Contents
- What is violent jihad
- Violent jihad: a major part of Islamic doctrine
- Jihad should be waged against the Kafir
- What happens to Kafirs in violent jihad
- Jihad: the best action
- Jihad: a successful tactic
- Jihadis
- Mohammed: the first jihadi
- Jihadis are better than non-jihadis
- Jihadis are rewarded by Allah
- Jihadis are rewarded with the spoils of war
- Jihadis receive financial support from zakat (Islamic tax)
- Important note: Different forms of jihad
Note: This report aims to discuss only violent jihad, not other forms of jihad, or jihad in general. For a broader and fuller view of jihad, please see the CSPII Jihad report.
What is violent jihad
Jihad means ‘effort’ or ‘striving’, and it comprises 31% of primary Islamic doctrine[1]. Jihad is a comprehensive set of tactics for subjugating non-Muslims (Kafirs), with the final aim of making the whole world submit to Mohammed and Allah:
Koran 48:28
He it is Who hath sent His messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, that He may cause it to prevail over all religion. And Allah sufficeth as a witness.
Hadith, Bukhari 2946
Allah 's Apostle said, " I have been ordered to fight with the people till they say, 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah,' and whoever says, 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah,' his life and property will be saved by me except for Islamic law, and his accounts will be with Allah, (either to punish him or to forgive him.)"
Hadith, Bukhari 2810 (also 3126)
A man came to the Prophet and asked, "A man fights for war booty; another fights for fame and a third fights for showing off; which of them fights in Allah's Cause?" The Prophet said, "He who fights that Allah's Word (i.e. Islam) should be superior, fights in Allah's Cause."
Specifically, violent jihad is an important form of jihad that comprises a major part of Islamic doctrine. Islamic doctrine describes jihad as the best action and jihadis (those who carry out jihad, usually referring to violent jihad) are greatly rewarded higher status, the spoils of war, financial support, and with further rewards from Allah.
Indeed, Mohammed, who Islamic doctrine regards as the perfect example, was personally involved in violent jihad frequently, and was very successful with it. Violent jihad has been key in expanding the influence of Political Islam since Mohammed became a military leader.
Violent jihad: a major part of Islamic doctrine
Jihad comprises 31% of primary Islamic doctrine: 9% of the Koran, 21% of the Hadith (Bukhari) and 67% of the Sira[2].
An entire volume of Bukhari’s Hadith[3] (56) is devoted to jihad (Fighting for the Cause of Allah [Jihaad]), another (57) to dividing the spoils of jihad battles (One-fifth of Booty to the Cause of Allah [Khumus]), and another (64) to the battles that Mohammed personally took part in (Military Expeditions led by the Prophet [Al-Maghaazi]). Here, it is also made clear that the target of jihad is Kafirs (Hadith, Bukhari, 2925, 2926, 2928, 2943, 2944, 2945).
In jihad, Kafirs have three choices: be killed (usually for men), be enslaved (usually for women and children), or convert to Islam[4]. It follows Mohammed’s example to behead prisoners of war. It is also permissible to kill women and children, or to take them as prisoners. It is also permissible for jihadis to pillage and take the wives of the enemy killed in battle as their own wives. All of the above are supported with references in the “What happens to Kafirs in violent jihad” section.
Jihad should be waged against the Kafir
Islamic doctrine identifies a clear target of this effort – to strive against Kafirs:
Koran 25:52
So obey not the disbelievers, but strive against them herewith with a great endeavour.
Only Kafirs should be targeted for jihad:
Hadith, Bukhari 2945 (also 2943 and 2944)
The Prophet set out for Khaibar and reached it at night. He used not to attack if he reached the people at night, till the day broke. So, when the day dawned, the Jews came out with their bags and spades. When they saw the Prophet; they said, "Muhammad and his army!" The Prophet said, Allahu--Akbar! (Allah is Greater) and Khaibar is ruined, for whenever we approach a nation (i.e. enemy to fight) then it will be a miserable morning for those who have been warned."
