The Concept of Jihad in Islam

established in God’s will in every aspect of his life. Such a person does not let any obstructions affect his life, such as the desires of the self, the allure of gain and personal aggrandisement, the power of culture and the pressure of tradition, the promptings of opportunism, the lust for wealth, and so on. All such things are obstacles in leading a God-oriented life and doing good deeds. Overcoming such obstacles and abiding by the commandments of God is the real jihad, and this is what jihad’s primary meaning is. There are many references to this jihad in the sayings attributed to the Prophet in the books of Hadith. For instance, in the Musnad of Imam Ahmad, there are several traditions, such as: 1. Al-mujahid man jahada nafsahu lillahi That is, ‘A mujahid struggles with his self for the sake of God.’ (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 23951) 2. Al-mujahid man jahada nafsahu fi sabilillahi That is, ‘A mujahid is he who exerts himself for the cause of God.’ (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 23965) 3. Al-mujahid man jahada nafsahu fi ta’atillahi. That is, ‘A mujahid is he who struggles with his self in submission to the will of God.’ (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 23958)