The Difference Between Jihad and Qital Essay

 

Editor's Note:
This little essay explains the difference between Jihad and Qital. Both concepts get confused often by the west. Thus, as part of the little class I took, I had to write about both concepts. I hope that my class essay helps you understand these concepts. As usual, I think all my essays, poems, ect. are 5 stars worthy. After all, I am the best writer that has ever been. 


The Difference Between Jihad and Qital Essay

          The concepts of jihad and qital are central for the Islamic religions. The word jihad’s root jhd means struggle. Thus jihad is the concept of the Muslim’s struggle in the path of Allah. As for gital’s root, gtl means fight. Thus, qital describes’ Muslim’s battle etiquette. These two concepts dictate major aspects of the Muslim’s religious practice. Furthermore, qital and jihad are related threw the jihad of the sword. 

          The word jihad appears in many forms in the Quran. At times in the form of Jahada, jihad describes in Muslim attempting to make great effort. The concept of jihad is subdivided into the jihad of the heart, hand, poor and sword. The jihad of the heart describes Muslim’s struggles against the devil and evil desires. The hand jihad prescribes for Muslims the charity and amiable treatment toward family, poor and the elderly. The jihad of the tongue requires Muslims to spread the words of Allah. Lastly, the sword jihad dictates Muslim’s war etiquette. 

          The word qital basically describes the action of killing. The qital concept covers the reasons for going to war and proper war etiquette.  The Muslim realizes that war is part of human nature. Thus qital appears in Suras describing proper war behaviors. The proper conduct originates from the Hadith literature.  Sura 2:191 states that “oppression is worse than murder” (The Final Testament – Rashad Khalifa). The concept of qital has evolved drastically from the time Islam was the religion of empire. In earlier traditions, the slaying of one man without a good reason was like slaying the entire human race. 

          The jihad of the sword binds both the term jihad and qital. The jihad of the sword describes proper fighting etiquettes. It describes fighting as a necessary thing. In Sura 2:216 states that “enjoined to fight, though it is something you dislike”( Majid Fakhry- The Koran Translation). At times fighting is necessary. Thus, the Quran utilizes both the Jihad of the sword the concept of qital to regulate the killings. The Quran states that if the enemy should seize fighting then Allah forgives them (2:192 The Koran Translation). In addition, other rules of qital state that one should not fight in the sacred Mosque unless the enemy engages the Muslims at the temple (2:191 The Koran Translation). Thus, both qital and jihad regulate important aspects of the Muslim life. 

          The Quran was created during turbulent times. This text mirrors the hardships faced by the Prophet in both Mecca and Medina. The concepts of qital and jihad serve as guide for the Muslim in enemy territory. It helps Muslims battle both internal and external forces. Both the concept of qital and jihad are intertwined. The concepts of jihad serves preserve the morality of the Muslim. The concept of qital helps the Muslim preserve their life. Through these concepts, the Muslim has persevered countless wars and invasions.