Mohammed encouraged making jihad on Jews:
Hadith, Bukhari 2925
Allah's Messenger (said, "You (i.e. Muslims) will fight with the Jews until some of them will hide behind stones. The stones will (betray them) saying, 'O `Abdullah (i.e. slave of Allah)! There is a Jew hiding behind me; so kill him.'"
Hadith, Bukhari 2926
Allah's Messenger said, "The Hour will not be established until you fight with the Jews, and the stone behind which a Jew will be hiding will say. "O Muslim! There is a Jew hiding behind me, so kill him."
He also encouraged making jihad on other non-Islamic peoples (Turkish civilization was not Islamic in Mohammed’s time).
Hadith, Bukhari 2928
Allah's Messenger said, "The Hour will not be established until you fight with the Turks; people with small eyes, red faces, and flat noses. Their faces will look like shields coated with leather. The Hour will not be established till you fight with people whose shoes are made of hair."
What happens to Kafirs in violent jihad
Kafirs who are the targets of violent jihad have 3 choices - be killed (usually for men), be enslaved (usually for women and children), or convert to Islam[5]:
Hadith, Bukhari 4121
The people of (Banu) Quraiza agreed to accept the verdict of Sa`d bin Mu`adh. So the Prophet sent for Sa`d, and the latter came (riding) a donkey and when he approached the Mosque, the Prophet said to the Ansar, "Get up for your chief or for the best among you." Then the Prophet said (to Sa`d)." These (i.e. Banu Quraiza) have agreed to accept your verdict." Sa`d said, "Kill their (men) warriors and take their offspring as captives, "On that the Prophet said, "You have judged according to Allah's Judgment," or said, "according to the King's judgment."
Hadith, Bukhari 4028
Bani An-Nadir and Bani Quraiza fought (against the Prophet violating their peace treaty), so the Prophet exiled Bani An-Nadir and allowed Bani Quraiza to remain at their places (in Medina) taking nothing from them till they fought against the Prophet again) . He then killed their men and distributed their women, children and property among the Muslims, but some of them came to the Prophet and he granted them safety, and they embraced Islam. He exiled all the Jews from Medina. They were the Jews of Bani Qainuqa', the tribe of `Abdullah bin Salam and the Jews of Bani Haritha and all the other Jews of Medina.
Hadith, Bukhari 4200
The Prophet offered the Fajr Prayer near Khaibar when it was still dark and then said, "Allahu-Akbar! Khaibar is destroyed, for whenever we approach a (hostile) nation (to fight), then evil will be the morning for those who have been warned." Then the inhabitants of Khaibar came out running on the roads. The Prophet had their warriors killed, their offspring and woman taken as captives. Safiya was amongst the captives, She first came in the share of Dahya Alkali but later on she belonged to the Prophet. The Prophet made her manumission as her 'Mahr'.
Hadith, Bukhari 4210
`Ali said "O Allah's Messenger! I will fight with them till they become like us." Allah's Messenger said, "Proceed and do not hurry. When you enter their territory, call them to embrace Islam and inform them of Allah's Rights which they should observe, for by Allah, even if a single man is led on the right path (of Islam) by Allah through you, then that will be better for you than the nice red camels.
It is permissible to kill Kafir women and children:
Hadith, Bukhari 3012
The Prophet passed by me at a place called Al-Abwa or Waddan, and was asked whether it was permissible to attack the pagan warriors at night with the probability of exposing their women and children to danger. The Prophet replied, "They (i.e. women and children) are from them (i.e. pagans)." I also heard the Prophet saying, "The institution of Hima is invalid except for Allah and His Apostle[6]."
It is also permissible to take women and children as prisoners:
Hadith, Bukhari 3043
When the tribe of Bani Quraiza was ready to accept Sa`d's judgment, Allah's Messenger sent for Sa`d who was near to him. Sa`d came, riding a donkey and when he came near, Allah's Messenger said (to the Ansar), "Stand up for your leader." Then Sa`d came and sat beside Allah's Messenger who said to him. "These people are ready to accept your judgment." Sa`d said, "I give the judgment that their warriors should be killed and their children and women should be taken as prisoners." The Prophet then remarked, "O Sa`d! You have judged amongst them with (or similar to) the judgment of the King Allah."
