What Does Jihad Mean in the Qur’an and Hadith?

Jihad in the Qur’an is striving for God. Some of those verses command armed fighting. Apostasy is a different question: Sunni hadith in Bukhari and Muslim say to kill the person who leaves Islam. The Qur’an verses are the book Sunni and Shia Muslims share. Bukhari and Muslim are Sunni hadith.

Key points

• Qur’an 22:78CloseAnd strive for Allāh with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. He [i.e., Allāh] named you "Muslims" before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakāh and hold fast to Allāh. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.Qur’an 22:78 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (Saheeh International) says to strive for God with the striving due to him, and says he named them Muslims.
• Qur’an 25:52CloseSo do not obey the disbelievers, and strive against them with it [i.e., the Qur’ān] a great striving.Qur’an 25:52 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says to strive against the disbelievers with the Qur’an, a great striving.
• Qur’an 2:190CloseFight in the way of Allāh those who fight against you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allāh does not like transgressors.Qur’an 2:190 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says to fight those who fight you and not to transgress. Qur’an 9:5CloseAnd when the inviolable months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakāh, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.Qur’an 9:5 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says, after the inviolable months, to kill the polytheists wherever you find them unless they repent, pray, and give zakat.
• Qur’an 60:8CloseAllāh does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allāh loves those who act justly.Qur’an 60:8 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source does not forbid righteousness toward those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you. Qur’an 2:256CloseThere shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become distinct from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in ṭāghūt and believes in Allāh has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allāh is Hearing and Knowing.Qur’an 2:256 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says there is no compulsion in religion.
• Sahih al-Bukhari 25CloseNarrated Ibn 'Umar: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: "I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), and offer the prayers perfectly and give the obligatory charity, so if they perform that, then they save their lives and property from me except for Islamic laws and then their reckoning (accounts) will be done by Allah."Sahih al-Bukhari 25 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source says he was ordered to fight the people until they testify, pray, and give zakat. Sahih al-Bukhari 6922CloseNarrated `Ikrima: Some Zanadiqa (atheists) were brought to `Ali and he burnt them. The news of this event, reached Ibn `Abbas who said, "If I had been in his place, I would not have burnt them, as Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) forbade it, saying, 'Do not punish anybody with Allah's punishment (fire).' I would have killed them according to the statement of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), 'Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him.'"Sahih al-Bukhari 6922 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source says whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him.
• Which Muslims Accept Which Hadith? is the label on a Sunni report. The Christian confession does not impose faith by the sword. Matthew 26:52CloseThen said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.Matthew 26:52 · King James VersionOpen source

What does jihad mean?

The English word is taken from the Arabic verb for striving. This page does not print the Arabic. The English of the verses shows what the striving is.

Qur’an 22:78CloseAnd strive for Allāh with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. He [i.e., Allāh] named you "Muslims" before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakāh and hold fast to Allāh. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.Qur’an 22:78 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source uses that striving for the religion of Abraham, and in the same verse names them Muslims and tells them to pray and give zakat. Qur’an 25:52CloseSo do not obey the disbelievers, and strive against them with it [i.e., the Qur’ān] a great striving.Qur’an 25:52 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (Saheeh International) names the Qur’an as the instrument. The brackets are the translator’s:

So do not obey the disbelievers, and strive against them with it [i.e., the Qur’ān] a great striving.

Qur’an 22:78 · Saheeh International

Qur’an · accepted by Muslims

Qur’an 49:15CloseThe believers are only the ones who have believed in Allāh and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allāh. It is those who are the truthful.Qur’an 49:15 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says the believers strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of God. Striving with wealth and with one’s life is already more than a private struggle of the conscience. The battle verses below are in the same book.

A person called a jihadist in English is someone who takes up that striving, often the armed kind. The Qur’an does not use the English word. It uses the verb these verses translate as strive and as fight.

What do the fighting verses say?

