Jihad & Christianity:
True Meanings of War and Peace

A comparative exploration of faith, ethics, and spiritual struggle

Introduction

The word “Jihad” often evokes fear and misunderstanding, especially in the West. News outlets and movies frequently associate it with terrorism and holy war. However, these associations stem from misinformation, not Islamic teachings.

Similarly, Christianity is widely regarded as a religion of peace, yet the Bible contains verses and events that involve war, divine commands for destruction, and apocalyptic battles.

This article examines these themes with sincerity and balance, aiming to replace stereotypes with truth, and emotional reactions with understanding.

What Is Jihad? A Layered Concept

“Jihad” comes from the Arabic root “jahada,” meaning “to strive” or “to exert effort.” Contrary to popular belief, it does not mean “holy war.” In fact, there is no phrase “holy war” (in Arabic: حرب مقدسة) in the Qur’an.

The Three Main Types of Jihad

• Jihad al-Nafs (Striving against the self): Battling one’s ego, laziness, anger, and desires. This is the greatest form of Jihad.
• Jihad bil-Qalam (Jihad of knowledge and pen): Speaking the truth, educating others, and calling to goodness wisely.
• Jihad al-Qital (Armed struggle): A last-resort defense against aggression — never permitted as an act of conquest or revenge.

“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.”
(Qur’an 2:190)

Even in battle, Islam enforces discipline. Aggression is not permitted, and peace is always preferred if the enemy inclines toward it.

Historical Jihad: Context Matters

The early Muslims faced persecution, torture, and exile. The permission to fight was revealed only after years of patience:

“Permission to fight is given to those who have been wronged, and indeed Allah is competent to give them victory.”
(Qur’an 22:39)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) engaged in defensive battles like Badr and Uhud, where Muslims fought to protect their lives and freedom — never to spread religion by force.

Islamic Ethics in Warfare

• No killing of women, children, monks, or civilians
• No destruction of trees, homes, or places of worship
• No forced conversions — faith must be accepted freely

These principles were practiced by the Prophet and his successors. Even during expansion, treaties, protection, and diplomacy were emphasized.

Christianity and War: The Old & New Testaments

Christianity’s stance on violence varies between the Testaments. The Old& New Testaments recounts divine commands for warfare:

“Luke 12:49-53”

“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! 51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on there will be five persons in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Luke 19:27 ” But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me”.

These verses are often explained as context-specific — meant for nations in Biblical times, used as the most violent examples of treachery,.. Etc..

How such verses managed to be hidden away from the truth seekers’ awareness instead?

🔎The Message of Paul⏮️

It justifies and encourages lying, as stated in Paul’s letter to the Romans: “If the truthfulness of God has been increased by my lying for His glory, why should I be condemned as a sinner?” (Romans 3:7),

❗ i.e. Paul lies in order to increase the truthfulness of God in Christianity, even by the attempts of twisting the overall image of other religions, which’s considered as a guide for more than half of the Christians today.

“Jos 6:21”

“They turned over everyone in the city for destruction and executed them, including both men and women, young and old, and oxen, sheep, and donkeys”.

Misuse of Jihad in Modern Times

Groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda falsely claim Islamic justification for brutal attacks. These claims are categorically rejected by mainstream scholars and the Qur’an itself.

Real-World Example:

After 9/11, over 100 Muslim scholars signed the “Amman Message,” reaffirming Islam’s condemnation of terrorism and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“If anyone kills a person — unless in retribution for murder or spreading corruption in the land — it is as if he has slain mankind entirely.”
(Qur’an 5:32)

Conclusion: A Call to Justice and Truth

The concept of Jihad is noble and deeply spiritual. Misrepresenting it as violent not only distorts Islam, but also fuels hate and misunderstanding.

• Islam teaches: Jihad of the soul, discipline in defense, and no harm to innocents
• Christianity teaches:

Let us seek truth with sincerity, and promote peace with wisdom. Ameen.