The evolution of jihad from spiritual struggle to revolutionary ideology
While often translated as 'holy war,' the concept of jihad encompasses a vast spectrum of meaning. From the internal battle against one's own ego to the modern, armed political movements seeking to overthrow states, understanding this shift reveals the complex history of Islamic political thought.
The term jihad fundamentally signifies a meritorious struggle or effort. In early Islamic history, specifically during the Meccan period (c. 610–622 CE), the emphasis was on 'sabr'—the practice of patient forbearance. Over time, Islamic literature expanded these concepts into the 'greater jihad' (internal spiritual struggle against the lower self) and the 'lesser jihad' (external struggle, which can include debate or physical combat).
Modern jihadism, however, represents a distinct ideological development. Unlike the classical focus on defensive warfare or spiritual growth, jihadism refers to modern, armed militant movements seeking to establish states based on Islamic principles. This ideology emerged from late 19th and early 20th-century Islamic revivalism, later evolving into 'Qutbism' and 'Salafi jihadism.' A pivotal moment was the Soviet–Afghan War (1979–1989), which transformed jihadism from a fringe phenomenon into a major, transnational force.
The rise of this movement is closely linked to the influence of ideologues like Sayy．Qutb. His 1966 manifesto, 'Milestones,' advocated for a revolutionary vanguard to overthrow secular regimes. This period also saw a vacuum in religious authority; as states took control of religious endowments (awqāf) in the mid-20th century, the influence of traditional, highly educated jurists waned. In their place, aggressive proselytizing, often funded by petroleum wealth from Saudi Arabia, promoted a more uncompromising version of the faith.
Today, the landscape is highly contested. While many Western perspectives focus on the 'sword' aspect, many contemporary Muslims prioritize the internal struggle. Furthermore, the phenomenon of 'jihadist globalism'—seen in groups like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State—uses modern tools like social media and 'jihadist rap' to recruit, a subculture some researchers call 'jihad cool.'
Source: Jihadism