Qur’an 2:190CloseFight in the way of Allāh those who fight against you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allāh does not like transgressors.Qur’an 2:190 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says to fight in the way of God those who fight you, and not to transgress, because God does not like transgressors. Qur’an 2:216CloseBattle has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allāh knows, while you know not.Qur’an 2:216 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says battle has been enjoined, though it is hateful. Qur’an 8:39CloseAnd fight against them until there is no fitnah and [until] the religion [i.e., worship], all of it, is for Allāh. And if they cease - then indeed, Allāh is Seeing of what they do.Qur’an 8:39 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says to fight them until there is no fitnah and the religion, all of it, is for God. Qur’an 61:4CloseIndeed, Allāh loves those who fight in His cause in a row as though they are a [single] structure joined firmly.Qur’an 61:4 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says God loves those who fight in his cause in a row. Qur’an 47:4CloseSo when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure [their] bonds, and either [confer] favor afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens. That [is the command]. And if Allāh had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allāh - never will He waste their deeds.Qur’an 47:4 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says, when you meet those who disbelieve in battle, to strike their necks. Qur’an 9:111CloseIndeed, Allāh has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise. They fight in the cause of Allāh, so they kill and are killed. [It is] a true promise [binding] upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur’ān. And who is truer to his covenant than Allāh? So rejoice in your transaction which you have contracted. And it is that which is the great attainment.Qur’an 9:111 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says God has purchased the believers’ lives and properties in exchange for Paradise: they fight in his cause, so they kill and are killed. Qur’an 2:154CloseAnd do not say about those who are killed in the way of Allāh, "They are dead." Rather, they are alive, but you perceive [it] not.Qur’an 2:154 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says not to call those killed in the way of God dead.

Qur’an 9:29CloseFight against those who do not believe in Allāh or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allāh and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth [i.e., Islām] from those who were given the Scripture - [fight] until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled.Qur’an 9:29 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says to fight those who were given the Scripture until they pay the jizyah and feel themselves subdued. Qur’an 9:5CloseAnd when the inviolable months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakāh, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.Qur’an 9:5 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (Saheeh International), after the inviolable months:

And when the inviolable months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakāh, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.

Qur’an 9:29 · Saheeh International

Qur’an · accepted by Muslims

A reading that uses only the inner struggle, or only the verse that says “those who fight you,” leaves out Qur’an 9:5CloseAnd when the inviolable months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakāh, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.Qur’an 9:5 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source and Qur’an 9:29CloseFight against those who do not believe in Allāh or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allāh and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth [i.e., Islām] from those who were given the Scripture - [fight] until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled.Qur’an 9:29 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source. A reading that turns every verse into a private license for violence leaves out the limit in Qur’an 2:190CloseFight in the way of Allāh those who fight against you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allāh does not like transgressors.Qur’an 2:190 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source. The book contains both.

The Battle of Badr and Banu Qurayza are the history pages for two events in Muhammad’s life. This page does not retell them.

What about people who do not fight?

Qur’an 60:8CloseAllāh does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allāh loves those who act justly.Qur’an 60:8 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (Saheeh International):

Allāh does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allāh loves those who act justly.

Qur’an 60:8 · Saheeh International

Qur’an · accepted by Muslims

Qur’an 2:256CloseThere shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become distinct from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in ṭāghūt and believes in Allāh has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allāh is Hearing and Knowing.Qur’an 2:256 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says there shall be no compulsion in religion. That sentence does not erase Qur’an 9:5CloseAnd when the inviolable months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakāh, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.Qur’an 9:5 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source. Both are in the Qur’an. What Is the Difference between Islam and Christianity? quotes Qur’an 5:82CloseYou will surely find the most intense of the people in animosity toward the believers [to be] the Jews and those who associate others with Allāh; and you will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers those who say, "We are Christians." That is because among them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant.Qur’an 5:82 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source and Qur’an 5:51CloseO you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are [in fact] allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you - then indeed, he is [one] of them. Indeed, Allāh guides not the wrongdoing people.Qur’an 5:51 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source on Christians as nearest in affection and as people not to take as allies.

What does the hadith say about fighting?

Sahih al-Bukhari 25CloseNarrated Ibn 'Umar: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: "I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), and offer the prayers perfectly and give the obligatory charity, so if they perform that, then they save their lives and property from me except for Islamic laws and then their reckoning (accounts) will be done by Allah."Sahih al-Bukhari 25 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source (Muhammad Muhsin Khan) is Sunni hadith:

Narrated Ibn ’Umar: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: “I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight against the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), and offer the prayers perfectly and give the obligatory charity, so if they perform that, then they save their lives and property from me except for Islamic laws and then their reckoning (accounts) will be done by Allah.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 25 · Muhammad Muhsin Khan

Sunni hadith

The safety of life and property in that report begins when a person testifies, prays, and gives zakat. Sunni Muslims treat Bukhari as authoritative. Shia Muslims do not treat this collection as their canon. The fighting verses in the Qur’an still stand for both. Which Muslims Accept Which Hadith? What Are Hadith and Sira? What Do Sunni Muslims Believe? What Do Shia Muslims Believe?

