Types of Jihad in Islam

Jihad is mainly three types according to the Quran and Sunnah. They have their own sections inside, but these three are the main sect. or criteria of Jihad(To know the story of Jihad, Click HERE):

1.       Jihad against one's evil self (Nafs) and Satan (The Evil): This type of jihad has been proclaimed as the Greatest Jihad by some of the Muslim scholars. The ayah of the Holy Quran supporting this claim is stated, “By the soul and (by) Him who made it perfect, and then inspired it to understand what is wrong and what is right for it. Truly is successful the one who purifies (his soul)”. (Surah Ash-Shams: 7-9) And the following hadith: Imam Ja’far al‑Sadiq (a) said: “The Prophet (s) said: ‘Blessed are those who have performed the minor jihad and have yet to perform the major jihad.’ When asked, ‘What is the major jihad?’ the  Prophet (s) replied: ‘The jihad of the self (struggle against self)’”. [Al-Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 19, p. 182, hadith no. 31] The hadith is not Saheeh though.

2.       Jihad with Knowledge: This criterion is supported by a verse of the Holy Quran, “So do not obey the disbelievers and strive against them with the Quran a great striving” (Surah Furqan:52)

3.       Jihad against the Unbelievers (Kaffirs): Here comes the most difficult part of Jihad terminology. Though it has been ascertained in certain verses of the Holy Quran about Defensive Jihad, some including ISIS or Osama Bin Laden took it for an offensive one which in turn made the lives of Muslims hell all over the world. Let’s go through the Quran, where it says, “And if you are killed or die in the Way of Allah, forgiveness and mercy from Allah are far better than all they amass (of worldly wealth, etc.)” (Surah Al-Imran: 157) In another ayah, Allah says, “Allah has preferred in grades those who strive hard and fight with their wealth and lives above those who sit (at home).” (Surah An-Nisa:95) In another verse of the Quran, Allah tells us about Jihad being good for us, “Fighting is enjoined on you, though it be hateful to you. Yet it may happen that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and love which is evil for you; Allah knows, and you know not.” (Surah Al-Baqarah:216)

On the above discussions, it is clear that Jihad is compulsory on every Muslim as Ordered by Allah.
Jihad was mentioned in 17 Surah of the Al-Quran. So, we must use our brain to understand which Jihad is more necessary in this present age of Science and Tech. Obviously, at first, Jihad against one’s own self is most important, as one can not advise others to do something until they themselves are right. Then comes the Jihad with knowledge. It is no new thing that the Muslims are lacking behind in every sector worldwide. So, we must use the Quran to understand newer facts and theories to strive against the Kaffirs with knowledge.

If you have any confusion regarding the ayats given, CLICK HERE.

If you need to read Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (Sm.), CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE IF YOU WANT TO DO JIHAD: Ruling on Jihad