Allegation: Islam teaches violence and legitimizes bloodshed in the name of 'jihad'.

Allegation: Islam teaches violence and legitimizes bloodshed in the name of ‘jihad’.

This allegation has been particularly vocal in the post-9/11 world. This idea is used to portray Islam as a ‘terrorist religion’, where it is said that Islam encourages its followers to fight against non-Muslims and the word jihad is a symbol of this. This interpretation has penetrated so deeply in the Western media that the mere mention of the word ‘jihad’ brings to mind images of gunmen, suicide bombers or radical fundamentalists.

But what is the real truth? Do the Quran and the authentic Hadith really permit violence and killing? What is the real meaning of the word ‘jihad’? And is the core message of Islam war or peace?

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The real meaning of the word ‘jihad’ and its context:

The word ‘jihad’ comes from the Arabic root ‘jahada’, which means: to strive, struggle, toil. In Islamic terminology, Jihad means exerting one's utmost effort in the path of Allah. It is not only the name of war, but also includes self-restraint, moral struggle, pursuit of knowledge, social reform, etc.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ once said to his companions on his way back from a war:

> “We are returning from the lesser jihad to the greater jihad.”

The companions said, “O Messenger of Allah, what is the greater jihad?”

He said, “The struggle against the nafs (the desires of the mind, the instincts).”

(Imam Bayhaqi, ‘Zuhd’)

This hadith makes it clear that jihad in Islam is first and foremost the name of self-purification. The struggle against injustice, instincts, greed, jealousy, anger—this is the greater jihad.

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So what do the verses about war in the Quran mean?

There are verses in the Quran that say:

> “Kill them wherever you find them…”

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:191)

This verse is the most frequently quoted in anti-Islamic propaganda. But they never read the previous verse, where Allah says:

> “Fight only against those who fight you and do not transgress.”

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:190)

That is, fighting is permitted only for defensive purposes and without transgressing. The Quran never encourages aggressive war. Rather, war is permitted only when Muslims are oppressed, displaced, or threatened.

It is even more clearly stated:

> “Allah does not like those who transgress.”

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:190)

Even if an offer of peace is made with the enemy, Islam commands:

> “If they incline to peace, accept it and put your trust in Allah.”

(Surah Al-Anfal, 8:61)

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The True Image of Jihad in the Life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

In the 23-year prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him), only 27 Ghazwahs or wars were fought, most of which were defensive. He had complete power at the time of the conquest of Mecca, yet he did not commit any genocide or force anyone to convert to Islam. Rather, he said:

> “Today there is no accusation against you, you are all free.”

There is no example of mass coercion in the history of Islam. Jews, Christians, Parsis and Hindus have been practicing their religions freely under Muslim rule for centuries.

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Difference between Jihad and Terrorism:

Terrorism is the act of attacking innocent people, intimidation, and attempting to gain power by spreading terror in society. Islam has declared it completely forbidden. The Prophet ﷺ said:

> “Whoever kills an innocent person, it is as if he has killed all of humanity.”

(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:32)

In another hadith, he said:

> “Whoever kills a non-Muslim citizen who has a treaty with us, he will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise.”

(Sahih Bukhari)

So those who kill innocent people in the name of Islam are not Jihad—they are acting against Islam.

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Types and conditions of Jihad:

In Islam, to wage war or Qital (armed Jihad), several strict conditions must be met:

1. No one can fight alone without the permission of the state. 2. It is forbidden to attack anyone, including innocent women, children, the elderly, and beggars. 3. Destroying trees, burning houses, mutilating corpses—all are forbidden. 4. War is only for defense, not for showing off power.

These provisions are not in any terrorist ideology.

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Conclusion:

The accusation that “Islam teaches violence” is far from reality and religious truth. Rather, Islam teaches self-control, self-purification, social peace, and the struggle for humanity. Jihad is a sacred endeavor, which is the name of the struggle for justice, self-defense, and against injustice. Sadly, some extremist groups are misusing this sacred concept of Islam and attacking innocent people, tarnishing Islam.

However, an honest investigator will understand—Jihad does not mean terrorism, but the struggle to protect humanity. Islam is a religion of peace, and every one of its teachings is dedicated to the welfare of people.