Hadith.


For more info:
http://islamonline.net/english/Contemporary/2005/04/Article01.shtml#4

peace unto you

Answer 3

Arabic for strugle and put effort into any work.
There's nothing such as holly war in Islam. It's a european (midle ages) concept that the media is insisting to stick to the word Jihad.
As proof :
In Qoran itself when talking about non-muslim parents the qoran tells muslims : if your non beleiver parents make jihad to convert you to an other religion, don't obey that but you still have to be the nicest to them.

Answer 4

Contrary to many people's interpretation, jihad is anything but a "holy" war.
Jihad, as presented in the Qur'an implies the striving towards the ideal. This jihad, particularly involves change in one's self and mentality. It may concern the sacrifice of material property, social class constraints, and even emotional comfort, solely for, salvation and the worship of God alone. As a result, one who practices jihad will gain inward peace in this world and reward in the hereafter.
Jihad involves noticeable effort for righteousness. This means that the effort concentrated in jihad is a step in the true and ultimate path of Islam: the effort addressed to the benefit of one's self. Thus, jihad on this level is individual and self-centered. It aims at purification of the soul. This effort is simply doing good and seeking divine mercy and the pardon of Allah.

Jihad also includes striving for and establishing justice. Before someone can strive for justice in their community, justice must be one of their main religious and moral principles.

Jihad may also reflect the position of Islam regarding crisis management and enforcement of humanitarian international laws. Fighting a war in the name of justice or Islam - to deter an aggressor, for self-defense, or to establish justice and freedom to practice religion - would also be considered jihad.

http://www.islamonline.net/

http://www.beconvinced.com/

Answer 5

Jihad- means Holy War basically.

Answer 6

Jihad is when a muslim goes out and fights for the sake of Allah(swta), and fights against the disbelievers or the ones who are starting a fight against them.

Answer 7

yup read jihad btw its called war too

Answer 8

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jihad

Answer 9

a war for god