Jihad
164 Jihad Verses in the Koran
Compiled by Yoel Nathan
A. Jihad Verse Selection Criteria
Each of the 164 Jihad verses in this list was selected based on how clearly and directly it spoke about Jihad, at least when considered in its immediate context. Most of the listed passages mention a military expedition, fighting, or distributing war spoils. Verses NOT generally listed are those that speak about aspects of Jihad other than the raiding, fighting and looting, such as:
- Muhammad's poor opinion of those who did not go on Jihad, even though they were able-bodied
and able financially (for instance, some verses in 9:81-96), - The heavenly rewards for Jihadists, and
- The many generic mentions of "victory" found in the Koran.
Such omitted verses can readily be found in proximity to the Jihad verses listed below.
B. Related Issues
Abrogation is a reoccurring topic whenever verses of the Koran are discussed. As a rule, later verses counseling Holy War, such as the Sword Verse 9:5, abrogate
earlier verses counseling tolerance and peace, such as 2:256. The Sword Verse is just one of the 164 Jihad verses listed below. It follows that not many, if any, of the Holy War verses in this list are abrogated.
The list gives the verses in the order they occur in the Koran, but this is not the chronological order the verses were written. To gain a deeper understanding of the verses, one can study these verses in chronological order, and also consult articles and commentaries for the historical context. A good place to start is Rev. Richard P. Bailey’s article, "Jihad: The Teaching of Islam From Its Primary Sources—The Quran and Hadith".
Islam (إسلام, "submission") is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion centered on the Quran and the teachings of the prophet, Muhammad. Its 2 billion followers, Muslims, are required to submit to the will of God (Allah) as revealed to Muhammad; for believers, obeying God is synonymous with following Muhammad. This emphasis on obedience is central to the faith.
Muhammad is revered as the final prophet through whom Islam was perfected. He is regarded as the "excellent model"—the exemplary human being whose conduct provides the definitive pattern for all to follow.
Islam is fundamentally a rule-based religion governed by Sharia, a comprehensive divine code of conduct for public and private life, including ritual, law, ethics, and warfare. Derived from the Quran and Sunnah (Muhammad’s recorded practices and traditions), Sharia provides a "path" covering everything from daily prayer and charity to legal frameworks for family and finance.
Two things are worth noting here:
- The entire religion of Islam, all its divine commands and teaches emerged with Muhammad only. Everything Muslims believe and adhere to is only because he said so. This becomes more interesting as you learn about Muhammad's history and endeavors.
- Bear in mind, Christian readers in particular, when encountering any aspect of Islam, that while Muslims often profess similarity Christianity, the Islamic faith theologically constitutes the fatal antithesis of the Christian Gospel, making recent movements such as Chrislam both theologically absurd and dangerous. A good understanding of the Gospel is indispensable in order to make good judgment based on one's own faith
Apologetics is the religious discipline of defending doctrines through systematic argumentation, stemming from the Greek word apologia (a speech in defense) and meaning to give a reasoned answer for one's beliefs, particularly in Christianity, as commanded in 1 Peter 3:15, to remove intellectual obstacles and strengthen faith. It involves using logic, evidence, and discourse to explain the reasonableness of faith, address objections, and build bridges of understanding, rather than just winning arguments or admitting wrongdoing.
Key Aspects of Apologetics:
- Defending Faith: It's about providing a rational defense for religious beliefs, especially Christianity, against doubts and criticisms.
- "Giving an Answer": Rooted in 1 Peter 3:15, it emphasizes being prepared to explain the hope and truth of one's faith to inquirers.
- Beyond Apology: The term doesn't mean saying sorry; it means offering a defense, like a lawyer in court.
- Intellectual & Conversational: It uses reasoned arguments and discourse to address questions about God, life, and the world, aiming to remove stumbling blocks for believers and non-believers.
- Historical Context: Early Christian writers (apologists) defended Christianity against paganism, and the practice has evolved to counter modern challenges like skepticism, atheism, and relativism.
- Different Approaches: While often linked to Christianity, the concept of defending a position through reasoned argument applies broadly, though its common usage is religious.
Halal is an Arabic term that means 'permissible' or 'lawful' in Islam. It refers to what is allowed for Muslims to consume or engage in, particularly concerning food and drink. The concept of halal is derived from the Quran and is an essential aspect of Islamic law.
