<![CDATA[The word “jihad' has been understood wrongly by some orientalists as a holly war. Amongst non-muslim societies this meaning is very influential that leads to a misperception that “jihad" is identical with a group of muslims who are, with their weapons, ready to demolish those who do not support Islam. lronically, this misperception is also common to some groups of muslims and has caused to religious fanatism and swept away the teaching of tollerance to other religions. As for "jihad” is one of Islamic teaching, so to perform this teaching needs the true understanding of it. Before performing any Islamic teaching, someone mush have "iman" or faith, this is due to the fact that Islam which means obedience is a result of "iman". Generally, “iman" means believe in God and accept all His teachings. "Iman” is a power within a man because it can not be compelled to someone. It is accepted after understanding its rational evidences. For muslims, it can be a bridge that relates them to their God, and with it they can liberate themselves from material desires. Linguistically, the word “jihad" has some meaning of all efforts to reach something. In Islamic context this word is often followed by the word “fi sabilillah" which means in the path of Allah. This means that "jihad” must be done in seeking God's favor. Consequently, a war can be called “jihad fi sabilillah" if it is done in the purpose of keeping Islamic faith and its honor. In the Qur’an, this word has no meaning except goodness for all and public welfare. In other word, “jihad fi sabilillah" has a broad meaning as all kinds of efforts carried out for the purpose of public benefit. This paper tries to correct some misperception of the word jihad” that is identical with holly war. The paper also relates "jihad' to “iman" as it is a starting point of every deed.]]>
