جہاد اکبر، اور جہاد اصغر: قرآنی و حدیثی تناظر میں علماء و صوفیاء کے نظریات کا علمی و فکری تجزیہ

Jihād Akbar and Jihād Aṣghar: An Intellectual and Theoretical Analysis of Scholars' and Sufis' Perspectives in the Qur'ānic and Ḥadīth Contexts

Abstract

The concepts of Jihād Akbar (the greater jihād) and Jihād Aṣghar (the lesser jihād) have been widely discussed in Islamic scholarship, particularly in the fields of Qur’ānic exegesis, Ḥadīth studies, jurisprudence, and Sufi thought. This study provides a scholarly and intellectual analysis of these two dimensions of jihād, exploring their interpretations by classical and contemporary scholars as well as Sufi mystics. The Qur’ān and Ḥadīth serve as primary sources in understanding the nature, objectives, and applications of these forms of jihād. The research examines how traditional Islamic scholars have defined Jihād Akbar as the struggle against one’s own desires and inner self (nafs), emphasizing moral purification and spiritual elevation. On the other hand, Jihād Aṣghar is generally understood as the external struggle, including armed conflict under specific conditions prescribed by Islamic law. Sufi scholars, particularly those from the classical period, have placed significant emphasis on Jihād Akbar, advocating for self-discipline and inner transformation as a prerequisite for any outward struggle. By critically analyzing both perspectives, this study highlights the convergence and divergence of scholarly opinions, providing a balanced view on the role of jihād in personal and societal development. The findings contribute to contemporary discussions on Islamic ethics, spirituality, and the practical application of jihād in modern contexts, emphasizing the need for a holistic understanding that aligns with the principles of justice, peace, and self-purification.