MCQs on Jihad – Meaning, Types, and Misconceptions

1. : What is the literal meaning of the word “Jihad” in Arabic?
(A) War
(B) Struggle or effort
(C) Peace
(D) Prayer

2. : Which type of Jihad refers to the personal, inner struggle against one’s own evil desires?
(A) Jihad bil Saif (armed struggle)
(B) Jihad al-Nafs (greater Jihad)
(C) Jihad al-Qital
(D) Jihad al-Fisabilillah

3. : The physical or armed Jihad is also known as:
(A) Greater Jihad
(B) Lesser Jihad
(C) Jihad al-Nafs
(D) Jihad al-Lisan

4. : According to Islam, when is armed Jihad allowed?
(A) To spread religion by force
(B) In self-defense or to fight oppression
(C) To invade other countries
(D) To force others to convert

5. : What is a common misconception about Jihad?
(A) It means personal spiritual struggle
(B) It means only armed warfare
(C) It is a duty for Muslims
(D) It involves self-improvement

6. : Which Quranic term refers to striving in the path of Allah?
(A) Salat
(B) Zakat
(C) Jihad
(D) Sawm

7. : Jihad al-Lisan refers to:
(A) Physical fighting
(B) Struggle through speech or tongue
(C) Struggle through charity
(D) Struggle through prayer

8. : Jihad al-Yad refers to:
(A) Struggle through the hand or action
(B) Struggle through the heart
(C) Struggle through fasting
(D) Struggle through pilgrimage

9. : The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described which Jihad as the greatest?
(A) Armed Jihad
(B) Jihad against injustice
(C) Jihad against one’s own ego and desires
(D) Jihad through charity

10. : Which Quranic verse allows fighting only in self-defense?
(A) Surah Al-Baqarah 2:190
(B) Surah Al-Fatiha 1:1
(C) Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:1
(D) Surah An-Nas 114:1

11. : The term “Jihad fi sabilillah” means:
(A) Striving in the path of wealth
(B) Striving in the path of Allah
(C) Striving for worldly success
(D) Striving against non-Muslims only

12. : Which of the following is NOT a valid type of Jihad?
(A) Jihad al-Nafs (inner struggle)
(B) Jihad al-Mal (struggle through wealth)
(C) Jihad al-Lisan (struggle through speech)
(D) Jihad al-Sayf (struggle through lies)

13. : What is the purpose of Jihad in Islam?
(A) To spread Islam by force
(B) To establish justice and remove oppression
(C) To conquer other lands
(D) To gain political power

14. : What does the “Lesser Jihad” focus on?
(A) Fighting personal desires
(B) Armed defense when necessary
(C) Giving charity
(D) Reciting the Quran

15. : Is forced conversion allowed in Islam through Jihad?
(A) Yes, it is mandatory
(B) No, Islam prohibits forced conversion
(C) Yes, if the ruler commands it
(D) Only during war times

16. : What is the role of intention (niyyah) in Jihad?
(A) It is not important
(B) It determines the spiritual reward and legitimacy
(C) It is only required for prayer
(D) It is only necessary for fasting

17. : Which hadith emphasizes that the “greater Jihad” is the struggle against one’s own self?
(A) The hadith of the Battle of Badr
(B) The hadith of the Prophet saying “The best Jihad is the one against your own self”
(C) The hadith about pilgrimage
(D) The hadith on charity

18. : Jihad can include which of the following activities?
(A) Prayer and fasting
(B) Speaking out against injustice
(C) Providing education
(D) All of the above

19. : What is the Islamic ruling on killing innocent civilians during Jihad?
(A) Allowed if they are enemies
(B) Strictly prohibited
(C) Allowed during war time
(D) Allowed if accidental

20. : The term “Jihad” appears in the Quran approximately how many times?
(A) 5 times
(B) 10 times
(C) 41 times
(D) 100 times

21. : Which one of the following is NOT a condition for armed Jihad in Islam?
(A) Just cause
(B) Right intention
(C) Must be declared by a legitimate authority
(D) To gain wealth

22. : What does “Jihad al-Mal” mean?
(A) Struggle through financial means or charity
(B) Struggle through physical fighting
(C) Struggle through fasting
(D) Struggle through pilgrimage

23. : Which type of Jihad is considered compulsory for every Muslim?
(A) Jihad al-Qital (armed struggle)
(B) Jihad al-Nafs (self-struggle)
(C) Jihad al-Lisan (struggle through speech)
(D) None specifically compulsory

24. : The concept of Jihad is primarily:
(A) Military conquest
(B) Spiritual and moral struggle
(C) Political dominance
(D) Economic growth

