Here is a comprehensive lexicon entry for “Jihad, al”:

title: “🌟 A Deep Dive into Jihad, al- 🌟” description: “Explore the multifaceted concept of ‘al-Jihad,’ examining its historical, theological, and cultural dimensions. Understand its evolution and implications within the Islamic world.” date: 2023-10-07 author: “Fatima Al-Masri” tags:

• Islam
• Jihad
• Islamic Theology
• History
• Politics categories:
• Religion
• Islamic Studies
• Political Science keywords:
• al-Jihad
• Islamic Militancy
• Egyptian Islamic History
• Anwar Sadat
• Muhammad Abd al-Salam Faraj

🌟 A Deep Dive into Jihad, al- 🌟

Comprehensive Definition

Jihad, al - Refers to the concept of “Islamic Jihad,” particularly pertaining to the militant Egyptian Islamic group founded in the late 1970s, which became infamous for assassinating President Anwar Sadat in 1981. The group was initially known as Shabab Muhammad before rebranding as Jamaat al-Jihad or the Islamic Jihad Community.

Etymology

The term “Jihad” (جهاد) is derived from the Arabic root word “ج-ه-د” (j-h-d), signifying effort, struggle, or striving, often in a religious or spiritual context. Historically, it has encompassed both an inner, personal spiritual struggle and an external, physical struggle or combat.

Background and Historical Facts

• Formation: Jamaat al-Jihad was established in the late 1970s by former members of Shabab Muhammad who had attempted a coup in 1974. The group found support in Egypt’s urban areas and Upper Egypt.
• Association with Anwar Sadat: It considered Sadat’s regime illegitimate for not fully implementing Islamic law (Shari’a). Their ideological leader, Muhammad Abd al-Salam Faraj, viewed Jihad as an essential duty to establish an Islamic state.
• Infamous Act: The assassination of President Sadat took place on October 6, 1981.
• Decline and Transformation: By the mid-1980s, the group declined significantly due to state crackdowns. In the late 1990s, the group renounced violence and sought recognition as a political party.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

• Within various Islamic interpretations, Jihad can range from peace-promoting inner struggles to militant activities. Different schools of thought emphasize these aspects differently.
• The term has vastly different connotations in Western popular media, where it’s often conflated solely with terrorism, versus in Islamic theology, where it is primarily seen as a broader concept of spiritual and social struggle.

Synonyms

• Mujahid (one who engages in Jihad)
• Holy War (less accurate but sometimes used synonymously in Western contexts)

Antonyms

• Salaam (Peace)
• Aman (Safety)

Related Terms and Definitions

• Salafi Jihadism: A militant reform movement advocating the return to a “pure” form of Islam and the use of violence for its promotion.
• Fatwa: A legal opinion or decree handed down by an Islamic religious leader.
• Caliphate: A form of Islamic government led by a caliph, seen as the political and religious successor to the Prophet Muhammad.

Exciting Facts

• Public Execution: The execution of Faraj and other members involved in Sadat’s assassination was highly publicized, causing significant national and international attention.
• Political Shift: By the late 1990s, attempts were made to reposition the group from a militant to a political entity, though with mixed success.

Quotations

“Jihad, in its most genuine form, is the struggle for moral and spiritual goodness.” — Muhammad Abd al-Salam Faraj

Suggested Literature and Further Studies

1. Islamic Jihad: Reflexions on History, Conflict, and Conflict Resolution by Tarek Ahmed
2. Jihad: The Trail of Political Islam by Gilles Kepel
3. The Mind of the Islamic Jihadist by Richard Bonney
4. The History of al-Jihad by David Cook

Additional Language Translations

• Arabic: الجهاد (al-Jihad)
• Urdu: الجہاد
• Turkish: Cihad
• Bengali: জিহাদ (jihād)
• Indonesian: Jihad
• Persian: جهاد

Quizzes to Test Your Knowledge

Inspiring Thoughts & Farewell 🌟

Understanding the complexities of terms such as “Jihad” provides us with a broader perspective on global history and theology. 🌟 Remember that knowledge is the first step towards empathy and connection.

By Fatima Al-Masri 🌸 Published on October 7, 2023