Deviations in the Concept and Practice of Jihad By Maulana Waris
Mazhari (Translated from Urdu by Yoginder Sikand) The term jihad
has numerous meanings and connotations. It cannot be restricted
just to one meaning, although this is how some people
erroneously understand it. In its general sense, the term
encompasses all efforts, at both the individual and the
collective level, for the reformation of the self and society,
for general human welfare and for acquiring the pleasure of God.
In its particular sense, the term also includes efforts that
involve the use of power, if need be, to combat opponents and
enemies. Jihad, in this particular sense, is referred to in the
Quran by the term qital. Islam allows for jihad in the sense of
qital only in defence. In all other senses, jihad is a peaceful
struggle that aims at following God’s path and conveying the
message of God to others. It is in this sense that the noted
classical Islamic scholar, Syed Sharif Jurjani interprets jihad
as ‘inviting [others] to the True