Perhaps no concept in Islam is more famous—and more misunderstood—than the notion of jihad, or what people commonly, albeit erroneously, call "holy war." Jihad means struggle, and in Islam it refers primarily to the inner struggle of being a person of virtue and submission to Allah in all aspects of life. This struggle is the "jihad of the heart." Secondarily, jihad refers to struggle against injustice and oppression—the "jihad of the sword." Islam, like many other religions, allows for armed self-defense, or retribution against tyranny, exploitation, and oppression. Specifically, Islamic teaching divides the world into two "houses"—the house of Islam and the house of war. Included in the house of Islam are those committed to justice, peace, and consent to worship God and God alone. The house of Islam can include people of the Book—Jews, Christians, and other monotheists—as long as they do not oppress anyone or forbid Muslims from worship. The house of war includes all those engaged in oppression, tyranny, or lawlessness, especially religious persecution against Muslims and other people of the Book. Jihad of the sword is allowed in defense of the house of Islam against the house of war.
The following passages from the Qur'an identify the limits of jihad of the sword. It is to be employed strictly for moral purposes, for the removal of injustices and oppression. Outside of specific moral objectives, jihad of the sword is illegitimate. Furthermore, jihad of the sword is always to be tempered by the jihad of the heart, which cultivates compassion, patience, forgiveness, and generosity, especially toward Jews, Christians, and other monotheists. Note particularly the references to jihad of the sword in defense of those who have been removed from their homes and lands.
Jihad
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