One of the most misunderstood aspects of Islam is the term jihad. While in some contexts it has been translated as “holy war,” its meaning is far broader and depends heavily on the context. In modern times, the word often evokes images of terrorism, violence, and extremism, but this perception misrepresents its true essence.

In its core sense, jihad means “struggle” or “striving” on the path of God. This struggle can take many forms. It may refer to physical efforts, such as building a mosque, embarking on a journey to spread the teachings of Islam, or enduring hardships to escape religious persecution. However, jihad is not limited to physical acts or armed conflict. It also encompasses the internal, personal struggle against negative instincts and passions that can lead one away from the commandments of faith.

In Islamic tradition, all forms of genuine effort and struggle for righteous purposes are seen as acts of devotion, and it is taught that God rewards such endeavors. Understanding the nuanced meanings of jihad is essential to appreciating its role within Islamic teachings.

Historically, Muslim nations, like many others, have waged wars to secure political and economic interests as well as to expand their territory and rule. However, Islamic scholars emphasize that only defensive wars can genuinely be considered jihad. Despite this, some Muslim leaders have invoked the concept of jihad– often interpreted as “holy war”- to justify their actions, with varying degrees of success and legitimacy.

For example, during the Christian Crusades, Muslim resistance was regarded as a war to defend Islam and its followers, making it a legitimate jihad in the eyes of Islamic tradition. Similarly, during World War I, the Ottoman Empire’s leader declared a jihad against the Allied forces. However, this call was not universally embraced by the global Ummah (Islamic community), with some Muslims even aligning with the Allies against the Ottomans.

In the mid-20th century, struggles for national independence in countries like Algeria, Egypt, and Indonesia were often framed as jihad but were typically limited to the context of those nations’ borders. Similarly, the conflict against Israeli occupation is viewed by some Arab Muslims as a jihad, while others see it as a political struggle for land, water, and self-determination.

Notably, some leaders have misappropriated the term jihad for personal or political gain. Saddam Hussein’s attempt to label Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait as a “holy war” was broadly dismissed by Muslim nations. Likewise, Osama bin Laden’s call for a global jihad against Western and Muslim governments was rejected by the vast majority of Muslims, who believe that attacking non-combatants, especially women and children, violates Islamic principles governing warfare.

Muslim scholars overwhelmingly agree that the use of the Qur’an to justify such attacks is a gross misrepresentation of Islamic teachings. These scholars view such interpretations as overly simplistic, self-serving, and fundamentally inconsistent with the ethical and legal traditions of Islam.