Halal Food
In terms of food, halal guidelines dictate that certain types of meat must come from animals that have been slaughtered in a specific manner, ensuring that the animal is treated humanely and that the meat is free from harmful substances. Foods that are considered halal include fruits, vegetables, grains, and fish, as well as meat from animals that are slaughtered according to Islamic law.
Importance of Halal
For many Muslims, consuming halal food is not just a dietary choice but a matter of faith and identity. It reflects their adherence to Islamic principles and their commitment to living a life that aligns with their beliefs. Additionally, halal certification has gained popularity in various countries, catering to the growing demand for halal products among both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers.
Halal is more than just a dietary guideline; it is a way of life for many.
In Islam, Halal (حلال) is an Arabic term meaning "permissible" or "lawful," encompassing anything allowed by Islamic law (Sharia), not just food, but also actions, finance, and daily living, contrasting with Haram (forbidden). Halal principles guide Muslims to consume pure, beneficial things and act ethically, emphasizing honesty, fairness, and kindness, while avoiding pork, alcohol, blood, and specific predatory animals, with meat requiring ritual slaughter in God's name (Allah).
Key Aspects of Halal
- Dietary Laws:
- Permitted Foods: Fruits, vegetables, grains, fish, and most meats (chicken, beef, lamb) if prepared correctly.
- Forbidden Foods (Haram): Pork and its by-products, alcohol, blood, carrion (animals that died naturally), carnivorous animals, and birds of prey.
- Meat Preparation: Animals must be slaughtered humanely in the name of Allah (Bismillah), with a swift cut to the throat.
- Purity: Food must not be contaminated with haram substances.
- Beyond Food:
- Actions: Halal includes honest business, truthful speech, helping parents, and acts of worship.
- Finance: Islam discourages interest (riba), making interest-free transactions halal.
- Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals: Products must not contain pork derivatives (like gelatin) or alcohol.
- The Opposite: Haram (Forbidden)
- Actions like stealing, cheating, or being cruel are haram.
- Doubtful Matters (Mashbooh)
- Items that aren't clearly halal or haram, requiring Muslims to be cautious and avoid them to safeguard their faith.
Core Principle
Everything is considered halal unless expressly forbidden in the Quran or Sunnah (teachings of Prophet Muhammad). Observing halal helps Muslims live a life pleasing to Allah, fostering purity, health, and righteousness.
The Hijrah, (الهجرة, al-Hijrah, lit. 'migration'), was the journey the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his followers took from Mecca to Medina.
Early in Muhammad's preaching of Islam, his followers only included his close friends and relatives. Most of his tribesmen, the Quraysh, however, were indifferent to his activities, as they did not appear to be particularly interested in devotional meetings, and accordingly, Muhammad did not encounter any serious opposition from them; that was the case until he began to challenge their beliefs, which caused tensions to arise.
In May 622, after having convened twice with members of the Medinan tribes of Aws and Khazraj at al-'Aqabah near Mina, Muhammad secretly left his home in Mecca to emigrate to their city, along with his friend, father-in-law and companion Abu Bakr.
"Najiz" (or Najis) in Islam refers to impurity, specifically ritual impurity requiring purification before worship, like urine, feces, blood, and dog/pig substances, with different levels (light, medium, heavy) and schools of thought on specifics, while in Saudi Arabia, Najiz is also the unified digital platform for Ministry of Justice services, streamlining legal and judicial processes like marriage contracts and e-litigation.
1. Najis (Islamic Impurity)
- Definition: Specific substances considered ritually impure according to Islamic law (Sharia).
- Categories:
- Najis Mutawassithah (Medium): Common impurities like vomit, animal waste (halal), semen, blood.
- Najis Mughallazah (Heavy): Severe impurities, including dog/pig-related substances, pus, menstrual blood.
- Najis Mukhaffafah (Light): Primarily dog saliva/feces.
- Examples: Urine, feces, blood, dead bodies, wine, dog/pig parts, and the sweat of excrement-eating animals (varies by school).
- Purification: Requires specific washing methods (e.g., using kurr or qalil water) to remove the physical impurity before prayer.
2. Najiz (Saudi E-Platform)
- What it is: A comprehensive digital portal from the Saudi Ministry of Justice for legal and judicial services.
- Services Offered: E-litigation, challenging rulings, marriage contract notarization, real estate transactions, authentication of wills, and more.
- Purpose: To make legal processes efficient and accessible online, reducing physical visits to courts.
- Users: Individuals, businesses, lawyers, and government entities.
In essence, depending on context, "najiz" means ritual impurity in a religious sense or a government digital service platform in Saudi Arabia.
