In Ahmadiyya Islam, jihad is understood primarily as a personal, inner struggle for self-purification and spiritual development; military jihad is permitted only in self-defense.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Understanding Jihad in Ahmadiyya
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community emphasizes a specific interpretation of the concept of jihad. They differentiate between what they consider to be the greater jihad and the lesser jihad.
-
The Greater Jihad (Jihad al-Akbar): This is the primary meaning of jihad in Ahmadiyya. It refers to the internal struggle against one's negative inclinations, desires, and weaknesses. It involves striving to live a righteous life, adhering to Islamic principles, and improving oneself spiritually and morally. This form of jihad is considered a constant and lifelong endeavor. It is focused on self-improvement, promoting peace, and spreading the message of Islam through peaceful means.
-
The Lesser Jihad (Jihad al-Asghar): This refers to physical warfare. Ahmadiyya teachings state that armed jihad is only permissible under very specific circumstances:
- Self-Defense: Military action is only justified when defending oneself or others from religious persecution or aggression, and only after all peaceful means have been exhausted.
- Government Sanction: Any military action must be sanctioned by a just and legitimate government. Individuals or groups cannot declare or wage jihad independently.
- Proportionality: The use of force must be proportionate to the threat.
Key Aspects of the Ahmadiyya Perspective on Jihad:
- Emphasis on Peaceful Propagation: Ahmadis prioritize spreading the message of Islam through peaceful means such as dialogue, education, and charitable work.
- Rejection of Terrorism and Extremism: The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community strongly condemns all forms of terrorism and extremism, viewing them as completely contrary to the teachings of Islam.
- Focus on Moral and Spiritual Development: The emphasis on the greater jihad encourages individuals to focus on their personal spiritual growth and contribute positively to society.
- Subordination of Military Jihad: Ahmadiyya teachings place a strong emphasis on the greater jihad and significantly restrict the circumstances under which military jihad is permissible, essentially rendering it obsolete in most modern contexts.
In summary, in Ahmadiyya Islam, jihad is fundamentally a personal struggle for self-improvement and spiritual growth. While defensive military action is theoretically permissible under extremely limited circumstances, the emphasis is overwhelmingly on peaceful propagation and inner purification.
