Guide Note

Jihad is an Islamic principle that literally translates to "striving" or "struggle." It appears frequently in the Quran, typically in reference to the idiomatic expression "striving in the way of Allah." Some Sunni scholars have referred to Jihad as the "sixth pillar of Islam," though this is not common among the denomination. Jihad plays a more significant role in Shia Islam, particularly Twelver Shi'ism, which includes the concept as one of the ten key practices of Islam. The exact implications of the term are widely debated. The most common interpretation is that the struggle described by Jihad is to improve one's self and society. This is commonly referred to as the "greater Jihad" by Muslims. The "lesser Jihad" describes armed combat or war in the name of God, which is the only form of fighting permissible in Islam.

Fast Facts

1. Means "striving" or "struggle"
2. For kinds of Jihad: of the heart, tongue, hand and sword
3. A minority of Sunni scholars consider Jihad the "sixth pillar" of Islam
4. One of the 10 key practices of Twelver Shi'ism
5. The only form of war justified in Islam
6. For most Muslims, describes a personal, largely internal, struggle to deepen one's faith

The term Jihad has for distinct and important connotations in Islam. The First is commonly referred to as "Jihad of the heart" and is concerned with combating evil within one's self. The second connotation is "Jihad of the tongue" which calls for the speaking of truth and the spread of the word of Islam. The third connotation is "Jihad of the hand" which is concerned with the struggle to do good acts and combat injustice. The final connotation, "Jihad of the sword," is the most commonly referenced meaning today and evokes the right of Muslims to go to war if, and only if, the word or will of God undeniably compels them to.