jihad

• what is jihad?


  Struggle or striving to follow the will of Allah
• what is greater jihad?


  -Internal struggle in pleasing God, trying to remove sin from oneself.

  -most important jihad-without it one cannot strive to make world better

  -inner struggle
• what is lesser jihad?

  The outward struggle to defend Islam from threat (Holy War)
• how is jihad mentioned in the Quran?

  "be mindful of god and strive (jihad) for his cause, so that you may prosper" - Quran surah 5:35
• is jihad one of the 10 obligatory acts?

  yes but not one of five pillars
• what is holy war?

  Fighting for a religious cause or God
• what are the strict rules soldiers must follow when fighting holy war?

  -no women or children harmed

  -only carried out as self defence against those that threaten Islam

  -not to conquer new territory

  -not in pursuit of personal gain
• what are the criteria's for holy war?

  -only be declared by religious leaders

  -only used as last resort if peaceful means have not worked

  -only used when there are external threats to islam
• why do most Muslims believe greater jihad more important than lesser?


  -greater refers to day to day struggle Muslims go through

  -prophet Muhammed believed this view

  -lesser is not required at all times
• why is jihad important to Muslims?


  -Both greater and lesser jihad were practised by Prophet Muhammad

  -Quran teaches about the need to resist evil in oneself and in society

  -Allah is pleased with those who aim to improve themselves to become better people