"The True Meaning of Jihād: A Struggle for Allah"

Added: 2026-06-06

[00:00:05]Many people misunderstand the word jihad. Some think it only means fighting.

[00:00:10]But in Islam, jihad means striving and [music] struggling in the path of Allah.

[00:00:14]The first battle is not against others.

[00:00:17]It [music] is against your own desires, laziness, anger, and sins. [music] Waking up for Fajr when your bed is comfortable is a form of jihad.

[00:00:27]Lowering your gaze in a world [music] full of temptation is a form of jihad.

[00:00:32]Speaking the truth when it is difficult [music] is a form of jihad. True jihad is the struggle to make your life pleasing to Allah.

[00:00:39]Quran 29:69 says, "As for those who strive for our [music] sake, we will surely guide them to our ways."

[00:00:46]The prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, "The true mujahid is the one who strives against [music] his own soul in obedience to Allah." Before the battles of Islam, early Muslims faced years of persecution in Mecca. Bilal ibn Rabah was tortured under the blazing [music] sun, but held steadfast his faith. Sumayyah bint Khayyat sacrificed her life instead of forsaking Islam.

[00:01:08]Their ultimate struggle was shown through their patience, steadfastness, [music] and unshakable faith in Allah.

[00:01:14]Poetic line states, "Strive against your soul, for it commands toward evil. True goodness is found in the consciousness [music] of Allah."

[00:01:23]Jihad al-nafs, the struggle against the self, [music] creates disciplined individuals, and disciplined individuals build righteous societies. The greatest battlefield is not outside you, >> [music] >> it is within you. Conquer your soul, and you will conquer your world. Oh Allah, help us in the struggle against our souls, [music] and make us among the patient and sincere. Allahumma ameen.

[00:01:45]This is Deen in Context.