What about apostasy?

Leaving Islam is not the definition of jihad. It is a separate ruling in these reports. Sahih al-Bukhari 6922CloseNarrated `Ikrima: Some Zanadiqa (atheists) were brought to `Ali and he burnt them. The news of this event, reached Ibn `Abbas who said, "If I had been in his place, I would not have burnt them, as Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) forbade it, saying, 'Do not punish anybody with Allah's punishment (fire).' I would have killed them according to the statement of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), 'Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him.'"Sahih al-Bukhari 6922 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source (Muhammad Muhsin Khan):

Narrated Ikrima: Some Zanadiqa (atheists) were brought to Ali and he burnt them. The news of this event, reached Ibn `Abbas who said, “If I had been in his place, I would not have burnt them, as Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) forbade it, saying, ‘Do not punish anybody with Allah’s punishment (fire).’ I would have killed them according to the statement of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), ‘Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him.’”

Sahih al-Bukhari 6922 · Muhammad Muhsin Khan

Sunni hadith

Ibn Abbas, in that narration, rejects burning and keeps the killing. The sentence he cites is for the person who changed his religion. The narration does not add the words “only in battle” or “only for treason.”

Sahih Muslim 1676aClose'Abdullah (b. Mas'ud) reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: It is not permissible to take the life of a Muslim who bears testimony (to the fact that there is no god but Allah, and I am the Messenger of Allah, but in one of the three cases: the married adulterer, a life for life, and the deserter of his Din (Islam), abandoning the community.Sahih Muslim 1676a · Abdul Hamid SiddiquiOpen source (Abdul Hamid Siddiqui) lists three cases in which a Muslim’s life may be taken: the married adulterer, a life for a life, and the deserter of his religion who abandons the community. Both reports are Sunni hadith. They are not a verse of the Qur’an. Qur’an 2:256CloseThere shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become distinct from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in ṭāghūt and believes in Allāh has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allāh is Hearing and Knowing.Qur’an 2:256 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source, “no compulsion in religion,” is still in the Qur’an beside them.

This page does not claim that every Muslim government carries the sentence out. It claims that these two collections state it.

The Christian claim

Jesus tells Peter to put the sword back. Matthew 26:52CloseThen said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.Matthew 26:52 · King James VersionOpen source says that all who take the sword shall perish with the sword. The gospel calls people to believe in the Son who was crucified and raised. It does not command the church to kill the person who walks away. John 6:67CloseThen said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?John 6:67 · King James VersionOpen source records Jesus asking the twelve whether they also will go away. The Resurrection of Jesus Did Jesus Die on the Cross?

Frequently asked questions

Is jihad only an inner struggle?

No. Qur’an 25:52CloseSo do not obey the disbelievers, and strive against them with it [i.e., the Qur’ān] a great striving.Qur’an 25:52 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source is striving with the Qur’an. Qur’an 9:5CloseAnd when the inviolable months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakāh, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.Qur’an 9:5 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source and Qur’an 2:216CloseBattle has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allāh knows, while you know not.Qur’an 2:216 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source are battle. A definition that keeps only one of those is not the whole book.

Is apostasy the same as jihad?

No. Jihad in these verses is striving, including the fighting they command. Apostasy in Sahih al-Bukhari 6922CloseNarrated `Ikrima: Some Zanadiqa (atheists) were brought to `Ali and he burnt them. The news of this event, reached Ibn `Abbas who said, "If I had been in his place, I would not have burnt them, as Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) forbade it, saying, 'Do not punish anybody with Allah's punishment (fire).' I would have killed them according to the statement of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), 'Whoever changed his Islamic religion, then kill him.'"Sahih al-Bukhari 6922 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source is the person who changes his religion, and the report says to kill him.

Which religion is growing fastest?

This page does not measure growth. It states what the Qur’an and these hadith say about jihad and about leaving Islam.