Jihad Flashcards
What is lesser Jihad?
A physical struggle or ‘holy war’ in defence of Islam (the desire to remove evil from society)
How does the duty of Muslims relate to lesser Jihad?
Its the duty of all Muslims to try and remove evil from society, but you can only fight for justice in the world when you have removed all the evil from your own life
When can violence be used in Islam?
Only in self defence-
‘To those against whom war is made, permission is given to fight, because they are wronged.’ - Qur’an
What is the origin of lesser jihad?
The concept arose during Prophet Muhammad’s lifetime, when he gave his followers permission to fight.
This was because Muhammad’s enemies in Makkah planned to wipe out all Muslims, so he saw violence as the only way to survive.
Does Jihad allow agression?
The Qur’an states that Muslims must not be the first to attack, and a war of aggression is prohibited. However, if a war is Jihad, then it is duty to fight back, but only against those who are attacking you, not civilians.
What do some Islamic extremist groups claim?
They argue that the 9/11 attacks were an act of Jihad.
However, many Muslims reject this idea as they see it as an aggressive attack which targeted innocent civilians
What is the MCB’s (Muslim Council of Britain’s) view on IS?
They have strongly condemned their actions, and the hashtag #notinmyname has been widely used to make it clear that IS does not reflect the views of British Muslims
What is Jihad?
The struggle to live according to God’s laws, it usually means ‘directed struggle’
What are some examples of Jihad?
- Striving to serve God
- Making an effort to live a moral life
- Actively trying to live in peace
What is greater Jihad?
The spiritual struggle with oneself, and the desire and commitment to live the perfect Muslim life
What would the perfect Muslim life include?
- Performing the 5 pillars with devotion
- Practice the path set out by the Prophet Muhammad (Sunnah)
- To seek justice and fairness for all
- To rise above one’s greed and selflessness
Why do Muslims need to control their desires?
So that when the Day of Judgement comes, they will be worthy to receive God’s favour and enter paradise
How can Muslims make the world a better place?
The Qur’an urges Muslims to ‘encourage what is right’ and ‘forbid what is wrong’ to remove evil from yourself but to also make the world a better place
How does Jihad relate to the battle against laziness?
Greater Jihad includes making an effort to be a better person, and to fight against the tendency to be laziness, e.g through
- get up for prayers before dawn
-only eat halal food
- show kindness and generosity towards others
What are Muslim beliefs relating to respect of others beliefs?
The Qur’an encourages Muslims to be tolerant and respectful of others beliefs.
’ To you be your religion, and to me mine’
Muslims are expected to leave in peace and harmony in society, celebrating differences.
