The word "jihad" is everywhere in the global media. It generally appears in the context of violence waged against the West by militants in or from Muslim-majority societies. This usage overwhelmingly colors popular discourse about Islam and Muslims and it has resulted in highly simplistic, distorted, and ahistorical understandings of the concept of jihad. For most Muslims, jihad refers to the continuous human struggle to promote and implement what is morally good and noble in all walks of life, as well as to resist and prevent what is morally wrong and unjust. This book addresses the great need for a discussion of jihad that explores its various dimensions without fear-mongering or sensationalism. Here it is examined from multiple perspectives: scriptural, theological, moral and ethical, legal and socio-political. Asma Afsaruddin looks at the key questions about jihad and provides concise yet thorough answers. Jihad: What Everyone Needs to Know® provides a historically-grounded, scholarly yet accessible treatment of the meanings of jihad from the formative period of Islam until the contemporary period.

"Asma Afsaruddin's exciting, cogent and lucid exploration of the many spiritual meanings of 'jihad' for Muslim traditions should force a radical rethinking of this concept among journalists, officials, and thinking people in the North Atlantic world, where it has been misused and demonized in the service of a bigoted Islamophobia." - Juan Cole, author of Muhammad: Prophet of Peace amid the Clash of Empires

"A valuable addition to the ongoing discussions on jihad-thoughtfully crafted to benefit a broader readership that may be less acquainted with Islamic doctrines and ideas... Whether one is new to the subject or seeking a deeper scholarly analysis of the topic, this book is an indispensable resource." - Mohammad Amin Mansouri, Reading Religion

"A needed and balanced corrective to media hysteria and mainstream ignorance, this book is an excellent 'one stop shop' for any and all questions about jihad." - Natana J. DeLong-Bas, Journal of Islamic Studies