Islamic Scripture and the Doctrine of Jihad

Abstract

This chapter discusses the development of Islamic scripture (Qur’an and hadith) and how the doctrine of jihad is derived therefrom. For the benefit of the non-specialist reader, this chapter briefly discusses the development of Islamic scripture and contrasts this with relevant aspects of Christianity. With regard to jihad and religiously sanctioned warfare (ghazw), the concept of abrogation (naskh) whereby later suras of the Qur’an were believed to supersede earlier ones is considered, as well as the fact that virtually all the hadith regarding jihad that the six canonical hadith compendia do contain are solely concerned with warfare. Relevant verses of the ninth sura of the Qur’an, Surat al-Tawba are adduced with regard to naskh.