JIHAD, RADIKALISME, DAN ISLAM MODERAT DALAM PERSPEKTIF AJARAN ISLAM

Abstract

Jihad is often misunderstood as merely warfare, whereas its meaning is far broader, covering every sincere effort toward good learning, working, self-restraint, and self-defense only when truly necessary. This misunderstanding is frequently exploited by certain groups to justify radical actions or violence in the name of religion. This study aims to explain the meaning of jihad in Islam, distinguish it from radicalism, describe the background, forms, and impacts of religious radicalism, and elaborate the concept of moderate Islam (wasathiyyah) as a countermeasure. The method used is a qualitative library research, analyzing the Qur'an, hadith, and relevant scholarly literature. The results show that jihad in Islam encompasses far more than warfare; it includes struggles in education, economy, social life, and self-control, with armed jihad being the last and most restricted option. Religious radicalism is not part of Islamic teaching but arises from rigid, decontextualized religious understanding combined with social, economic, political, and technological factors, leading to intolerance, extremism, and violence that damage Islam's image and social harmony. Countering radicalism requires comprehensive religious education, the internalization of moderate Islam (Islam wasathiyyah), tolerance, religious and digital literacy, and the collaborative roles of family, higher education institutions, society, and government. Moderate Muslims, characterized by tolerance, balance, respect for differences, and rejection of extremism, play a strategic role as a buffer against the spread of radical ideology, particularly among the younger generation.