FAQs

Questions and Answers on Jihad

8.Does Islam permit war only to defend the Muslims?
No, Islam permits the Muslims to carry arms to defend those who are oppressed or persecuted irrespective of their race or religion (The Quran, 22:40). The Quranstates that God will ensure that a group of people who can reject and stop the evils and aggressions from another group will emerge till all the mosques, churches and other places of worship are saved from destruction. This indicates that rejecting evil deeds of any kind is not just to ensure the safety of Muslims but the safety of all. In this, it is very clear that Islam is an inclusive religion, which seeks to secure
the rights and safety of all members of a society. This is also in line with Islam being a religion of mercy for all mankind.

9. Does Islam direct armed jihad to fight non-Muslims permanently?
No, Islam does not direct Muslims to wage a perpetual war against those who do not share the Islamic faith. Armed jihad is only called for in specific circumstances (please refer to questions 6 and 7). In Islam, even Muslims who transgress the rights of followers of other faiths, resulting in losses of lives, properties and honour, must be fought and stopped, after all other preventive measures have been taken.

10. Is it true that the verses, which permit armed jihad only when attacked, have been abrogated?
No, there is no evidence to support this claim. All the verses concerning jihad has to be understood collectively and in tandem, as with all other verses of the Quran. Verses whose meanings are general are made more precise by verses which are more specific and conditional. Hence, the verses which may imply that non-Muslims are to be fought without conditions should be interpreted to refer to those who initiate attacks/aggression on Muslims.
It is very clear that Islam does not permit to fight the non-Muslims who conduct peaceful relations with the Muslims (The Quran, 59: 8-9, 5:2).

11. Is it true that armed jihad constitutes the best and most honourable Islamic worship?
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) characterizes jihad as the peak of Islamic worship. This is the general position of jihad in Islam. It is considered as the most noble of deeds because it requires a great deal of sacrifice and is among the most challenging to carry out. This is so, when a community is attacked and subjected to the aggression by others. However, this does not mean that it is the only and most preferred solution for all problems concerning Muslims, in all kinds of situations and locations. As Islam is a comprehensive religion, it offers a range of options and approaches, guided by its strict ethical code and system, for its adherents to solve their problems. As we have explained before, jihad does not only mean to carry arms. In fact, the focus of Islam is on peaceful resolution to all problems.