Issues of Ijtihad

exertion or struggle, one of which is war. However, it is used only for a particular and exceptional sort of war, one which is fought in the cause of God (fi sabil Allah). A war that is pursued for wealth and power will not be called a jihad. The Quran uses two different words in this regard: jihad and qital. Where the reference is to peaceful struggle or exertion, the Quran uses the word jihad. For instance, in 25:52, the Quran refers to a peaceful jihad through the Quran, meaning the peaceful effort to introduce Islam to others. And when the reference is to physical war the Quran uses the word qital, as for instance, in verse 121 of the third chapter of the Quran. But in the later period, after the demise of the Prophet, the word ‘jihad’ began to be used often as synonymous with qital, or war. However, even if this usage of the term ‘jihad’ is regarded as proper, still it would be only an expanded usage of the term. In terms of the actual or essential meaning of the word, jihad is a term for a peaceful action, not a violent one. It is undertaken to transform people intellectually and spiritually, not to kill them. Peace at all Costs The Prophet Muhammad was a great lover of peace. His opponents repeatedly wanted to embroil him in war, but he avoided it and stayed away from fighting with them.