Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

assalamu alaikum

i just wanted to know what is jihad ?

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Answer:

What is jihad

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

The literal meaning of the Arabic term ‘Jihaad’ means to strive, or exert one’s efforts, or earnestly work towards a desired goal.

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 61 Surah Saff verses 10-12:

10 O ye who believe! Shall I lead you to a bargain that will save you from a Grievous Penalty?

11 That ye believe in Allah and His Messenger and that ye do ‘jihaad’ (strive your utmost) in the Cause of Allah with your property and your persons: that will be best for you if ye but knew!

12 He will forgive you your sins and admit you to Gardens beneath which rivers flow, and to beautiful mansions in Gardens of Eternity: that is indeed the Supreme Achievement.

Any striving, any effort, or any work or thing one does in the Cause of Allah or to further the Cause of Islam, seeking nothing but the Pleasure and Good Will of their Lord Most High would be considered ‘jihaad-fi-Sabeelillah’ (Jihaad in the Cause of Allah) in the Sight of Allah Subhanah.

In light of the guidance of the Glorious Quran and the authentic and established Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (saws), the absolute minimum level of ‘jihaad’ is to strive against one’s own soul and temptations and control one’s unlawful desires….and the highest level or epitome of ‘jihaad’ in Islam is to be ever ready to willingly lay down (if need be) one’s life and one’s property to further the Cause of Allah Subhanah.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan