Holy War and the Lesser Jihad
The word jihad means struggle, and for most Muslims the greatest struggle is the inner one. Explore the greater and lesser jihad, the strict rules on fighting, and why the popular use of the word is misleading.
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What does jihad really mean?
In the news the word jihad is often used to mean terrorism. Its real meaning is simply struggle, and for most Muslims the greatest struggle is the inner one to live a good life. This module explores the greater and lesser jihad, and the strict rules on fighting.
Greater and lesser jihad
Four ideas run through this topic:
What does jihad mean?
What does the word jihad actually mean?
- Struggle or striving
- Terrorism against civilians
- A set daily prayer
- A yearly festival
Two kinds of jihad
Muslims describe two kinds of struggle. The inner one matters most.
Greater or lesser?
- Praying five times a day when tired
- Choosing to be honest when it is hard
- Defending the community from attack, under strict rules
- Controlling your own anger and greed
- A greater jihad: an inner act of worship
- A greater jihad: a daily moral struggle
- A lesser jihad: an outward struggle within limits
- A greater jihad: mastering the self
Strict rules on fighting
The lesser jihad is not a free pass to fight. Surah 2 teaches Muslims to fight only those who fight them, and never to go beyond the limits. It must be declared by a proper authority, be a last resort in self-defence, and always protect the innocent. Most Muslims, Sunni and Shia, teach it this way.
When is fighting allowed?
Which THREE are conditions of a lesser jihad?
- It is declared by a proper authority
- It is fought only in self-defence
- The innocent are protected
- Any individual may start it at any time
- It is fought to gain wealth and land
What each rule means
- Proper authority
- Self-defence
- Protecting the innocent
- Last resort
- Only a recognised leader may declare it
- Fighting to defend, never to attack first
- Never harming civilians, women or children
- Only after peaceful means have failed
Before any fighting
Put the checks before a lesser jihad could be justified in a sensible order.
- Try every peaceful option first
- Make sure a proper authority declares it
- Check it is genuine self-defence
- Keep within strict limits and protect the innocent
- Aim to restore peace
Complete the idea
The word jihad means _____. The _____ jihad is the inner struggle to be a good Muslim, and is seen as the more important one. The _____ jihad is an outward struggle that can include self-defence, but only under strict _____. It must always protect the _____ and be a last resort.
True or not?
Tap the TWO statements that are TRUE.
- The greater jihad is the inner struggle to be a good Muslim.
- The lesser jihad has strict rules and must protect the innocent.
- The word jihad simply means terrorism.
- Any individual can declare a lesser jihad for any reason.
- The lesser jihad allows harming civilians.
Which matters most?
Which jihad do Muslims usually describe as the more important?
- The greater jihad, the inner struggle to be good
- The lesser jihad, fighting in self-defence
- Neither, jihad is not important
- Only fighting counts as jihad
Is it justified?
Use what you know about the lesser jihad to judge each case.
- A community is attacked, and its recognised leaders organise a defence within strict limits. Is this a lesser jihad?
- One person decides alone to harm civilians and calls it jihad. Does this fit the lesser jihad?
- A Muslim works hard to overcome their own anger and to pray each day. What kind of jihad is this?
Greater and lesser
Explain the difference between the greater and lesser jihad, and give a range of views on when fighting could be justified.
- Explain what the greater jihad is
- Explain the lesser jihad and two of its conditions
- Give a Muslim view on when fighting could be justified
- Give one non-religious view on war