On one occasion, Mohammed was personally involved in beheading 600–900 prisoners of war. Thus, to behead prisoners of war follows Mohammed’s perfect example. This is a well-documented fact:
Sira, Ibn Ishaq 690
Then they surrendered, and the apostle confined them in Medina…Then the apostle went out to the market of Medina (which is still its market today) and dug trenches in it. Then he sent for them and struck off their heads in those trenches as they were brought out to him in batches. Among them was the enemy of Allah Huyayy b. Ahktab and Ka’b b. Asad their chief. There were 600 or 700 in all, though some put the figure as high as 800 or 900. As they were being taken out in batches to the apostle they asked Ka’b what he thought would be done with them. He replied, ‘Will you never understand? Don’t you see that the summoner never stops and those who are taken away do not return? By Allah it is death!’ This went on until the apostle made an end of them.
Sira, Al-Tabari p. 35 (1493)
…she was by me, talking with me and laughing unrestrainedly while the Messenger of God was killing their men in the marketplace…
Sira, Ibn Kathir p.172
“He only executed one of their women. She was talking with me and laughing heartily all the time the Messenger of God was executing her menfolk in the market-place…
Further, Kafir lands can be the target of pillaging (destroying civil property during war) in accordance with Mohammed’s example:
Hadith, Bukhari 4032
The Prophet burnt the date-palms of Bani An-Nadir.
Jihad: the best action
Jihad not only appears frequently, but it is also viewed very positively. According to Islamic doctrine, jihad (often specified to be violent jihad) is the best action that a Muslim can perform.[7]
Hadith, Bukhari 2518
I asked the Prophet, "What is the best deed?" He replied, "To believe in Allah and to fight for His Cause."…
Hadith, Bukhari 2785
Narrated Abu Huraira:
A man came to Allah's Messenger and said, "Instruct me as to such a deed as equals Jihad (in reward)." He replied, "I do not find such a deed." Then he added, "Can you, while the Muslim fighter is in the battle-field, enter your mosque to perform prayers without cease and fast and never break your fast?" The man said, "But who can do that?" Abu- Huraira added, "The Mujahid (i.e. Muslim fighter) is rewarded even for the footsteps of his horse while it wanders bout (for grazing) tied in a long rope."
Hadith, Bukhari 2792 (2793, 2794 and 2796 repeat this)
The Prophet said, "A single endeavor (of fighting) in Allah's Cause in the forenoon or in the afternoon is better than the world and whatever is in it."
Hadith, Bukhari 2892
Allah's Messenger said, "To guard Muslims from infidels in Allah's Cause for one day is better than the world and whatever is on its surface, and a place in Paradise as small as that occupied by the whip of one of you is better than the world and whatever is on its surface; and a morning's or an evening's journey which a slave (person) travels in Allah's Cause is better than the world and whatever is on its surface."
Hadith, Bukhari 2782
I asked Allah's Messenger, "O Allah's Messenger! What is the best deed?" He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." I asked, "What is next in goodness?" He replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents." I further asked, what is next in goodness?" He replied, "To participate in Jihad in Allah's Cause." I did not ask Allah's Messenger anymore and if I had asked him more, he would have told me more.
Jihad: a successful tactic
Not only is violent jihad mentioned frequently and viewed positively, but also it has also been very successful in expanding the influence of Political Islam.
Mohammed was not very successful in spreading Islam until he became a jihadi. After 13 years of preaching, he had only 150 followers. However, when he moved to Medina, he became a politician and a military leader who committed 95 acts of violent jihad over approximately 13 years[8], around one every 6.5 weeks. This bought him great success and when he died, all of Arabia was Islamic. It was jihad that brought Mohammed to power.
Hadith, Bukhari: 2977
Mohammed: “I have been made victorious with terror.”
The following hadith suggests some reasons for the success of violent jihad. First, Mohammed ordered his followers to fight Kafirs until they submit. Second, Mohammed's orders and example were followed after his death. Third, jihadis who win battles are promised the spoils of war, while those who die in battle are promised paradise.
