Jihad
The concept of jihad, which comes from the Arabic root “chd/cehd,” means to strive, to make an effort. In religious terminology, jihad refers to the act of engaging in both material and spiritual struggles against enemies, the self (nafs), Satan, and various forms of immorality such as sedition, corruption, sin, and oppression. Therefore, jihad encompasses both the battle against one’s inner self (the greater or spiritual jihad) and the war with external enemies (the lesser or physical jihad).
As can be inferred from the definition of the term, jihad refers to both the struggle a Muslim makes against an enemy and the relentless battle with one’s own self to preserve humanity, despite the tricks and schemes of Satan. If a person does not win the war against their own self, the jihad they perform on the battlefield is also at risk. In such cases, the purpose of a campaign fought for Allah might become susceptible to transforming into wars for fame, glory, and spoils. At this point, jihad, which was originally meant to ensure the dignity and life of humanity, may lose its essence and become a means of killing and acquiring riches.
The history of war is as old as human history itself. However, the logic behind war in Islam is quite different from that of other religions and ideologies. Islam wages war not to oppress but to establish justice. Islam does not fight for the purpose of accumulating wealth, conquering land, ruling over people, showing superiority, killing them, enslaving them, plundering their riches, establishing colonies, or seeking revenge. When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) handed over the banner during the Battle of Tabuk to Ali (RA), he said something crucial to understanding the true meaning of war in Islam: “O Ali! Inform the Jews you fight of their rights. If one of them is guided through your hands, it is better for you than owning red camels.” Islam views war as a “last resort” method to prepare an environment where humans can live humanely, free from the desire for economic, social, or political hegemony. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described this world by saying to Adiyy ibn Hatim: “A world where a woman can travel alone from Mecca to Qadisiyyah without any harm.” This was, at that time, an ideal that could be seen as utopian in the Arabia and the world of that era. Any action taken to bring this vision to life and spread it across the world falls under the concept of jihad and gains meaning and value as much as it is devoted to it. For a believer, life is defined by faith and jihad.
The Qur’an uses the term jihad and war as “struggling in the path of Allah” (fî sebîlillâh). Therefore, any struggle that deviates from seeking the pleasure of Allah is not considered the jihad prescribed by Islam. Muslims are commanded to behave kindly towards non-believers who do not engage in war against them or oppress them, and it is emphasized that disbelief alone is not a cause for war. “As for those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes, Allah does not forbid you to be kind and just to them. Indeed, Allah loves those who are just.” (Mumtahina, 60) “Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.” (Al-Baqarah, 190) “Fight them until there is no fitnah (oppression) and religion is for Allah alone. But if they cease, then there is no aggression except against the wrongdoers.” (Al-Baqarah, 193) The command to fight for the “removal of oppression” is not only a call to defend Muslims from the oppression of polytheists but also a command to protect the human right to religious and conscience freedom. If such a risk does not exist, then there is no need for war. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Do not wish to encounter the enemy, but ask Allah for well-being. If you meet them, be patient, and know that Paradise lies beneath the shadows of the swords.” This statement is a strong indication that Islam places peace at the center, not war.