Sharia is Islam's comprehensive religious legal system, derived from the Qur'an and Sunnah (Prophet Muhammad's teachings), guiding Muslims' spiritual, moral, ethical, and daily lives, covering worship, family, finance, and conduct; it's interpreted differently by scholars, leading to varied applications from personal guidance to state law, often existing alongside secular systems for matters like marriage or business.
Key Aspects
- Divine Source: Seen as God's will, it's considered immutable divine law, though interpretations (fiqh) vary.
- Scope: Regulates all aspects of life, including prayer, fasting, charity, family law (marriage, divorce, inheritance), finance, and criminal justice.
- Categorization: Actions under Sharia are classified into five categories: obligatory, recommended, permitted, discouraged, and forbidden.
- Sources: Primarily the Quran and Sunnah (Hadith), along with scholarly consensus (ijma) and analogical reasoning (qiyas).
Application
- Personal Level: Many Muslims follow Sharia for moral guidance in daily life, even in non-Islamic countries.
- State Level: Some Muslim-majority countries implement Sharia as state law, influencing everything from family matters to criminal punishments, though often alongside secular laws.
- In the West: Sharia councils exist, but their rulings, like those for family disputes, are non-binding and must comply with national laws, notes Roythornes Solicitors.
Examples of Application
- Finance: Islamic banking operates on Sharia principles, prohibiting interest (riba) and focusing on profit-sharing partnerships.
- Family Law: Regulates marriage, divorce, and inheritance, with specific rules on support and custody.
- Penal Law: In strict interpretations, includes corporal punishments for certain crimes, while also covering broader ethical conduct.
Countries Under Sharia Law
Countries apply Sharia law in varying degrees, from full implementation as the supreme law to selective application for personal status matters like marriage and inheritance. Nations like Saudi Arabia and Iran have strict interpretations governing many aspects of life, while others, such as Bahrain, Egypt, and Kuwait, incorporate it as a primary source of law but apply it alongside other legal systems. Many Muslim-majority countries use Sharia for personal law, and some, like Afghanistan, have experienced strict enforcement, especially under Taliban rule.
Key Rulings in Sharia Law
- Leaving the religion: the penalty is death
- Criticising the profit or the Quran: the penalty is death
- Amputation for theft
- stoning for adultery well there goes most of our elected leaders
- 100 lashes for premarital sex.
- Flogging for public drinking in public
- (People identiying as) Women legally downgraded to NPC's
- LGB folks yeah we're not surviving that story line
- and the TQ plus I'll see you in hell
Ummah, an Arabic word meaning Muslim identity, nation, religious community, or the concept of a Commonwealth of the Muslim Believers.
The term "Ulama" refers to Islamic scholars who are experts in Islamic doctrine and law. They are considered the guardians, transmitters, and interpreters of religious knowledge in Islam. The term can be used to describe scholars who guide others in understanding the principles of Islam.
- Role in Islam: Ulama are integral to the Islamic tradition, responsible for preserving and explaining religious knowledge.
- Function: They interpret Islamic texts and provide guidance to the Muslim community.
- Community Impact: Their unity can be seen as a factor in resolving social and economic issues within a community, according to The Guardian Nigeria News.
Tafsir is the Arabic term for exegesis or commentary on the Quran, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of its verses, context, and intended meaning. It goes beyond mere translation by explaining the historical and linguistic context and linking verses to other Islamic texts, such as the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (hadith). An author who writes tafsir is called a mufassir.
- Goal: To provide a deeper, clearer understanding of the Quran, and to derive Islamic laws and instructions from its verses.
- Methodology: Tafsir uses a scientific method of analysis, which includes considering the historical context in which verses were revealed and aligning interpretations with the Arabic language.
- Author: A mufassir is the person who writes tafsir, and their work provides commentary, explanation, and context for the Quranic text.
- Distinction from translation: While translation provides a literal rendering of the text in another language, tafsir provides the in-depth analysis and explanation of the meaning and context, notes DarulQuran Academy, medium.com.
- Examples: Famous examples include Tafsir Ibn Kathir, which is known for its in-depth commentary and reliance on hadith.
Sunnah refers to the practices and traditions of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, including his sayings, actions, and approvals. It serves as a primary source for Islamic law alongside the Quran, providing a model for Muslims to follow in their daily lives. The Sunnah is known through collections of sayings and actions called Hadith, which have been passed down from his companions. Key aspects of Sunnah:
- Definition: The term "Sunnah" means "the way" and encompasses everything the Prophet Muhammad said, did, and tacitly approved of.
