Jihad

Question 1

Jihad

Answer 1

A struggle against evil, may be an inward, personal struggle or an outward, collective struggle.

Question 2

Lesser jihad

Answer 2

The outward struggle to defend ones faith, family and country from threat.

Question 3

Greater jihad

Answer 3

The personal inward struggle to be a good Muslim and closer to God. ‘The effort against oneself’

Question 4

Greater jihad examples

Answer 4

-Observe the 5 pillars- means to put god about everything.
-Avoid temptations and distractions.
-learn the Qur’an by heart
- improve the life for the people in the community. They choose to give sadaqah.

Question 5

Greater or lesser jihad

Answer 5

Greater examples: the right against oppression or as a community.
Lesser jihad: the inner struggle or being the best Muslim possible.

Question 6

Explain 2 contrasting understandings of jihad. (4 marks)

Answer 6

Greater jihad- the struggle with weakness of character and faith. this includes following Sharia law, carrying out the pillars and practising virtues such as generosity and honesty. Muhammad is said to have called this greater jihad. ‘the effort against oneself’ hadith
Lesser jihad- the duty to fight when commanded by a legitimate ruler, under the conditions and in ways, permitted by Qur’an and shariah. “It must be a defensive war, Muslims should not be the aggressor”

“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors.”