Essay About Term Jihad Stems And Nomadic Life

Lesser Jihad
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Lesser Jihad
Introduction
Jihad, or “holy war”, though a new concept to the western world has a long-standing
tradition in Arabia predating the foundation of Islam as a religion but incorporated into it
as a primary tenet of the religion. The concept served a legitimate purpose in the
Jahiliyya period of Arabic history and perhaps even in Muhammads time, but has
become a dangerous force in the present day world, presenting an increasing threat to the
developed world just as national animosities are cooling down among the larger powers.
Definition
The term jihad stems from the root J.H.D. meaning to strive, exert oneself, or take
extraordinary pains (R. Firestone, p. 16). Considered a sixth pillar of Islam, jihad
actually takes two forms within Islam, lesser jihad and greater jihad. Greater jihad refers
to a personal struggle within oneself, a struggle to remain pure of heart, to attempt to
keep ones base instincts at bay, and to remain devoted to God and to keep the faith of
Islam. Lesser jihad, the one familiar now to westerners and the topic of this paper, is the
struggle against outside oppressors, enemies, and detractors from Islam. Lesser jihad,
though ostensibly to be undertaken only in self defense, encompasses all forms of
resistance, including armed combat.
Early origins
In Jahiliyya Arabia, raiding was a common practice between different clans. The
nomadic life and paucity of arable land made it virtually an economic necessity to acquire
the goods and breeding stock unavailable to them otherwise. Clan solidarity and loyalty
was a primary aspect of nomadic life. In addition, personal honor was paramount. As a
consequence, retribution against raiding clans became the norm. Personal honor was at
stake, and so began a long tradition of exacting revenge for perceived wrongs. As
Arabian society gradually embraced Muhammad and his new religion, Islam, religious
allegiance took the place of clan loyalty but the sense of honor and retribution remained,
transforming from mundane materialistic raiding to the total declaration of war on all
who did not accept and believe in Islam (R. Firestone, p.134).
Muhammads View/The Quran
The prophet Muhammad was no stranger to warfare nor to detractors from his
message. The Quran is rife with references to the enemies of Islam, and includes many
references to violent consequences for unbelievers. Though Muhammads words as
related by the Quran seem explicit as to fighting only in self defense: “Fight for the sake
of Allah those that who fight against you, but do not attack them first. Allah does not
love the aggressors” (Quran 2:190), other suras seem to contradict that message: “When
the sacred months are over, slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them
(captive) and besiege them, and lie in wait for them everywhere.” (Quran 9:5). A case
has been made that the apparent contradictions in the Quran are actually due to
differences in the circumstances in which they were revealed. The revelations
encouraging avoiding physical conflict were revealed early in the prophets career in
Mecca, when his followers were few. As the followers of Islam grew after the Hijra to
Medina, the revelations became increasingly militaristic until initiating attacks was not
only condoned but commanded: “O you who believe! Fight the disbelievers who are near
to you, and let them find a harshness in you; and know that Allah is with the
righteous.”(Quran 9:123) and: “Fighting is obligatory for you, though it be disliked by
you; but it may be that you hate a thing although it is good for you, and love a thing
although it is bad for you. Allah knows, but you know not.”(Quran 2:216). This last
verse is the one usually cited as the commandment to Muslims to engage in jihad. (R.
Firestone pp. 50-65)
Historical Animosity Toward The Jews/The West
It would be wrong to say that the Muslims and the Jews have never gotten along. In
pre-Islamic Arabia and even in the early days of Islam, they coexisted peaceably and
engaged in trade with each other. During Muhammads lifetime, however, he twice
banished the Jews,