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: 100

Let's Talk Religion
Podcast Episodes
The Spooky History of Ghosts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:43
Explore the fascinating history of ghosts and uncover the ancient origins of ghost stories from around the world! In this episode, we dive deep into the myths and legends that have shaped our beliefs in the paranormal fo…
Zar: Spirit Possession Rituals in Egypt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:39
Explore the world of Zar spirit possession rituals in Northeast Africa. Join us on a captivating journey as we delve into the rich cultural tapestry of this old tradition, shedding light on the captivating ceremonies, be…
Jinn Possession in the Islamic World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:20
We begin this years Shocktober season with another video about jinn - specifically about jinn possession and exorcism in the Islamic world.Sources/Recomended Reading:Al-Buni, Ahmad ibn ‘Ali. “The Sun of Knowledge (Shams…
The Ethiopian Orthodox (Tewahedo) Church [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:18
Discover the fascinating history, unique traditions, and spiritual significance of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (Tewahedo Church), one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world. From its roots in the 4th centur…
al-Hallaj: Mystic Martyr of Sufism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:53
We explore the life and profound teachings of Husayn Ibn Mansur al-Hallaj, the 9th-century Sufi mystic known for his controversial declaration, “Ana al-Haqq” (I am the Truth) & the factors which led to his martyrdom. In…
Porphyry, Vegetarianism & Animal Sacrifice in Antiquity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:47
Check out my linktree to find our new song, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.c…
Xuanzang & The Journey to the West [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:27
Check out my linktree to find our new song, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.c…
Yoga & Islam [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:21
Check out my linktree to find our new singe, socials & more: https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://www.paypal.…
Seidr - Norse Mystical Practice? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:22
In this episode, we explore the world of Seidr in old Norse culture. Can it be called mysticism? Or perhaps a part of the wider phenomenon of "shamanism"? These are questions and topics we explore in this one.Check out m…
What is Yoga? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:11
Sources/Recomended Reading:Bharati, Agehananda (1965). "The Tantric Tradition". B.I. Publications.Bhattacharyya, N.N. (2005). "History of the Tantric Religion". Second Revised Edition. Manohar.Bryant, Edwin F. (translate…