Understanding IslamThe Concept of Jihad
Levels of Struggle
- Lesser Jihad
- Greater Jihad
- Best Jihad
Types of Struggle
- Jihad of the Heart
- Jihad by the Tongue
- Jihad by the Hand
- Jihad by the Sword
Outreach Advice
1. Appreciate Islam’s emphasis on the “Greater Jihad” (i.e., a personal striving against lust, sin, idolatry, doubts, and Satan).
2. Admit that both Jews and Christians have engaged in “Jihad by the Sword” on occasion (e.g., the crusades, abolition, temperance, etc.).
3. Avoid unfair and inflammatory statements like “Islam teaches violence” or “All Muslims are a threat to national security and should be deported”.
Understanding IslamThe Concept of Jihad
Levels of Struggle
- Lesser Jihad
- Greater Jihad
- Best Jihad
Types of Struggle
- Jihad of the Heart
- Jihad by the Tongue
- Jihad by the Hand
- Jihad by the Sword
Outreach Advice
1. Appreciate Islam’s emphasis on the “Greater Jihad” (i.e., a personal striving against lust, sin, idolatry, doubts, and Satan).
2. Admit that both Jews and Christians have engaged in “Jihad by the Sword” on occasion (e.g., the crusades, abolition, temperance, etc.).
3. Avoid unfair and inflammatory statements like “Islam teaches violence” or “All Muslims are a threat to national security and should be deported”.