CSS 2015 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | The Difference Between Jihad and Fasaad
The following question of CSS Islamiat 2015 is solved by Hamail Syed, under the supervision of Howfiv’s Islamiat Coach, Miss Ayesha Irfan. Moreover, the question is attempted using the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, who have scored the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
About this specific question, the examiner has asked about the difference between Jihad and Fasaad and the possibility of the practical application of the Quranic concept of Jihad in the current international scenario. This question is divided into two sub-questions, carrying ten marks each. First, you have to describe the differences between Jihad and Fasaad. Afterwards, you have to write three to five arguments with strong evidence for better explaining the possibility of the practical application of the Quranic concept of Jihad in the current international scenario.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Delineating the concept of Jihad in the light of the Holy Quran and Hadith
- Evidence: “Fight in the cause of Allah (only) against those who wage war against you but do not exceed the limits. Allah does not like transgressors.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 190)
- Evidence: “Do not kill an old man, a child, or a woman. Do not mutilate the enemies’ corpses.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)
3-Elucidating the term ‘Fasaad’ in the light of the Holy Quran and Hadith
- Evidence: “Believers fight for the cause of Allah, whereas disbelievers fight for the cause of the Devil. So fight against Satan’s (evil) forces.” (Surah An-Nisa, verse 76)
- Evidence: “The greatest sins are to associate something with God and to kill human beings.” (Sahih Bukhari)
4-Key differences between Jihad and Fasaad
- ✓Objective of Jihad and Fasaad
- Jihad: To defend Islam, Muslims, and innocent people from oppression and injustice, and to establish justice and peace
Evidence: “And what is it with you that you do not fight in the way of Allah and for oppressed men, women, and children…” (Surah An-Nisa, verse 75)
- Fasaad: To spread corruption and chaos, often driven by personal gains or malicious intentions
For example, Israel committing genocide in Gaza, as per Amnesty International, aiming to fulfill its malicious plan of Greater Israel
- ✓Means adopted in Jihad and Fasaad
- Jihad: It can be waged through various means, including struggle through warfare, inner temptation, pen, tongue, hand, etc.
Evidence: “The best form of Jihad is to speak the word of truth in the face of a tyrant.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)
- Fasaad: It involves violent or destructive means, such as terrorism, social chaos or corruption, economic corruption, and corruption on earth.
For instance, the Jaranwala incident in which a Muslim mob vandalised more than 20 churches and 80 Christian homes in 2023
- ✓Target of Jihad and Fasaad
- Jihad: Those who oppress, persecute, or attack Muslims or innocent people
Evidence: “Permission (to fight) is given to those upon whom war is made because they are oppressed, and most surely Allah is well able to assist them.” (Surah Al-Hajj, verse 39)
- Fasaad: Innocent individuals, including civilians, women, children, and even other Muslims
For example, terrorists attacking an army school in Peshawar in 2024, recklessly killing 150 people, including 134 schoolchildren
- ✓Authority conducting Jihad and Fasaad
- Jihad: It can only be declared by a legitimate Islamic authority, such as a caliph or an Islamic state.
Evidence: “O believers! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (PBUH), and those in authority among you.” (Surah An-Nisa, verse 59)
- Fasaad: It can be carried out by anyone who has malicious intentions.
For instance, in 2024, the Shia-Sunni Fasaad in Parachinar, Pakistan, by the militant groups
- ✓Consideration of moral values in Jihad and Fasaad
- Jihad: Islam strictly ordaining Muslims to consider moral values during Jihad
Evidence: In the book ‘Kitab Al-Jihad Wal-Siyar,’ the Caliph Abu Bakr (R.A.) ordered his army, “Do not mutilate dead bodies, nor kill a child, a woman, or an aged man. Bring no harm to the trees; do not burn them, especially the fruitful ones…”
- Fasaad: People conducting Fasaad blatantly violating rules and principles established for human rights in warfare.
