Issues in the understanding of Jihad and Ijtihad

By: Mohammad Hashim Kamali

“Jihad and ijtihad both are derived from the same root j-h-d, which signifies striving, whether physical or intellectual, on the part of a Muslim or a group of Muslims to advance a cause they believe to be of merit and that would hopefully earn them the pleasure of God. In the broad sense of effort and self-exertion for a good cause, jihad does not necessarily mean fighting, simply because self-exertion in the path of God and for cause beneficial to humanity may be udnertaken by peaceful as well as other means.”