Jihad & Islamic Festivals
Jihad — Striving in the Way of God
The word jihad is one of the most misunderstood terms in Islam. It simply means “struggle” or “striving” and refers to the effort every Muslim must make to follow God’s path. Islam distinguishes between two forms of jihad: greater jihad and lesser jihad.
Greater Jihad — The Inner Struggle
Greater jihad is the daily personal battle every Muslim faces to live according to Allah’s will. It includes resisting temptation, overcoming selfishness, being honest, showing compassion, and striving to become a better person. The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have told soldiers returning from battle: “You have come from the lesser jihad to the greater jihad — the struggle of a person against their own desires” (Hadith). Scholars note that this hadith is graded as weak by Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, and it does not appear in the six authoritative collections (Kutub al-Sittah); it traces to al-Khatib al-Baghdadi's 11th-century History of Baghdad. Despite its uncertain chain of transmission, it remains widely quoted in discussions of jihad.
Greater jihad is considered more important than lesser jihad because it is a lifelong, continuous struggle. It includes studying the Qur’an, performing the Five Pillars, treating others justly, resisting greed and selfishness, and striving to improve oneself spiritually. Every Muslim engages in greater jihad every day.
Lesser Jihad — The Physical Struggle
Lesser jihad refers to the physical or military struggle to defend Islam when it is under threat. It is permitted only as a last resort and is subject to strict conditions. The Qur’an states: “Fight in God’s cause against those who fight you, but do not overstep the limits” (Qur’an 2:190). This verse makes clear that aggression and excess are forbidden.
Islamic teaching sets strict conditions that must be met before lesser jihad can be declared:
It must be defensive: Lesser jihad is only permitted to protect Islam, Muslim lands or oppressed people from attack. Aggressive warfare for conquest, territory or personal gain is forbidden.
It must be a last resort: All peaceful means of resolving the conflict — negotiation, diplomacy, treaties — must be exhausted first.
It must be declared by a recognised religious authority: No individual or group can declare jihad on their own. It requires the authority of a legitimate Muslim leader or scholar.
It must be proportionate: The Qur’an forbids excess (“do not overstep the limits” — 2:190). Civilians, women, children, the elderly, crops and livestock must not be targeted. Prisoners must be treated humanely.
It must stop when the enemy seeks peace: “If they incline towards peace, you must incline towards it too” (Qur’an 8:61).
Lesser jihad is only permitted when it is defensive, a last resort, declared by a legitimate authority, proportionate, and must cease when the enemy seeks peace. The Qur’an explicitly forbids aggression: “Fight in God’s cause against those who fight you, but do not overstep the limits” (2:190).
Both Sunni and Shi’a Muslims recognise greater and lesser jihad. However, jihad holds a particularly prominent place in Shi’a Islam as one of the Ten Obligatory Acts. Some Shi’a scholars have historically taught that only a divinely appointed Imam has the authority to declare lesser jihad, which in practice means it cannot be declared while the twelfth Imam remains in occultation. This view restricts the circumstances under which lesser jihad can occur. Other Shi’a scholars argue that senior religious leaders may authorise defensive action in the Imam’s absence.
Islamic Festivals and Commemorations
Festivals play an important role in Muslim life, bringing communities together in celebration and remembrance. The specification requires knowledge of three: Id-ul-Adha, Id-ul-Fitr, and Ashura.
Id-ul-Adha — The Festival of Sacrifice
Id-ul-Adha falls during the month of Dhul Hijjah and coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage. It commemorates the moment when Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. At the last moment, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead, showing that Ibrahim had passed the ultimate test of faith. Muslims around the world — not just those on Hajj — celebrate by sacrificing an animal (usually a sheep, goat or cow). The meat is divided into three portions: one for the family, one for friends and neighbours, and one for the poor.
Id-ul-Fitr — The Festival of Breaking the Fast
Id-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. After a month of fasting, prayer and self-reflection, Muslims celebrate with special prayers at the mosque, new clothes, festive meals, gifts and visiting family and friends. Before the Eid prayer, Muslims pay Zakat-ul-Fitr — a small charitable donation to ensure that even the poorest members of the community can join in the celebration. It is a day of gratitude to Allah for the strength to complete the fast and a time of joy shared with the whole community.
Ashura falls on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. Its meaning differs greatly between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims.
For Sunni Muslims, Ashura is a day of voluntary fasting. It commemorates the day when God saved the Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from the Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea. Muhammad fasted on this day and encouraged his followers to do the same.
For Shi’a Muslims, Ashura is the most solemn day of the year. It commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. Husayn had refused to pledge allegiance to the Umayyad Caliph Yazid, whom Shi’a Muslims considered unjust and illegitimate. His death is seen as the ultimate sacrifice for justice and truth. Shi’a Muslims observe Ashura with mourning processions, dramatic re-enactments of the Battle of Karbala, and expressions of grief. It is a day of deep sorrow, not celebration.
Ashura shows the sharpest divide between Sunni and Shi’a practice. Sunni Muslims observe it as a day of fasting linked to Musa (Moses). Shi’a Muslims observe it as a day of intense mourning for Husayn’s martyrdom at Karbala in 680 CE — one of the most significant events in Shi’a history.