Jihad: Greater and Lesser

The meaning of jihad

The word jihad means to struggle or strive in the way of Allah. For most Muslims it is above all a personal, spiritual effort to live a good life. Islamic teaching describes two kinds: the greater jihad, the inner struggle, and the lesser jihad, an outward struggle that is strictly limited. The greater jihad is seen as the more important.

The language of jihad

Four ideas run through this module:

Greater and lesser jihad

Islamic teaching describes two kinds of jihad, and treats the inner, greater jihad as the more important.

Jihad terms

Which is more important?

In Islamic teaching, which kind of jihad is treated as the more important?

• The greater jihad, the inner spiritual struggle
• The lesser jihad, any outward struggle
• Neither is considered important
• Only the lesser jihad matters

Strict conditions, never terrorism

A lesser jihad is not an unlimited holy war. It may be fought only under strict conditions: it must be declared by a fair religious authority, be a last resort after peaceful efforts fail, be fought in self-defence, spare innocent civilians, be proportionate, and stop as soon as the other side stops. The Qur'an teaches that Muslims may defend themselves against those who attack them but must not transgress the limits or begin hostilities, Surah 2:190. Because of these rules, jihad does not mean terrorism or attacking innocent people. Most Muslims understand jihad first of all as the inner struggle to live well.

Conditions for a lesser jihad

Select the TWO statements that are TRUE about the conditions for a lesser jihad.

• It must be a last resort, after peaceful means have failed
• Innocent civilians must not be harmed
• It can be started for any reason at all
• It should continue even after the enemy has stopped

Jihad in words

The word jihad means to _____ in the way of Allah. The _____ jihad is the inner, personal struggle to be a good Muslim, and it is seen as the more important. The _____ jihad is an outward struggle, allowed only under strict _____. Jihad does not mean _____.

The conditions in order

For a lesser jihad to be just, several conditions must be met. Put this checklist into a sensible order.

• It is declared by a fair and recognised religious authority
• There is a just cause, such as defending against attack
• Peaceful means have been tried first, so it is a last resort
• Innocent civilians are protected, not harmed
• It stops as soon as the other side stops fighting

What jihad means, and does not

Tap the TWO statements that are TRUE about jihad.

• The greater jihad is the inner struggle to be a good Muslim.
• Jihad is another word for terrorism.
• A lesser jihad may only be fought under strict conditions.
• A lesser jihad can be started for any reason at all.
• Islamic teaching says the outward struggle is more important than the inner one.

What does jihad mean?

What does the word jihad literally mean?

• To struggle or strive in the way of Allah
• To go on pilgrimage to Makkah
• To give money to the poor
• To fast during Ramadan

Apply the conditions

A student is asked to judge whether an action could count as a just lesser jihad. Apply the conditions.

• An action is planned that would harm innocent civilians. Does it meet the conditions?
• A community is attacked and defends itself, having first tried to make peace. Does this fit the idea of self-defence?
• The other side stops fighting. What do the conditions require?

Greater and lesser jihad

Explain the difference between greater and lesser jihad, and why the greater jihad is seen as more important. Write in clear, full sentences.

• Explain what the greater jihad is and give an example
• Explain what the lesser jihad is and one condition it must meet
• Explain why Islamic teaching treats the greater jihad as more important
• Explain why jihad does not mean terrorism