Islamiyat · Oct / Nov 2016 · Paper 21 · Question 5

There are four kinds of jihad fi sabil-illah (struggle in the cause of Allah). They are: jihad of the self (jihad bin- nafs);

Jihad of the tongue (jihad bil- lisan);

jihad by the hand (jihad bil-yad) and jihad by the sword (jihad bis-saif). The candidates can well begin their answer by defining the term jihad, which could be said to mean to strive, to struggle, to exert one’s energy or to persevere. The Qur’an it could be further clarified uses the term jihad in context with the struggle to exert oneself in the way of God. Having explained the term jihad the candidates need to specifically write about the difference in meaning of the three kinds of jihad given in the question and say what it is. Candidates may well write about the importance of these three kinds of jihad and that should be read as development in the answer though is not necessary to get to the higher levels. Candidates could give quotes from the Qur’an or the Prophet’s (pbuh) hadiths to support their answer.

In your opinion, what is the importance of following the rules of armed jihad in modern times? [4]

An evaluative response is being looked for here which bring out Islamic teachings of mercy, compassion, fair play and justice. Candidates may well elaborate their answers by stating that if the rules of jihad as taught by the Prophet (pbuh) were followed the world would today become a safer place to live in for everyone of God’s creation etc. It should be noted here that the importance of following the rules is to show the benefits of following them which will bring out the best evaluations.