- Primary sources: It is the second source of Islamic law (Sharia) after the Quran.
- Function: The Sunnah helps interpret the Quran, clarifies its meaning, and provides additional guidance on implementing Islamic principles.
- Transmission: Knowledge of the Sunnah is transmitted through the Hadith, which are records of the Prophet's sayings and actions compiled by his companions.
- Types of Sunnah:
- Sunnah Qawliyyah: The sayings of the Prophet.
- Sunnah Al Filiyya: The actions of the Prophet.
- Sunnah Taqririyyah: Practices during the Prophet's time that he did not oppose.
- Significance: Following the Sunnah is considered a way for Muslims to honor the legacy of the Prophet and grow spiritually.
Injil is the Arabic name for the Gospel of Jesus. This Injil is described by the Quran as one of the four Islamic holy books which was revealed by Allah, the others being the Zabur, the Tawrat, and the Quran itself.
Abrogation (naskh) in Islam refers to the process where later Quranic verses or hadith replace or nullify earlier ones, often used to reconcile apparent contradictions or reflect a gradual development of Islamic law.
Key Aspects of Abrogation:
- Definition: The mechanism for lifting a legal ruling established by a previous text using a later text.
- Types of Naskh:
- Ruling abrogated, text remains: The verse is still in the Quran, but its legal command is no longer active.
- Text abrogated, ruling remains: The verse was removed, but the law holds.
- Both text and ruling abrogated: Both are removed.
- Examples: Changes in the qibla (direction of prayer) from Jerusalem to Mecca, and the gradual prohibition of alcohol.
INCOMPLETE
A Surah (sometimes spelled Surat) is a chapter in the Quran, with 114 Surahs in total. The word means "chapter" and each Surah is composed of verses of varying lengths. Key details:
- There are 114 Surahs in the Quran.
- Each Surah is divided into verses.
- The Surahs are of unequal length; some have only a few verses, while others are much longer.
Jannah is the Islamic concept of Paradise, the final and eternal abode of the righteous after they have been judged. Described in the Quran as a place of peace and bliss, it is depicted as a beautiful garden with rivers flowing beneath it, where believers are reunited with loved ones and granted their desires. Access to Jannah is gained by believing in God, doing good deeds, and seeking forgiveness for sins.
- A beautiful garden: Jannah is described as a paradise with lush gardens, majestic trees, and rivers of milk, honey, and water.
- A place of eternal bliss: Believers will enjoy unimaginable pleasures, such as having their desires instantly granted and eating delicious fruits.
- A place of companionship: The righteous will be reunited with their righteous family members, spouses, and offspring.
- The ultimate joy: While physical pleasures are abundant, the ultimate reward is described as beholding God (Allah).
- A multi-leveled place: Jannah is said to have multiple levels, with the highest level being for the most righteous, and eight gates through which people enter.
How to get to Jannah
- Believe in God: This is a fundamental requirement.
- Do good deeds: This includes fulfilling religious obligations like prayer, fasting, and charity, as well as simple acts of kindness.
- Avoid sin: Muslims are instructed to stay away from sins and seek forgiveness if they fall into them.
- Strive for righteous actions: The Quran emphasizes that there is nothing for a person except that for which they strive, making this life a test for the hereafter.
Yes, according to Islamic belief, Jannah is both a physical and spiritual place, described as a real, tangible realm with perfected physical and spiritual aspects. It has physical elements like gardens and palaces, but the experiences within it are a perfected form, free from the flaws of earthly life.
Physical aspects
- Jannah is described with physical features such as rivers of water, milk, honey, and wine, along with beautiful gardens, palaces of gold and silver, and pavilions.
- Inhabitants will have physical bodies after resurrection, but these will be perfected and eternal, free from illness and the need for bodily functions like urination or defecation.
- There are descriptions of the physical characteristics of the inhabitants of Jannah, such as a specific height.
Spiritual and perfected aspects
- Jannah is fundamentally a perfected existence that is beyond human comprehension.
- There is also a deep spiritual reward, with inhabitants experiencing eternal joy, peace, and contentment without hatred or jealousy.
- The descriptions are sometimes symbolic, as humans are not capable of fully perceiving or comprehending these realities with their current senses.
- Some Islamic philosophers hold the view that the resurrected body is a perfected or abstract version of the earthly body, not identical in its physical and chemical mechanisms.
