Strive or Struggle (JIHAD

Strive or Struggle (Jihad) However, in its true essence, jihad is not merely the name of an outward act. Rather, it refers to a particular inner state—a quality of striving through which a person works to overcome the challenges that arise in the path of truth. The outward forms are only expressions of this inner state; they are not, in themselves, the essence of jihad. A person works day and night to write a high-level book on Islam. Outwardly, this appears to be a form of jihad. But if his purpose is to gain fame from the book or to earn money, then his action has no value. In the terminology of the Quran, he does not deserve to have his action called jihad. On the other hand, while doing a good deed, a wrong thought passes through someone’s heart, and he trembles at the idea that this may ruin everything he has done. Tears flow from his eyes, and he cries out without control, O God, do not hand me over to Satan, otherwise I will be destroyed. This is jihad.