In other words it is the constant tireless effort that is made daily to serve and attain nearness to Allah.
The Quran mentions striving against the unbelievers and the deniers of Islam but with and using the Quran itself, calling it a mighty jihad.
Lesser jihad (or jihad by the sword) however is a physical battle with other people. It is warfare and used when speaking of military situations. It is usually fighting for the honour of the Islamic faith and beliefs.
Lesser jihad is simply not as important as greater jihad but the effects and consequences are obviously more noticeable.
Holy War (Harb al-Muqadis) is Muslims exercising their rights to express their beliefs and love of Allah. However Holy War is not for personal gain or forcing others to accept Islamic beliefs. There are certain conditions for Holy War to take place and these conditions are not taken likely. It is only suppose to allow Muslims the freedom to worship Allah and obey Islamic laws. The main conditions for Holy War to take place are: to restore peace and the freedom of worship; to gain freedom from tyranny; if led by a spiritual leader and only fought until the enemy has been disarmed; and in the defence of Allah.
Holy Wars are not to do with personal conquests or colonization, or the intent to conquer and oppress. It is not aggression and is only fought for the sake of Allah and under his laws. It is only for the restoration of peace, as Muslims believe that there should always be peace amongst the people. Holy Wars are not about political debates
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and conflicts or national disagreements; it should only be fought in the name of Allah and for the benefit of Muslims’ faith.
Muslims, like any other faith, do not like or enjoy war and conflicts. They only accept war when there is oppression or when the peace has been disrupted. War happens only under necessary conditions. It is not sport or in favour of tyrants. In fact, it is against the tyrants that Muslims believe that wars should occur. Muslims believe that it is the oppressors that disrupt the peace and harmony to bring themselves into power and hold onto that power through use of fear.
Muslims do not believe that war should be for personal gain. They do not believe in killing and Allah teaches against it. However, Muslims do not allow wrongdoing to continue otherwise the peace will never be restored. Muslims believe that it is impossible to ignore a challenge against peace or to fail to root out tyranny. Their ideal is that of unselfish courage in the name of Allah, obedience, discipline, duty and virtue. Muslims do not commend war, yet at the same time Muslims believe that courage is important and do not abide cowardice; fleeing the battlefield or trying to escape is just that and Muslims believe that you have to make a stand for peace, you cannot leave a tyrant to be what he is. Self-restraint is important and force should only be used in self-defence, as preservation not out of ambition.
Muslims believe that all wars should contend under certain conditions, enabling it to be called a Holy War - which is the logical extension of exercising their rights.
Even when the oppressors have been stopped, Muslims believe that the principle of mercy should be applied towards the enemy. Their righteousness and forgiveness extends even to their enemies and the causers of wars. Injured soldiers of the opposition should be treated the same as soldiers of their own army. Once peace has been restored, Muslims do not believe in continuing the misery.
Muslims believe that the best way to restore the peace is by serving Allah and continuing to do what is right, even if they have been caused a lot of pain and misery.
Inhumane treatment of enemies is not necessary; Muslims act compassionate to those who require it. Even the leader of the opposition should still not be executed or hurt after the war ceases: in fact any violence ceases altogether.
‘If two sides among the believers quarrel, make peace between them. But if one trespasses beyond bounds against the other, then fight against the one that transgresses until It complies with the command of God; and if it complies, then make peace between them with justice, and be fair, for God loves those who are fair.’
(surah 49:9)
Despite the effects of the war, serving each other, even the enemy, is in part serving Allah and follows the greater jihad.
Muslims mainly believe that war should only be for preservation of faith and only when it complies with the laws given by Allah. In fact it should be considered mainly when protecting Islamic beliefs and the name of Allah.
‘The prophet was asked about people fighting because they are brave, or in honour of a certain loyalty, or to show off: which of them fights for the cause of Allah? He replied, “The person who struggles so that Allah’s word is supreme is the one serving Allah’s cause.” ’ (Hadith)
