Jihad

Jihad means struggle, or ‘striving’. It is one of the ten obligatory acts in Shi’a Islam, and is also a part of Sunni Islam.

Origins of Jihad

Life in Muhammad's time involved waging war against polytheistic Arab tribes in order to consolidate his Islamic state in Medina.
This was in a context where the Muslims were marginalised and threatened.
It is important to apply this historical context to modern interpretations of the Qur’an.

Greater Jihad

The struggle of every Muslim to obey Allah.
Individual, inner struggle.
The more important struggle - without greater jihad one cannot strive outwardly to make the world better.

Lesser/outer Jihad

Concerned with fighting injustices (e.g poverty and illness) and the struggle to defend Islam against outside threats.
This may be peaceful, e.g. evangelising to strengthen the Islamic community (umma).
Non-peaceful jihad warfare can only be used as self-defence against combatants (those who pose an active threat).
Jihad against civilians (non-soldiers; i.e. children, the sick or the elderly) is unlawful.

Terrorist groups

E.g. al-Qaeda attack civilians in countries they deem to be oppressors.
They think this is lawful, as each person contributes to the running and decisions of the state (particularly in democratic countries).
The majority of Muslims condemn the actions of such groups and think that they are not Muslims.
Jihad does not allow or prescribe violence against the innocent.

1Buddhism

2Christianity

2.1Key Beliefs

2.1.1The Nature of God

2.1.2The Problem of Evil

2.1.3Monotheism

2.1.4Creation

2.1.5Bible Accounts of Creation

2.1.6The Trinity and Creation

2.1.7Afterlife

2.1.8Heaven and Hell

2.1.9The Influence of Afterlife on Life

2.1.10End of Topic Test - Christianity Key Beliefs

2.1.11Exam-Style Questions - Christian Beliefs

2.2Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.2.1The Incarnation

2.2.2Jesus - Divine & Human

2.2.3The Crucifixion

2.2.4Jesus' Betrayal

2.2.5Resurrection & Ascension

2.2.6Sin

2.2.7Original Sin

2.2.8Punishment

2.2.9The Means of Salvation

2.2.10Achieving Salvation

2.2.11Disagreements About Salvation

2.2.12The Role of Christ in Salvation

2.2.13Theories of Salvation

2.2.14End of Topic Test - Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.3Worship & Festivals

2.3.1Different Forms of Worship

2.3.2Prayer

2.3.3Sacrament

2.3.4Baptism

2.3.5Other Sacraments

2.3.6Eucharist

2.3.7Pilgrimage & Celebrations

2.3.8Christmas & Easter

2.3.9End of Topic Test - Worship and Festivals

2.4Community

2.4.1Local Community

2.4.2Mission, Evangelism & Church Growth

2.4.3Worldwide Church

2.4.4Reconciliation

2.4.5Persecution

2.4.6Caring for Those in Need

2.4.7End of Topic Test - Community

2.4.8Exam-Style Questions - Christian Practices

3Catholicism (Christianity)

4Islam

5Judaism

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