Difference between Jihad, Military Campaign
This is according to Hani Chitchian, a member of the Quran and Etrat School of the University of Tehran, speaking in the 21st session in a series on Surah At-Tawbah. Following are excerpts from his remarks in the session:
There are verses in this chapter that address Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). According to interpreters, these verses and their messages are actually meant not only for the Prophet but also for other people.
Verse 73 of the chapter reads: “O Prophet, struggle with the unbelievers and the hypocrites and be harsh with them. Gehenna shall be their refuge an evil arrival.” It orders the Prophet to fight with infidels as he was the flag bearer of the jihad which has been ordered to all believers as well.
A military campaign seeks to stop the movement of the enemy but it does not necessarily include killing others. If one can stop the enemy through non-military means, then this is also part of the campaign.
However, Jihad has a more comprehensive meaning. It is basically a cultural activity. Jihad may need a military campaign but its scientific, cultural, and social aspects have more weight compared to the military aspect.
The verse urges for being “harsh” with infidels but this does not equal cruelty. In verse 159 of Surah Al-Imran, we read: “It was by that Mercy of Allah that you (Prophet Muhammad) dealt so leniently with them. Had you been harsh and hardhearted, they would have surely deserted you. Therefore, pardon them and ask forgiveness for them. Take counsel with them in the matter and when you are resolved, put your trust in Allah. Allah loves those who trust.”