Hadith, Bukhari 3159, 3160
`Umar sent the Muslims to the great countries to fight the pagans. When Al-Hurmuzan embraced Islam, `Umar said to him. "I would like to consult you regarding these countries which I intend to invade." Al-Hurmuzan said, "Yes, the example of these countries and their inhabitants who are the enemies. of the Muslims, is like a bird with a head, two wings and two legs; If one of its wings got broken, it would get up over its two legs, with one wing and the head; and if the other wing got broken, it would get up with two legs and a head, but if its head got destroyed, then the two legs, two wings and the head would become useless. The head stands for Khosrau, and one wing stands for Caesar and the other wing stands for Faris. So, order the Muslims to go towards Khosrau." So, `Umar sent us (to Khosrau) appointing An-Nu`man bin Muqrin as our commander. When we reached the land of the enemy, the representative of Khosrau came out with forty-thousand warriors, and an interpreter got up saying, "Let one of you talk to me!" Al-Mughira replied, "Ask whatever you wish." The other asked, "Who are you?" Al-Mughira replied, "We are some people from the Arabs; we led a hard, miserable, disastrous life: we used to suck the hides and the date stones from hunger; we used to wear clothes made up of fur of camels and hair of goats, and to worship trees and stones. While we were in this state, the Lord of the Heavens and the Earths, Elevated is His Remembrance and Majestic is His Highness, sent to us from among ourselves a Prophet whose father and mother are known to us. Our Prophet, the Messenger of our Lord, has ordered us to fight you till you worship Allah Alone or give Jizya (i.e. tribute); and our Prophet has informed us that our Lord says:-- "Whoever amongst us is killed (i.e. martyred), shall go to Paradise to lead such a luxurious life as he has never seen, and whoever amongst us remain alive, shall become your master." (Al-Mughira, then blamed An-Nu`man for delaying the attack and) An-Nu' man said to Al-Mughira, "If you had participated in a similar battle, in the company of Allah's Messenger he would not have blamed you for waiting, nor would he have disgraced you. But I accompanied Allah's Apostle in many battles and it was his custom that if he did not fight early by daytime, he would wait till the wind had started blowing and the time for the prayer was due (i.e. after midday).
Jihad has had a significant influence on history and the world’s political landscape. The Middle East, Anatolia (Turkey), Egypt and North Africa were transformed from Christian civilizations into an Islamic civilization. For seven centuries, Spain and Portugal were under Islamic rule. Eastern Europe, particularly the Balkans, were under Islamic rule. Over the last 1400 years, at least 270 million Kafirs were killed by jihad[9].
Jihadis
Someone who commits acts of violent jihad is a jihadi. The Arabic term is “mujahid” – this word is derived from the same root as “jihad”, and therefore simply using the term “jihadi” is practical.
Jihad is prescribed for Muslims whether they like it or not. It is not a case of personal choice or preference:
Koran 2:216
Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that ye hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that ye love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knoweth, ye know not.
Mohammed: the first jihadi
Mohammed, the perfect example according to Islamic doctrine, was a jihadi. There is an entire volume of the Bukhari Hadith (64) called “Military Expeditions led by the Prophet (Al-Maghaazi)”. Mohammed participated in many jihad battles (they are specifically named "ghazwat"):
Hadith, Bukhari 3949
Once, while I was sitting beside Zaid bin Al-Arqam, he was asked, "How many Ghazwat did the Prophet undertake?" Zaid replied, "Nineteen." They said, "In how many Ghazwat did you join him?" He replied, "Seventeen." I asked, "Which of these was the first?" He replied, "Al-`Ashira or Al- `Ashiru."
Mohammed said he would love to die repeatedly in jihad and be resurrected so that he could do it again:
Hadith, Bukhari 2972
The Prophet said, "By Him in Whose Hands my life is! Were it not for some men amongst the believers who dislike to be left behind me and whom I cannot provide with means of conveyance, I would certainly never remain behind any Sariya' (army-unit) setting out in Allah's Cause. By Him in Whose Hands my life is! I would love to be martyred in Allah's Cause and then get resurrected and then get martyred, and then get resurrected again and then get martyred and then get resurrected again and then get martyred.