Evidence: According to the United Nations Human Rights Report, 2022, “Between 2017 and 2019, the Chinese government committed human rights abuses against Uyghurs, including internment, torture, forced sterilization, forced labor, gang rapes, etc.”
- ✓Outcomes of Jihad and Fasaad
- Jihad: It leads to martyrdom or victory, but the reward is with Allah Evidence: “And whoever fights in Allah’s cause—whether they achieve martyrdom or victory—We will honor them with a great reward.” (Surah An-Nisa, verse 74)
- Fasaad: Punishment in this life and the Hereafter
Evidence: “Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and spread mischief in the land is death, crucifixion, cutting off their hands and feet on opposite sides, or exile from the land. This (penalty) is a disgrace for them in this world, and they will suffer a tremendous punishment in the Hereafter.” (Surah Al-Maidah, verse 33)
5-The possibility of practical application of the Quranic concept of Jihad in the current international scenario
- ✓Jihad to end foreign oppression
- Evidence: According to the World Report 2025 by Human Rights Watch, “The Israeli military has killed, wounded, starved, and forcibly displaced Palestinian civilians in Gaza in 2024, massively destroying houses, hospitals, etc., and depriving them of food, water, medicines, etc.”
- ✓Jihad to advocate social justice and human rights
- Evidence: According to the Human Rights Watch Report 2024, “Taliban government has banned girls’ secondary education, restricted their employment, enforced male chaperones for traveling, curbed their access to healthcare, and prohibited family planning.”
- ✓Jihad to counter terrorism
- Evidence: According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI), 2024, the top ten countries most affected by terrorism are Burkina Faso, Mali, Pakistan, Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, and others.
- ✓Jihad to combat Islamophobia
- Evidence: According to the Pew Research Center, Austria has seen a recent rise in Islamophobia in 2024, with 71% of Muslims targeted, followed by Germany and Finland.
6-Critical analysis
7-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Jihad, becoming obligatory in the second Hijri, is sometimes referred to as the sixth pillar of Islam. Essentially, it is a multifaceted concept that lies at the heart of Islam, embodying a wide variety of types, ranging from the internal struggle to overcome inner temptations to the external efforts to uphold fairness and equity in society. However, it is sometimes confused with Fasaad, though both are utterly distinct concepts. Exploring the differences between the two, the first one lies in their objectives: Jihad aims to defend Islam, Muslims, and innocent people from oppression and to establish justice and peace, whereas Fasaad intends to spread corruption and chaos, driven by personal gains or malicious intentions. The second feature that differentiates them clearly is their means of conduct. Jihad can be waged through various means, including struggle through warfare, inner temptation, pen, tongue, hand, etc. Contrary to it, Fasaad involves violent or destructive means, such as terrorism, social chaos, or corruption on earth. The third difference is in targets. Jihad targets only those who oppress, persecute, or attack Muslims or innocent people. Conversely, Fasaad targets everybody indiscriminately, including civilians, women, children, and even other Muslims. As far as the possibility of the application of the Quranic concept of Jihad in the current scenario is concerned, it can be applied internationally to end foreign oppression, like that of Israel, to advocate social justice and human rights, especially for Afghan women, to counter-terrorism, and to combat Islamophobia across the world. Thus, there are lots of possibilities for the practical application of the Quranic concept of Jihad in the current international scenario.
Delineating the concept of Jihad in the light of the Holy Quran and Hadith
Before moving ahead, it is imperative to first develop an understanding of the concept of Jihad in Islam. The word ‘Jihad’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘Jahd,’ meaning to struggle or strive. Therefore, the literal meaning of Jihad is to struggle in the name of Allah Almighty. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 190, Allah the Exalted says, “Fight in the way of Allah (only) against those who wage war against you but do not cross the limits. Allah does not like transgressors.” In this verse, ‘do not cross the limits’ signals the rules and principles of Islamic warfare explained by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In Sunan Abi Dawud, the Prophet (PBUH) has been quoted as instructing the Muslim army by saying, “Do not kill an old man, a child, or a woman. Do not mutilate the enemies’ corpses.” This hadith beautifully depicts the true nature of Jihad in Islam that non-combatants and civilians cannot be targeted, and inhuman violence is prohibited to adopt in Jihad. In short, the concept of Jihad in Islam calls Muslims to exert effort in promoting justice, peace, and morality for the noble cause in the way of Allah Almighty.