25. : According to Islamic teachings, can Jihad be conducted through peaceful means?
(A) Yes, through dialogue and education
(B) No, it must be armed
(C) Only during war
(D) Only by religious scholars

26. : Which Quranic verse commands Muslims to fight oppression?
(A) “And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you…” (2:190)
(B) “Be patient…” (16:127)
(C) “Pray and give charity…” (2:110)
(D) “Say: He is Allah, the One…” (112:1)

27. : The misuse of the term Jihad to justify terrorism is:
(A) Supported by Islamic teachings
(B) A serious misconception and misinterpretation
(C) Encouraged by scholars
(D) Part of Sharia law

28. : Which of these is a peaceful form of Jihad?
(A) Donating wealth to the poor
(B) Armed combat
(C) Forcing others to convert
(D) None of the above

29. : The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) approach to Jihad emphasized:
(A) Mercy and strict rules of engagement
(B) Unlimited violence
(C) Conquest without rules
(D) No violence at all

30. : Jihad as “striving in the way of Allah” applies to:
(A) Only men
(B) Both men and women
(C) Only soldiers
(D) Only scholars

31. : Which historical event is often incorrectly labeled as “Jihad” by extremists?
(A) The Battle of Badr
(B) Terrorist attacks on civilians
(C) The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
(D) The Farewell Pilgrimage

32. : Which of these is a condition for legitimate armed Jihad?
(A) Declaration by a recognized leader
(B) Desire for conquest
(C) Random violence
(D) Personal revenge

33. : In Islam, Jihad encourages striving for:
(A) Justice
(B) Personal improvement
(C) Helping others
(D) All of the above

34. : Can Jihad be considered a defensive war in Islam?
(A) Yes
(B) No
(C) Only offensive
(D) Only spiritual

35. : What is the “greater Jihad” according to Islamic scholars?
(A) Physical fighting
(B) Struggle against injustice
(C) Inner struggle against evil desires
(D) Struggle through speech

36. : Does Jihad include non-violent efforts?
(A) Yes
(B) No
(C) Only during war
(D) Only through military means

37. : Which Quranic chapter discusses the rules of warfare related to Jihad?
(A) Surah Al-Baqarah
(B) Surah Al-Anfal
(C) Surah Al-Fatiha
(D) Surah Al-Ikhlas

38. : What is the punishment for killing innocent people in Jihad according to Islam?
(A) Reward
(B) Punishment in this life and hereafter
(C) No punishment
(D) Only forgiveness

39. : Which group incorrectly claims that Jihad justifies terrorism?
(A) Mainstream Islamic scholars
(B) Extremist militant groups
(C) Moderate Muslims
(D) Islamic humanitarian organizations

40. : The Quran instructs Muslims to fight only:
(A) Those who fight against them
(B) Everyone
(C) Non-Muslims only
(D) Anyone they dislike

41. : Which of the following is NOT an aspect of Jihad?
(A) Self-improvement
(B) Education and knowledge
(C) Charity
(D) Forced conversion

42. : The spiritual Jihad aims to:
(A) Defeat enemies in battle
(B) Overcome internal weaknesses and sins
(C) Acquire wealth
(D) Expand territory

43. : What does Jihad al-Qital mean?
(A) Struggle through writing
(B) Armed struggle or fighting in the path of Allah
(C) Struggle through prayer
(D) Struggle through speech

44. : What should be the intention behind all acts of Jihad?
(A) Fame
(B) To please Allah
(C) Power
(D) Revenge

45. : Who are exempt from participating in armed Jihad in Islam?
(A) Women, children, elderly, and disabled
(B) Everyone must participate
(C) Only leaders
(D) Only scholars

46. : Which of these is a misconception about Jihad?
(A) It means striving for good
(B) It always means violent struggle
(C) It includes inner spiritual struggle
(D) It requires intention

47. : What is the meaning of “Fi Sabilillah”?
(A) For personal gain
(B) In the way of Allah
(C) For revenge
(D) For politics

48. : Jihad requires:
(A) Justice and mercy even in warfare
(B) Total destruction of enemies
(C) No rules of engagement
(D) Forced conversions

49. : Which of the following actions aligns with Jihad al-Nafs?
(A) Giving charity
(B) Fighting in battle
(C) Resisting temptation and sin
(D) Traveling for Hajj

50. : What is the main purpose of Jihad in Islam?
(A) To seek revenge
(B) To promote peace, justice, and self-discipline
(C) To dominate others
(D) To gain wealth