Summary
When discussing different religions, referring to their key components and determining their true meaning and value is essential. For example, there are Five Pillars of Islam, including Shahada, Salah, Zakah, Sawm, and Hajj, that guide the lives of Muslims (Bellini and Feltwell 187). However, according to Bellini and Feltwell, there might also be a sixth pillar, Jihad, and these elements are connected (189). This term is often misused in the geopolitical environment, making it essential to explore its actual meaning.
The Definition of Jihad in Islamic Doctrine
To begin with, one needs to refer to the definition provided in the chapter. Bellini and Feltwell state that Jihad’s literal meanings are “exertion” and “striving” (189). This concept is about “working hard in the way of God, and it defines a range of activities, from the inner struggle toward goodness to violent uprising and war” (Bellini and Feltwell 189). Noticeably, many moderate Muslims indicate that Jihad refers to one’s inner fight against their selfishness, jealousy, complacency, laziness, and other adverse characteristics that prevent a Muslim from being modest and devoted to God and others.
Connection of Jihad to the Five Pillars of Islam
Shahada
It is possible to connect this vital concept to the Five Pillars of Islam. First, Shahada refers to declaring one’s faith in God and commitment only to Him, which emphasizes the spiritual aspect of Jihad (Bellini and Feltwell 187). Indeed, it often happens that Muslims have inner struggles against doubting God or accepting other deities while being influenced by other religions and cultures.
Salah
Secondly, the pillar of Salah is about offering prayers, and it is probably impossible to find another pillar that is so strongly connected to Jihad. Busy with other daily routines, Muslims must strive to find time to pray.
Zakah
Thirdly, Zakah is the concept of obligatory charity, meaning that Muslims have to invest in the lives of others (Bellini and Feltwell 188). This pillar relates to Jihad, which is an inner struggle against one’s greed and a fight against other people’s poverty.
Sawm
Next, Sawm is the obligatory fasting process during the most sacred month. Just as promoted by the concept of Jihad, Muslims strive to follow the rules and ignore the tempting smells of food to honor Muhammad.
Hajj
Eventually, the last pillar is Hajj, the most memorable and influential experience for many Muslims (Bellini and Feltwell 188). When traveling and going through physical and spiritual tests, people must eliminate their laziness, doubts, and other concerns to join the religious gathering.
The Misrepresentation of Jihad in Contemporary Geopolitical Discourse
Eventually, it will be possible to discuss how Jihad is misused nowadays. Unfortunately, some individuals and groups understand the elements of fighting and struggling too violently and aggressively. They fail to recognize that Jihad is about striving and exerting peacefully and tolerantly, and different weapons and brutal strength can be used only if there is a direct threat to Muslims (Bellini and Feltwell 189). This misconception makes some Islamists too violent and also affects how the world perceives this religion.
Work Cited
Bellini, Francesco, and Dennis Feltwell. Re-Ligio: Introduction to World Religions. Academx, 2020.