Misconceptions of Jihad: A Constructivist Review of the Meaning of Struggle in Islam in the Modern Era: Analysis of the verses al-Amwaal wa al-Nafs

Abstract

This article aims to correct the misconceptions of jihad that some people have misunderstood as being the actual only meaning. In the Indonesian context, Jihad is often understood as a call to arms. Ironically, Jihad has become a scapegoat for terrorism cases in various parts of the world. Ideally, the Qur’an sets the word ‘Jihad’ differently from the word ‘vital’ so that the meaning of Jihad can be interpreted multi-dimensionally. The urgency of this article is to reconstruct the ideal meaning of Jihad according to the desired level of the Qur’an. This article uses qualitative research with data collection techniques of literature observation and interviews with interpreters. The data collected was analyzed using content analysis techniques. The results showed that the context of jihad contained in the Qur’an does not only discuss war but has additional important connotations. There is the concept of Jihad of wealth (al-Amwaal) and Jihad of body or soul (al-Nafs). This concept is often overlooked because the level of jihad in society, especially in the West, is always related to war. The actualization of Jihad in its true essence in the modern era is urgently in need of application, especially in Indonesia. Jihad of wealth and jihad of body and soul is a profound concept that aims to improve the social order and create a harmonious balance through the values contained in the Qur’an.