Mohammed used his personal wealth to fund jihad:
Hadith, Bukhari 2904
The properties of Bani An-Nadir which Allah had transferred to His Apostle as Fai Booty were not gained by the Muslims with their horses and camels. The properties therefore, belonged especially to Allah's Messenger who used to give his family their yearly expenditure and spend what remained thereof on arms and horses to be used in Allah's Cause.
Mohammed wanted people to take the pledge of jihad:
Hadith, Bukhari 2962, 2963
My brother and I came to the Prophet and I requested him to take the pledge of allegiance from us for migration. He said, "Migration has passed away with its people." I asked, "For what will you take the pledge of allegiance from us then?" He said, "I will take (the pledge) for Islam and Jihad."
Jihadis are better than non-jihadis
Those who follow Mohammed’s example are held in high esteem by Islamic doctrine. Jihadis are considered of a higher rank than those who do not engage on jihad:
Koran 4:95
Those of the believers who sit still, other than those who have a (disabling) hurt, are not on an equality with those who strive in the way of Allah with their wealth and lives. Allah hath conferred on those who strive with their wealth and lives a rank above the sedentary. Unto each Allah hath promised good, but He hath bestowed on those who strive a great reward above the sedentary;
Hadith, Bukhari 2786
Somebody asked, "O Allah's Messenger! Who is the best among the people?" Allah's Messenger replied "A believer who strives his utmost in Allah's Cause with his life and property." They asked, "Who is next?" He replied, "A believer who stays in one of the mountain paths worshipping Allah and leaving the people secure from his mischief."
Hadith, Bukhari 3954
The believers who failed to join the Ghazwa of Badr and those who took part in it are not equal (in reward).
in fact, jihadis are the best of all:
Hadith, Bukhari 3992
Gabriel came to the Prophet and said, "How do you look upon the warriors of Badr among yourselves?" The Prophet said, "As the best of the Muslims." or said a similar statement. On that, Gabriel said, "And so are the Angels who participated in the Badr (battle).
Jihadis are rewarded by Allah
There is great reward for those who die in jihad:
Koran 3:195
And their Lord hath heard them (and He saith): Lo! I suffer not the work of any worker, male or female, to be lost. Ye proceed one from another. So those who fled and were driven forth from their homes and suffered damage for My cause, and fought and were slain, verily I shall remit their evil deeds from them and verily I shall bring them into Gardens underneath which rivers flow – A reward from Allah. And with Allah is the fairest of rewards.
Hadith, Bukhari 2808
A man whose face was covered with an iron mask (i.e. clad in armor) came to the Prophet and said, "O Allah's Messenger! Shall I fight or embrace Islam first? "The Prophet said, "Embrace Islam first and then fight." So he embraced Islam, and was martyred. Allah's Messenger said, A Little work, but a great reward. "(He did very little (after embracing Islam), but he will be rewarded in abundance).
Hadith, Bukhari 2795
The Prophet said, "Nobody who dies and finds good from Allah (in the Hereafter) would wish to come back to this world even if he were given the whole world and whatever is in it, except the martyr who, on seeing the superiority of martyrdom, would like to come back to the world and get killed again (in Allah's Cause)."
Hadith, Bukhari 2817
The Prophet said, "Nobody who enters Paradise likes to go back to the world even if he got everything on the earth, except a Mujahid who wishes to return to the world so that he may be martyred ten times because of the dignity he receives (from Allah)."
Jihadis are guaranteed to avoid hell in the afterlife:
Hadith, Bukhari 2811
Allah's Messenger said," Anyone whose both feet get covered with dust in Allah's Cause will not be touched by the (Hell) fire."
They are also guaranteed paradise in the afterlife:
Koran 9:111
Lo! Allah hath bought from the believers their lives and their wealth because the Garden will be theirs: they shall fight in the way of Allah and shall slay and be slain…
Hadith, Bukhari 2787
I heard Allah's Messenger saying, "The example of a Mujahid in Allah's Cause-- and Allah knows better who really strives in His Cause----is like a person who fasts and prays continuously. Allah guarantees that He will admit the Mujahid in His Cause into Paradise if he is killed, otherwise He will return him to his home safely with rewards and war booty."
