In Islam, jihad (struggle or striving) is deeply connected to Allah’s view of the world as a test, a temporary abode, and a means to establish justice and worship of Allah. The Quran and authentic Hadith explain jihad in both its spiritual (greater jihad) and physical (lesser jihad) dimensions, always within the framework of divine wisdom and purpose.
1. Jihad as a Test of Faith
Allah describes life as a test, and jihad is one of the greatest trials of a believer’s sincerity, patience, and devotion.
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Quran 29:2-3:
“Do the people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe’ without being put to the test? We certainly tested those before them. And Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.” -
Quran 3:142:
“Do you think you will enter Paradise without Allah testing those of you who fought [in His cause] and those who remained patient?”
2. Jihad for the Sake of Allah, Not Worldly Gain
The world is temporary, and true jihad is not for power, wealth, or fame, but solely to please Allah and uphold truth.
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Quran 4:74:
“So let those fight in the cause of Allah who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter. And he who fights in the cause of Allah and is killed or achieves victory—We will grant him a great reward.” -
Hadith (Bukhari & Muslim):
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever fights so that the word of Allah may be supreme, then he is in the cause of Allah.”
3. Defensive Jihad: Protecting the Oppressed and Islam
Allah permits fighting only in self-defense or to stop oppression, not for aggression.
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Quran 22:39-40:
“Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged… And if Allah did not repel some people by others, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned would have been destroyed.” -
Quran 2:190:
“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not love transgressors.”
4. Greater Jihad: The Struggle Against the Self
The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized that the hardest jihad is the internal struggle against one’s own desires and sins.
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Hadith (Bayhaqi):
After returning from battle, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “We have returned from the lesser jihad to the greater jihad (jihad al-nafs—struggle against the self).” -
Quran 29:69:
“And those who strive for Us—We will surely guide them to Our ways.”
5. Jihad with Justice and Mercy
Even in war, Islam sets strict ethical rules: no harm to civilians, women, children, monks, or destruction of nature.
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Hadith (Abu Dawud):
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Do not kill women, children, the elderly, or those in monasteries.” -
Quran 5:8:
“Do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.”
6. The Reward of Jihad: Martyrdom and Paradise
Allah promises immense rewards for those who fight and die sincerely in His cause.
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Quran 3:169-170:
“Do not think of those killed in Allah’s way as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, well-provided… rejoicing in what Allah has given them.” -
Hadith (Muslim):
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The martyr is granted seven blessings: he is forgiven from the first drop of his blood, shown his place in Paradise, protected from the punishment of the grave, secured from the Great Terror (Day of Judgment), crowned with honor, married to 72 houries, and allowed to intercede for 70 relatives.”
7. Jihad is Not Terrorism or Unjust Warfare
Islam strictly forbids terrorism, killing innocents, or aggression.
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Quran 5:32:
“Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land—it is as if he had slain mankind entirely.” -
Hadith (Bukhari):
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand people are safe.”
Conclusion: Jihad in Light of Allah’s View of the World
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The world is a test, and jihad is a means to prove true faith.
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The Hereafter is the ultimate goal, not worldly dominance.
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Jihad is not for personal gain but for Allah’s pleasure and justice.
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Greater jihad (self-reform) is more emphasized than physical fighting.
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Defensive jihad is permitted, but with strict rules of conduct.
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Martyrdom is honorable, but not the primary objective—righteousness is.
