Jihad: The Origin of Holy War in Islam explores how the concept of jihad emerged within the first generation of Muslims, marking a pivotal shift from tribal skirmishes to divinely sanctioned conflict. The book examines why this development occurred as the Muslim community transitioned from its Arabian roots into a distinct religious civilization.
Rooted in meticulous analysis of the Qur'an and early Islamic literary sources, it highlights how select passages were reinterpreted to justify collective defense and expansion. Readers will discover how theological arguments and real-world challenges intertwined to shape the doctrine of jihad.
The historical narrative includes case studies of early Islamic campaigns and debates among scholars, offering concrete examples of how jihad doctrine was applied and contested across emerging political boundaries.
Key themes include:
- The lack of a holy war tradition among pre-Islamic Arabs
- Debates over Qur'anic verses and prophetic precedents
- Social and political factors driving the formalization of jihad
Ideal for students and scholars of Islamic history, this study offers an evidence-based narrative that deepens understanding of a concept that has had lasting influence on both medieval and modern contexts.
