Jihad is defines as, a struggle. There are two distinct variations of jihad: the Greater Jihad and the Lesser Jihad. The greater jihad is an, “inner struggle against base instincts” (CaP) and notably more spiritual. Many Sufis with the intention of getting closer to God practice this form of jihad. A Muslim who is acting on the greater or inner jihad must continuously practice restraint against unholy urges. Participating in the never-ending battle against ever changing urges of the world that contaminate the soul is believed to bring one closer to god. One who struggles against urges is know as a “Mujahid” (Hillenbrand). Practicing the five pillars of Islam is a way many Muslims show their devotion to God. By struggling against urges
…show more content…
In early Islamic times, Jihad was seen as the conflict between, “Dar al-Islam and Dar al-harb”(CandP). Dar al-Islam describes the territory under Muslim government control and Dar-al hard describes everything not under Muslim control. Dar al-Islam also describes the people of the book, who are also monotheistic. The people of the book were not forced into the Islamic religion but instead they were made to pay a poll tax in exchange for protection under the Islamic house. The classical theory of Islam depicts a struggle between Muslims, those in their protection, and Unbelievers. Those in Dar al-Islam were protected believers who must expand the Dar al-Islam until the Dar al-hard is no …show more content…
In modern society, radical Islamic groups apply the concept of lesser jihad based off of Ibn Taymiyyas radical views and cause unnecessary violence and chaos. Often the extremist groups are not highly educated on the Islamic religion and are merely using religion as a backing for their political agenda. These extremists are called Jihadists. Jihadism is, “a political ideology”. (Timani) which must be distinguished from Jihad. Jihadism is not necessarily associated with the Islamic religion. Extremists use Islam and classical Jihad for their own political means. Most Muslims focus on the inner Jihad and only participate in the outer struggle characterized by being a charitable person. The lesser jihad is an out dated religious doctrine, that is being wrongfully brought back by radical Islamic groups due to the lack of leadership and stability in the middle east. In conclusion, today’s society must be educated on the proper meaning of Jihad in order to understand today’s conflicts. Jihad does not necessarily mean violent. The greater jihad is spiritual and the lesser jihad can mean to help the community. The extremist groups implement the lesser jihad, based on outmoded doctrines, to justify their political standpoints. Furthermore the same extremist groups do not follow the rules and methods of Jihad. Extremist groups do
In early Islamic times, Jihad was seen as the conflict between, “Dar al-Islam and Dar al-harb”(CandP). Dar al-Islam describes the territory under Muslim government control and Dar-al hard describes everything not under Muslim control. Dar al-Islam also describes the people of the book, who are also monotheistic. The people of the book were not forced into the Islamic religion but instead they were made to pay a poll tax in exchange for protection under the Islamic house. The classical theory of Islam depicts a struggle between Muslims, those in their protection, and Unbelievers. Those in Dar al-Islam were protected believers who must expand the Dar al-Islam until the Dar al-hard is no …show more content…
In modern society, radical Islamic groups apply the concept of lesser jihad based off of Ibn Taymiyyas radical views and cause unnecessary violence and chaos. Often the extremist groups are not highly educated on the Islamic religion and are merely using religion as a backing for their political agenda. These extremists are called Jihadists. Jihadism is, “a political ideology”. (Timani) which must be distinguished from Jihad. Jihadism is not necessarily associated with the Islamic religion. Extremists use Islam and classical Jihad for their own political means. Most Muslims focus on the inner Jihad and only participate in the outer struggle characterized by being a charitable person. The lesser jihad is an out dated religious doctrine, that is being wrongfully brought back by radical Islamic groups due to the lack of leadership and stability in the middle east. In conclusion, today’s society must be educated on the proper meaning of Jihad in order to understand today’s conflicts. Jihad does not necessarily mean violent. The greater jihad is spiritual and the lesser jihad can mean to help the community. The extremist groups implement the lesser jihad, based on outmoded doctrines, to justify their political standpoints. Furthermore the same extremist groups do not follow the rules and methods of Jihad. Extremist groups do