The Lesser and the Greater Jihad

CONCLUSION T he root word of jihad is ‘juhd’, which connotes making much effort. What is called ‘effort’ or ‘struggle’ in English is called ‘jihad’ in Arabic. Jihad simply means making great efforts or striving for a noble purpose. The two permanent or eternal forms of jihad are jihad-e-nafs and jihad-e-dawah. Jihad-enafs means striving against one’s negative feelings to remain steadfast on the path that is pleasing to God. Jihad-e-dawah is to make utmost effort to convey the message of God to all of humankind with compassion and well-wishing. Jihad is not synonymous with violence and war. Fighting one’s enemies is also a form of striving; it is also referred to as jihad in an extended sense. The actual Arabic word for war is qital and not jihad. Moreover, qital does not have the same position as individual actions such as prayer and fasting. Instead, qital in defence is a form of military action that is wholly the responsibility of the state. The state has to defend the nation when the need arises. War in defence must always be conducted under a ruler’s leadership. The general Muslim public is only responsible for obeying their rulers in this regard. Lending them their support, they must help them in their efforts. It is illegitimate for individuals to initiate war.