Depending on the object being a visible enemy, the devil, and aspects of one’s own self, different categories of Jihad are defined. It refers to one’s striving to attain religious and moral perfection.
Within Islamic jurisprudence, jihad is usually taken to mean military exertion against non-Muslim combatants in the defense or expansion of the Islamic state, the ultimate purpose of which is to universalize Islam. Jihad, the only form of warfare permissible in Islamic law, may be declared against apostates, rebels, highway robbers, violent groups, un-Islamic leaders or states which refuse to submit to the authority of Islam. External Jihad includes a struggle to make the Islamic societies conform to the Islamic norms of justice.
There are three levels of jihad:
Personal Jihad: This is the most important form. This type of jihad, called the Jihadun-Nafs, is the intimate struggle to purify one’s soul of evil influences — both subtle and overt. It is the struggle to cleanse one’s spirit of sin. In a brochure, the Institute of Islamic Information & Education describes several different contexts in which The Holy Quran and the Hadith use the word “jihad” to refer to personal struggles:
Putting “Allah ahead of our loved ones, our wealth, our worldly ambitions and our own lives.“
Resisting pressure of parents, peers and society; strive against “the rejecters of faith…” (Quran 25:52)
“…strive and struggle to live as true Muslims…“
“Striving for righteous deeds.”
Spreading the message of Islam. “The (true) believers are only those who believe in Allah and his messenger and afterward doubt not, but strive with their wealth and their selves for the cause of Allah. Such are the truthful.” (Quran, 49:15)
Verbal Jihad: To strive for justice through words and non-violent actions. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) encouraged Muslims to demand justice in the name of Allah. When asked: “‘What kind of jihad is better?‘ Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) replied, ‘A word of truth in front of an oppressive ruler!‘”
Physical Jihad: This relates to the use of physical force in defense of Muslims against oppression and transgression by the enemies of Allah, Islam and Muslims.
Allah commands that Muslims lead peaceful lives and not transgress against anyone. If they are persecuted and oppressed, the Holy Quran recommends that they migrate to a more peaceful and tolerant land: “Lo! Those who believe, and those who emigrate (to escape persecution) and strive (Jahadu) in the way of Allah, these have hope of Allah’s mercy…” (Quran, 2:218).
If relocation is not possible, then Allah also requires Muslims to defend themselves against oppression by “fighting against those who fight against us.” The Holy Qur’an states: “To those against whom war is made, permission is given [to defend themselves], because they are wronged - and verily, Allah is Most Powerful to give them victory.” (22:39)
The defensive nature of physical jihad (or “jihad with the hand“) is frequently lost among many, Muslims, Christians, secularists and others.
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Verbal Jihad :
According to the Institute of Islamic Information and Education: “The life of the Prophet Muhammad was full of striving to gain the freedom to inform and convey the message of Islam. During his stay in Makkah [Mecca] he used non-violent methods and after the establishment of his government in Madinah [Medina], by the permission of Allah, he used armed struggle against his enemies whenever he found it inevitable.”
In her book “Muhammed,” author Karen Armstrong writes: “Fighting and warfare might sometimes be necessary, but it was only a minor part of the whole jihad or struggle. A well-known tradition (hadith) has Muhammad say on returning from a battle, ‘ We return from the little jihad to the greater jihad,’ the more difficult and crucial effort to conquer the forces of evil in oneself and and in one’s own society in all the details of daily life.”
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