New
New
Year 10
AQA

Different understandings of jihad

I can explain the importance of jihad and the different ways this is understood within Islam.

New
New
Year 10
AQA

Different understandings of jihad

I can explain the importance of jihad and the different ways this is understood within Islam.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The term jihad means struggle, effort or fight.
  2. The personal struggle to be a good Muslim is seen as a form of jihad.
  3. An external battle or war can also be seen as a form of jihad.
  4. Many Muslims consider the external struggle to be lesser jihad and the internal struggle to be greater jihad.

Keywords

  • Criteria - the way something can be judged. For a war to be a Lesser Jihad it must fulfill certain criteria.

  • Greater jihad - the personal struggle of every Muslim to live by the teachings of their faith.

  • Jihad - Arabic term for 'struggle, effort or fight'. The personal or collective struggle against evil.

  • Lesser jihad - the military struggle to defend Islam. It is carried out according to strict and clear cut rules.

Common misconception

That 'jihad' always refers to an external battle or war.

Jihad can refer to both an external battle, or war and the internal struggle to be a better Muslim.


To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Different understandings of jihad, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Students can research specifc battles that the Prophet Muhammad was involved with to better understand how they were seen as essential for the protection of Islam and the Muslim community.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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5 Questions

Q1.
Which groups of Muslims see Hajj as a religious obligation?
Only imams and scholars
Correct answer: All Muslims who are physically and financially able
Only Shi’a Muslims
Q2.
Which of the following is an activity during Hajj?
Lighting candles
Visiting three of the holiest mosques for Muslims
Correct answer: Circling the Ka’aba
Q3.
The actions performed during Hajj often follow the example of Prophet and his family.
Correct Answer: Ibrahim, ibrahim
Q4.
How many times are Muslims required to perform Hajj in their lifetime?
Correct answer: Once
Twice
Every five years
Q5.
What does the Black Stone represent to Muslims during Hajj?
Something to worship
A sacred relic
Correct answer: A symbolic act of reverence following the Prophet

Assessment exit quiz

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5 Questions

Q1.
What does the term 'jihad' literally mean?
Love and worship
Correct answer: Struggle or strive
Prayer and charity
Q2.
The personal struggle to live a good Muslim life is called jihad.
Correct Answer: greater, Greater
Q3.
What type of jihad may involve physical struggle in defence of Islam?
Spiritual worship
Fasting
Correct answer: Lesser Jihad
Inner Jihad
Q4.
Why is the internal struggle called “greater jihad”?
it is mentioned more in the Qur’an
it involves more people
Correct answer: it’s more difficult and constant
Q5.
What is one condition of lesser jihad that may not be met in modern warfare?
It must take place during Hajj
It must involve nuclear weapons
Correct answer: It must be declared by a rightful authority and avoid harming innocents

Additional material

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