Jihad (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))
Revision Note
Written by: Glenn Millington
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Different Understandings of Jihad
Jihad
Jihad refers to the struggle against evil, either as an individual or as the collective faith of Islam
‘This is my path, leading straight so follow it’ (Qur’an 6: 153)
‘Repel evil with what is seen as better, then your enemy will become your friend’ (Qur’an 41: 34)
Muslims should strive to improve themselves and the societies in which they live in a way that Allah would approve of
For Muslims, jihad is essentially an important spiritual practice that brings them closer to Allah
Jihad is one of the Ten Obligatory Acts for Shi’a Muslims but is also part of Sunni Islam
Greater & Lesser Jihad
Muslims believe there are two kinds of Jihad, the Greater and the Lesser
Greater Jihad | Lesser Jihad |
|---|---|
The personal inward struggle to live in line with the teachings of their faith | The outward struggle to defend Islam from threat |
Considered more important than Lesser Jihad | Considered less important than greater Jihad |
Observing the five pillars is a required part of greater Jihad
| In the early days of faith, this was important when Muslims were being persecuted and they needed to protect their freedom to practise their faith |
It is the constant struggle to purify one’s heart from all evil traits ‘The best jihad is the word of justice in front of an oppressive ruler’ (Muhammad) | Muslims who are persecuted should protect their freedom to practise their faith |
Must devote their lives to Allah and avoid temptations and distractions | The Qur’an has sometimes allowed extreme violence in the name of lesser Jihad ‘Permission to fight has been given to those who are being fought’ (Qur’an 22: 39) |
Some will learn the Qur’an by heart which requires a great discipline and practice | Some believe behaving in such a violent way is justified in the context of war |
Some make great efforts to improve life for people in the community | However it does not justify terrorism that targets innocent civilians |
They aim to deepen their relationship with Allah | Fighting for a religious course is sometimes referred to as a Holy war |
Origins, Influence & Conditions for Declaration of Lesser Jihad
Islam and Just War
Lesser Jihad is viewed by Muslims to be less important than the inner struggle for all Muslims
However, Muslims believe that physically defending the faith can be justified in some cases
This belief originates from the experiences of early Muslims and what is written in the Qur’an and the Hadiths
When Islam began, Muslims were persecuted by other religions and so they had to fight to survive
The Qur’an reflects this struggle and there are passages dedicated to defending Islam against enemies
‘Fight in the way of Allah with those who fight with you, and do not exceed the limits’ (Qur’an 2: 190)
Muhammad (pbuh) allowed his followers to fight in response to the Makkans who planned to wipe out all Muslims
Many would argue that it was Jihad when Muslims fought against the Christians in the Crusades
Some Islamic terrorists claim the Qur’an supports violence to defend Islam against oppression
The majority of Muslims condemn Islamic terrorists and believe they are not true Muslims
Conditions for the declaration of Lesser Jihad
Just War is a term given to the belief that war, while it is terrible can be justified in some circumstances
For a war to be justified in Islam there must be certain It must:
Be started and organised by a religious leader, not just by any politician
Be for a recognisably just cause, in the name of Allah, and according to the will of Allah
Always be as a last resort, after every other means for settling the problem has been tried and has failed
Never be fought out of aggression, or desire to gain territory
Ensure that Innocent should not be made to suffer
Ensure that trees, crops and animals are protected
Worked Example
Explain two Muslim understandings of Jihad
Refer to sacred writings or another source of Muslim belief and teaching in your answer
[5 marks]
Answer:
Greater Jihad is a personal inward struggle to overcome evil and live life according to Islam this includes following Shari’ah law, carrying out the pillars and practising virtues such as generosity and honesty (2 marks)
Lesser Jihad is the duty to fight when commanded by a legitimate ruler under the conditions, and in ways, permitted by Qur’an and Shari’ah. It is considered less important than Greater Jihad as it is not required at all times (2 marks)
The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) described Jihad as ‘the effort against oneself’ (1 mark)
Commentary
To obtain full marks for this question it is important to provide two detailed explanations of a relevant and accurate understanding of Jihad. The distinction between Lesser and Greater Jihad is a good way to make a distinction here between the different ways that Jihad is understood.
To be awarded the extra mark it is important to include a relevant and accurate reference to sacred writing or another source of Muslim belief and teaching. In this example, the quote from the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) helps to establish the understanding of Greater Jihad
Examiner Tips and Tricks
It is important to recognise that the Greater Jihad is more significant to Muslims in their daily lives
The struggle to fast, perform prayers regularly or give money to charity are amongst many duties that are challenging that a Muslim must do. This is the daily struggle of the Greater Jihad
It is the individual actions of a Muslim that will be judged after death and are therefore the most significant
Physical conflict for Muslims should always be a last resort. Islam is a religion of peace
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