122- What is Jihad?

[Dr. Shabbir]

WHAT IS JIHAD? No, it is not Holy War.

Muslims are allowed to carry out Jihad (in the sense of picking up arms) only in self-defense and to counter persecution:

2:190 So, fight in the cause of God those who wage war against you, but do not commit aggression. God does not love aggressors.

60:7 It may well be that Allah will bring about affection between you and those whom you now consider enemies. Allah is the Powerful Appointer of His Laws. And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.


60:8 Allah does not forbid you from being kind, and fully equitable to those who do not fight you on account of the Deen and do not evict you from your homelands. Behold, Allah loves those who lead a just, balanced life.

4:75 What has happened to you that you fight not in the Cause of Allah? Defenseless men, women, and children are being oppressed and crying, "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors, and raise for us protectors and helpers." (Allah does not come and fight in person, or send His armies or angels physically).