What is Jihad?

What is Jihad?

Author: Filip Holm June 9, 2025 Duration: 1:02:09

In this episode, we given an academic, historical overview of the concept of Jihad in Islam, dispelling some misconceptions and nuancing an otherwise thorny topic.


Sources/Recomended Reading:


Al-Dawoody, Ahmed Mohsen (2009). "War in Islamic Law: Justifications and Regulations". PhD Thesis. University of Birmingham.


Bashir, Khaled Ramadan (2018). "Islamic International Law: Historical Foundations and Al-Shaybani's Siyar". Edward Elgar Publishing Limited.


Bonner, Michael (2008). “Jihad in Islamic History: Doctrines and Practice”. Princeton University Press.


Brown, Jonathan A.C. (2019). "Slavery and Islam". Oneworld.


Ghazi, Mahmood Ahmad (translated by) (1998). "Kitab al-Siyar al-Saghir" by Muhammad al-Shaybani. Islamic Research Institute.


Hallaq, Wael (2004). "The Origins and Evolution of Islamic Law". Cambridge University Press.


Hallaq, Wael (2009). "Sharia: Theory, Practice, Transformations". Cambridge University Press.


Judd, Steven C. (2009). "al-Awza'i and Sufyan al-Thawri: The Umayyad Madhhab". In Bearman, Peri; Rudolph Peters & Frank E. Vogel (ed.), "The Islamic School of Law: Evolution, Devolution & Progress". Brill.


Judd, Steven C. (2019). "'Abd al-Rahman b. Amr al-Awza'i". In the "Makers of the Muslim World" Series. Oneworld.


Khan Nyazee, Imran Ahsan (translated by) (2000). "The Distinguished Jurist's Primer: Bidayat Al-Mujtahid Wa Nihayat Al-Muqtasid." Vol. 1-2. Garnet Publishing.


Kimball, Michelle R. (2018). "Shaykh Ahmadou Bamba: A Peacemaker for Our Time". The Other Press Sdn. Bhd.


Kiser, John W (2015). "Commander of the Faithful: The Life and Times of Emir Abd El-Kader". Monkfish Book Publishing Company.


Urban, Elizabeth (2020). "Conquered Populations in Early Islam: Non-Arabs, Slaves and the Sons of Slave Mothers". Edinburgh University Press.


Zawati, Hilmi M. (2015). "Theory of War in Islamic and Public International Law". In "Is Jihad Just War? War, Peace and Human Rights under Islamic and Public International Law", (Lewiston, NY: Edwin Mellen Press, 2001) 9-47, reprinted in Niaz A. Shah, ed., Islam and the Law of Armed Conflict (Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar,

2015) 249-287.


Zemmali, Ameur (1990). "Imam al-Awza'i and his humanitarian ideas". In International Review of the Red Cross (1961 - 1997) , Volume 30 , Issue 275 , April 1990 , pp. 115 - 123. International Committee of the Red Cross.




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Hosted by Filip Holm, Let's Talk Religion is a deep, accessible exploration of belief systems that have shaped human history and continue to define cultures. This isn't about preaching or debate; it's a thoughtful journey grounded in academic rigor and genuine curiosity. Each episode serves as a guided conversation, peeling back the layers of major world religions and lesser-known spiritual paths to examine their core tenets, historical development, and cultural impact. You'll hear detailed profiles of pivotal figures, from foundational prophets and philosophers to mystical poets and reformers, all placed within their rich historical context. The goal is to build a foundation of understanding, moving beyond headlines and stereotypes to appreciate the complex narratives and lived experiences within each tradition. By approaching religion as a multifaceted subject worthy of serious study, this podcast creates a space for listeners to reflect on the profound questions and diverse answers humanity has offered. Tune in for a consistently enlightening experience that treats religious thought with the depth and nuance it deserves, making each topic resonate with both intellectual and personal significance. This is a podcast for anyone who wants to listen and learn, to find connections and contrasts in the stories we tell about the divine, the sacred, and our place in the world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Let's Talk Religion
Podcast Episodes
Atlantis of the Sands - The Legend of the Lost City of Arabia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:33
Was the legendary “Atlantis of the Sands” real? In this video, we explore the mystery of Iram of the Pillars, the lost city often linked to the ancient people of ʿĀd mentioned in the Qurʾān. We explore whether it was ori…
Abd al-Malik - The Caliph Who Shaped Islam? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:59
How did Abd al-Malik shape the development of Islam? This video explores the reign of the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik, including his reforms, the construction of the Dome of the Rock, and his role in shaping early Islami…
The Islamic Idealism of Ibn 'Arabi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:08
Was the great Sufi thinker Ibn 'Arabi actually a kind of idealist philosopher? In this video we explore the metaphysics of the Akbari tradition and the famous doctrine of Wahdat al-Wujud (Oneness of Being).I examine Ibn…
al-Ghazali, Ibn 'Arabi & The Sufi School of Love | w. Omid Safi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:42:45
Find Omid here:Instagram: brotheromidAnd Illuminated Tours/Courses:https://www.illuminatedcourses.comFind me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: letstalkreligionOr through…
The Sufi School of Love [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:15
What is the “School of Love” in Sufism? In this video, we explore Madhhab-e Ishq — the Sufi path centered on divine love (ishq) as the highest way to know God. From the poetry of Rumi to the teachings of Ahmad Ghazali, d…
Zurvanism - The Zoroastrian Heresy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:44
Zurvanism is a lesser-known feature of ancient Zoroastrianism that centers on Zurvan, the god of infinite time, and the cosmic struggle between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu. In this video, we explore the origins, beliefs…
Nicholas of Cusa: Life & Philosophy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:12
Nicholas of Cusa was a 15th-century philosopher, theologian, and mathematician whose ideas anticipated modern science and philosophy. In this video, we explore his life, key works, and radical concept of “learned ignoran…
What is Taqqiyya? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:57
In this video, I explain the meaning of taqiyya in Islamic tradition & where it comes from. We look at its historical context, what scholars actually say about it historically and today.Find me and my music here:https://…
What is Sharia Law, Really? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:52
What is Sharia law, really? In this video, we break down the meaning of Sharia, explain where it comes from, and discuss some of the most misunderstandings you’ve probably heard online.Find me and my music here:https://l…