The true meaning of Jihad is a term that has been both widely misunderstood and misrepresented in today’s world. Contrary to popular belief, Jihad does not mean “holy war.” Instead, it refers to a personal and communal struggle in the way of righteousness. In Islam, Jihad encompasses various aspects of life, from spiritual self-improvement to standing against oppression and injustice.
The Understanding of the True Meaning of Jihad
This aims to clarify the true meaning of Jihad, its types, and its role in Islamic teachings, using references from the Qur’an and Islamic tradition.
5 Characters of Jihadists
The concept of Jihad in Islam can be categorized into several distinct forms:
Struggle of the Self (Jihad al-Nafs)
This is the internal struggle every believer faces against their own desires, temptations, and weaknesses. It is the most important form of Jihad and represents the effort to be a better Muslim, improve one’s character, and follow the path of righteousness.
Qur’an Says:
وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا ۚ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
- (Translation: “And those who strive for Us—We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.” —Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:69)
This verse emphasizes that those who engage in Jihad (struggle) in the path of Allah will be rewarded with guidance. It highlights that Jihad is not limited to physical conflict but includes striving for moral excellence and spiritual growth.
Struggle of the Tongue (Jihad al-Lisan)
This refers to speaking the truth, defending justice, and spreading the message of Islam with wisdom and kindness. It is about using one’s voice to advocate for righteousness and resist falsehood.
Qur’an Says:
- وَقُولُواْ لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًا
(Translation: “And speak to people kindly.” —Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:83)
- This verse encourages believers to use their words for good, underscoring the importance of speech in Islam and its role in Jihad through peaceful means.
Struggle of the Pen (Jihad al-Qalam)
The intellectual form of Jihad, this involves spreading knowledge, refuting misconceptions, and promoting truth through writing, education, and scholarship. The pen is a powerful tool in advancing the cause of justice and knowledge in society.
Qur’an Says:
- ن وَالْقَلَمِ وَمَا يَسْطُرُونَ
(Translation: “By the pen and what they inscribe.” —Surah Al-Qalam, 68:1)
This verse highlights the significance of the written word in Islam, encouraging the pursuit of knowledge and the use of intellect to achieve good and resist evil.
Struggle of Wealth (Jihad al-Mal)
This involves the charitable use of wealth to support those in need and contribute to the welfare of the Muslim community. It is an essential form of Jihad that encourages Muslims to be generous and fight poverty, injustice, and suffering.
Qur’an Says:
- لَن تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتَّىٰ تُنفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ
(Translation: “You will never attain righteousness until you spend [in the way of Allah] from that which you love.” —Surah Al-Imran, 3:92)
This verse encourages Muslims to give charity from what they value most, reminding them that financial generosity is a key aspect of Jihad in supporting the less fortunate.
Struggle of the Sword (Jihad al-Sayf)
This refers to the physical defense of the Muslim community when under attack. However, it is strictly regulated by Islamic law and can only be carried out under specific conditions such as self-defense, protection of the oppressed, and against tyranny.
Qur’an Says:
- وَقَاتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّـهِ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ وَلَا تَعْتَدُوا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ
(Translation: “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors.” —Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:190)
This verse makes it clear that even in times of physical Jihad, Muslims must observe strict ethical guidelines. Fighting is permitted only in defense, and aggression or excess is strictly prohibited.
Goals of Jihad
The ultimate goals of Jihad are deeply tied to the broader objectives of Islam: to establish justice, promote peace, and guide individuals and societies toward righteousness. Here are some key goals of Jihad:
- Self-Improvement and Spiritual Growth: At its core, Jihad is about striving to be a better person—improving one’s faith, character, and actions. It involves constant reflection, repentance, and commitment to living according to Islamic principles.
- Advocacy for Justice: Jihad includes speaking out against injustice, whether social, political, or economic. Muslims are encouraged to stand up for the oppressed and support those who are wronged.
- Spreading Knowledge and Truth: Through education, writing, and intellectual effort, Muslims are encouraged to spread the message of Islam and correct misconceptions. This form of Jihad is crucial in a world filled with misinformation and misunderstanding about the faith.
- Charity and Social Support: Using wealth and resources to help others, especially the poor and needy, is a vital aspect of Jihad. It aims to create a just and compassionate society where everyone is taken care of.
- Defense of the Muslim Community: While Islam promotes peace, it also recognizes the need for defense in times of aggression. This is where the concept of physical Jihad comes in, but only under ethical and legal conditions.
Before Wrapping Up
Did You Know? Jihad is Also a Name
Did you know that Jihad is not only a concept in Islam but also a common name? In many Muslim cultures, the name Jihad is given to people, symbolizing a commitment to personal and communal struggles for righteousness. One such person is Jihad Saaduddin known as “Jii”, the founder of MuslimSEO.com, a digital marketing platform specializing in helping Muslim businesses, especially in the riches of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The Struggles of Jihad Saaduddin
Jihad Saaduddin has faced unique challenges throughout his career due to the misconceptions surrounding his name. Working in areas where extremist groups have exploited the concept of Jihad for violent purposes, such as parts of Mindanao in the Philippines, he often finds himself needing to explain the true meaning of his name and the values it represents.
In his career as a digital industry in SEO expert, Jihad has used his name as a reminder of his own Jihad al-Nafs — his personal journey of self-improvement, perseverance, and dedication to his work and community. However, as jihadist movements escalated in the regions where he worked, it became an even more delicate struggle to navigate professional spaces.
Jihadist Escalation and the Name’s Stigma
In regions like Mindanao, where groups such as Abu Sayyaf and other militant organizations have caused instability, the term Jihad became synonymous with violence in the eyes of the global community. This added a layer of complexity to Jihad Saaduddin’s career, as the negative connotations of the term impacted perceptions and professional interactions.
Despite this, Jihad continues to pursue his work, providing businesses with digital marketing solutions and SEO strategies that help them thrive. His journey, much like the broader meaning of Jihad, is one of perseverance, dedication, and overcoming obstacles for a greater cause. By building MuslimSEO.com, he has created a platform aimed at uniting Muslim businesses called Saaduddin Portal, promoting Islamic finance, and sharing life stories and struggles—elements that represent the true essence of Jihad.
Final Wrap
While the world may associate Jihad with conflict due to its misrepresentation, people like Jihad Saaduddin offer a reminder of its deeper, peaceful meaning. His struggles in the professional realm reflect the true spirit of Jihad—the personal and societal efforts to overcome challenges, promote justice, and build a better future.
Jihad is a multifaceted concept that extends far beyond the popular misconceptions. It is a personal and communal effort toward living a righteous life, promoting justice, and defending the oppressed. By understanding the true essence of Jihad, as explained in the Qur’an, we can better appreciate its role in Islam as a force for good and positive change.
Qur’an Says for Reflection:
- وَجَاهِدُوا فِي اللَّهِ حَقَّ جِهَادِهِ ۚ هُوَ اجْتَبَاكُمْ
(Translation: “And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you.” —Surah Al-Hajj, 22:78)
This verse serves as a reminder that Jihad is a noble and necessary struggle, one that calls for dedication, sincerity, and righteousness in all aspects of life.
Through his work with MuslimSEO.com, Jihad Saaduddin[Facebook profile] exemplifies what Jihad truly stands for a positive struggle to make a meaningful impact, even when the name itself is mired in controversy and misunderstanding.