Hadith, Bukhari 3123
Allah's Messenger said, "Allah guarantees him who strives in His Cause and whose motivation for going out is nothing but Jihad in His Cause and belief in His Word, that He will admit him into Paradise (if martyred) or bring him back to his dwelling place, whence he has come out, with what he gains of reward and booty."
Hadith, Bukhari 2790
...He [Mohammed] said, "Paradise has one-hundred grades which Allah has reserved for the Mujahidin who fight in His Cause...
Hadith, Bukhari 2887
Mohammed:..Paradise is for him who holds the reins of his horse to strive in Allah's Cause, with his hair unkempt and feet covered with dust...
There is also reward on judgement day for those who are wounded in jihad:
Hadith, Bukhari 2803
Allah's Messenger said, "By Him in Whose Hands my soul is! Whoever is wounded in Allah's Cause....and Allah knows well who gets wounded in His Cause....will come on the Day of Resurrection with his wound having the color of blood but the scent of musk."
Further, those who do not engage in (or disengage from) jihad will be punished by Allah:
Koran 48:17
There is no blame for the blind, nor is there blame for the lame, nor is there blame for the sick (that they go not forth to war). And whoso obeyeth Allah and His messenger, He will make him enter Gardens underneath whichrivers flow; and whoso turneth back, him will He punish with a painful doom.
Koran 8:15-16
O ye who believe! When ye meet those who disbelieve in battle, turn not your backs to them.
Whoso on that day turneth his back to them, unless manoeuvring for battle or intent to join a company, he truly hath incurred wrath from Allah, and his habitation will be hell, a hapless journey's end.
Jihadis are rewarded with the spoils of war
Mohammed declared the spoils of war to be for him and Allah:
Koran 8:1
They ask thee (O Muhammad) of the spoils of war. Say: The spoils of war belong to Allah and the messenger, so keep your duty to Allah, and adjust the matter of your difference, and obey Allah and His messenger, if ye are (true) believers.
The terms “booty” and “spoils (of war)” appear 218 times in the Trilogy (Koran, Bukhari’s Hadith, Ibn Ishaq's Sira). An entire chapter of the Koran (8) is about the spoils of war (The Spoils of War [Al-Anfãl]), while volume (57) of Bukhari is devoted to dividing the spoils of jihad battles (One-fifth of Booty to the Cause of Allah [Khumus]).
The reward for jihadis is not only in the afterlife. Jihadis may take the spoils of war as reward for their success in battle.
War booty is not limited only to material things. Jihadis take the wives of the enemy killed in battle as their wives:
Hadith, Bukhari 2893 (also 4211)
...Then we reached Khaibar; and when Allah enabled him to conquer the Fort (of Khaibar), the beauty of Safiya bint Huyai bin Akhtab was described to him. Her husband had been killed while she was a bride. So Allah's Messenger selected her for himself and took her along with him till we reached a place called Sa`d-AsSahba,' where her menses were over and he took her for his wife...
They can also take captives as slaves:
Hadith, Bukhari 371
Narrated `Abdul `Aziz:Anas said, 'When Allah's Messenger invaded Khaibar, we offered the Fajr prayer there (early in the morning) when it was still dark. …
When he entered the town, he said, 'Allahu Akbar! Khaibar is ruined. Whenever we approach near a (hostile) nation (to fight) then evil will be the morning of those who have been warned.' He repeated this thrice. The people came out for their jobs and some of them said, 'Muhammad (has come).' (Some of our companions added, "With his army.") We conquered Khaibar, took the captives, and the booty was collected. Dihya came and said, 'O Allah's Prophet! Give me a slave girl from the captives.' The Prophet said, 'Go and take any slave girl.' He took Safiya bint Huyai. …
The Prophet then manumitted her and married her…
Jihadis receive financial support from zakat (Islamic tax)
It is also worth noting that jihadis are one of the 8 categories of recipients qualified to receive support from zakat, a tax that Islamic doctrine imposes on all Muslims.
The below excerpts show how the Koran lists the cause of Allah (jihad) as one of the ways that zakat can be spent, and its codification in the Sharia.
Koran 9:60
The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is Knower, Wise.
