9.2 The Importance of Jihad

Jihad is very important in Islam. The success of Islamic civilization in the past especially during the time of Prophet Muhammad SAW and the four great caliphs was due to the spirit of jihad. In general, the importance of jihad can be summarized as follows:

a.

Jihad is an act of submission to the Will of Allah SWT. Thus, performing it will be rewarded by

Allah SWT.

b.

Jihad is a blessing of Allah SWT. With jihad, we are able to improve our life from bad to good. Just

look into the history of the migration of Muslims from Makkah to Madinah. They managed to free

themselves from depression and oppression and built a better life in Madinah. In fact, they managed to

establish a very strong Islamic state of Madinah in which it has become the foundation of Islamic

civilization.

c.

Through jihad, Islam can be defended.