Sharia law (The Reliance of the Traveller): Section h, Zakat
h8.7 It is obligatory to distribute one’s zakat among eight categories of recipients
h8.17 The seventh category is those fighting for Allah, meaning people engaged in Islamic military operations for whom no salary has been allotted in the army roster (O: but who are volunteers for jihad without remuneration). They are given enough to suffice them for the operation, even if affluent; of weapons, mounts, clothing, and expenses
Therefore, Islamic primary doctrine and Sharia make it obligatory to distribute zakat funds to finance jihad. As such, Islamic doctrine demands that all Muslims financially support jihadis.
Important note: Different forms of jihad
A common defense of jihad is that it has two forms: the greater jihad (inner spiritual struggle) and the lesser jihad (war against the Kafir). Bukhari’s Hadith has about 1400 hadiths about jihad. Only 2% of those 1400 are about something other than violence. 98% of the jihad hadiths are about jihad as violent acts against the Kafir.[10]
It is important, however, to remember that although violence against the Kafir is an important part of jihad, jihad is multi-faceted. Jihad against the Kafir can be carried out using a variety of methods covering politics, finance, information, and more.
REFERENCES
Al-Tabari. 1999. The History of al-Tabari, Volume 5. Translated by C.E. Bosworth. New York: New York Press.
Bukhari, Muhammad ibn Ismail. 1997. Sahiḥ Al-Bukhari: the Translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari.Translated by Muhammad Muhsin Khan. Riyadh: Darussalam Pub. & Distr.
Dāwūd, Sulaymān ibn al-Ash. 1984. Sunan Abī Dāwūd. Translated by Ahmad Hasan. Chicago: Kazi Pub. Inc.
Ibn Kathir. 2020. ‘The Life of the Prophet Muhammad’, Volume 3. Translated by Trevor Le Gassick. Lebanon: Garnet Publishing.
Ishaq, ibn Muhammad. 1967. The Life of Muhammad. Translated by Alfred Guillaume. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Keller, Nu ha Mim. 1997. Reliance of the Traveller: Classic Manual of Islamic Sacred Law. Amana Publications.
Lane, Edward William. 1865. Arab-English Lexicon. Williams and Norgate.
Muslim, Al-Qushayri ibn al-Hajjaj. 1990. Sahih Muslim. Translated by Abdul Hameed Siddiqui. Lahore: Sh. Muhammad Ashraf.
Pickthall, Marmaduke. 1930. The Meaning of The Glorious Koran, An Explanatory Translation, New York: Alfred AKnopf.
Warner, Bill. 2020. Measuring Mohammed. CSPI, LLC.
[1] https://www.cspii.org/learn-political-islam/methodology/statistical-analysis-political-islam/relative-sizes-trilogy-texts/
[2] https://www.cspii.org/learn-political-islam/methodology/statistical-analysis-political-islam/relative-sizes-trilogy-texts/
[3] The entirety of Bukhari’s Hadith is considered “sahih” (authentic) and is one of the most authoritative hadith collections.
[4] Jews and Christians may also be exiled or made dhimmis (low-class subjects in an Islamic state). One can read more about dhimmis here: https://www.cspii.org/learn-political-islam/articles/dhimmi/
[5] Jews and Christians may also be exiled or made dhimmis (low-class subjects in an Islamic state). One can read more about dhimmis here: https://www.cspii.org/learn-political-islam/articles/dhimmi/
[6] Hima (حَمَاهُ) means “prohibited”. In this context, it means that the “women and children of the pagans” are not protected and can be considered permissible collateral damage (Lane, Edward William. 1865. Arab-English Lexicon. Williams and Norgate.)
[7] One hadith suggests it is the third best thing to do: Hadith, Bukhari 2782: I asked Allah's Messenger, "O Allah's Messenger! What is the best deed?" He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." I asked, "What is next in goodness?" He replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents." I further asked, what is next in goodness?" He replied, "To participate in Jihad in Allah's Cause."…
[8]Bill Warner, 2020. Measuring Mohammed, CSPI, LLC, p. 22.
[9]https://www.politicalislam.com/tears-of-jihad/