Elucidating the term ‘Fasaad’ in the light of the Holy Quran and Hadith
Now, as far as the term ‘Fasaad’ is concerned, it is the Arabic word, which means corruption, mischief, or rottenness. Therefore, in Islamic terminology, it refers to those corrupt actions or mischievous means that harm people or society and violate the principles of justice and morality, disrupting the social order. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 76, Allah the Exalted says, “Believers fight for the cause of Allah, whereas disbelievers fight for the cause of the Devil. So fight against Satan’s (evil) forces.” This verse clearly highlights the difference between Jihad and Fasaad: Jihad is in the name of Allah to establish peace, whereas Fasaad is for evil causes to disrupt peace. On that account, in Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet (PBUH) has been quoted as saying, “The greatest sins are to associate something with God and to kill human beings.” This hadith clearly forbids Fasaad by making the killing of human beings one of the major sins. Hence, the teachings of Islam have provided a framework that prevents Fasaad by discouraging corruption, mischief, and wickedness.
Highlighting the key differences between Jihad and Fasaad
After understanding the concepts of Jihad and Fasaad in Islam, now, it is important to highlight the key differences between the two terms.
- Objectives of Jihad and Fasaad
To begin with, the most significant difference between Jihad and Fasaad lies in their objectives. Delving into the details of Jihad, it is actually a noble, sacred fight in the way of Allah to free man from cruelty, oppression, aggression, and subjugation. Therefore, it aims at spreading security, safety, mercy, and compassion in society. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 75, Allah Almighty states, “And what is it with you that you do not fight in the way of Allah and for oppressed men, women, and children who say, ‘Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressors and appoint from Yourself a protector for us and appoint from Yourself a helper for us?’” The verse clearly defines the objective of Jihad: to help those who are being persecuted. Moreover, another objective of Jihad is to eliminate Fasaad (mischief) and preserve peace in society. For instance, Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad by the Pakistani military to eliminate the terrorist sleeper cells across Pakistan is undoubtedly considered a Jihad. Hence, the prime objective of Jihad is to preserve peace, eliminate Fasaad, and defend one’s country and religion.
Contrary to this, the main objective of Fasaad is to spread corruption and chaos to fulfill personal gains or malicious intentions. Therefore, its objective is not a legitimate or noble goal in Islam. Instead, it aims to cause harm to individuals or communities and disrupt social order. For example, Israel committing genocide in Gaza, as per Amnesty International, is a glaring illustration of Israel spreading Fasaad, aiming to fulfill its malicious plan of Greater Israel. This example explains that Israel is doing Fasaad in Gaza by killing thousands of civilians, including women and children, destroying residential buildings and hospitals, restricting humanitarian aid, cutting food supply, etc. Hence, the objective of Fasaad is none other than to harm others and cause turmoil in society.
- Means adopted in Jihad and Fasaad
Moving ahead, the means of conducting Jihad and Fasaad also separate the two with a clear line. Jihad can be waged through different means, including struggle through warfare, inner temptation, pen, tongue, hand, etc. This means that Jihad can also be done through peaceful means as well. In Sunan Abi Dawud, the Prophet (PBUH) has been quoted as saying, “The best form of Jihad is to speak the word of truth in the face of a tyrant.” The hadith delineates that speaking truth to an oppressor is the highest form of Jihad rather than the military one. Thus, Jihad does not refer to holy wars only; rather, it can be conducted through peaceful means as well.
On the other hand, Fasaad can only be waged through violent or destructive means. It is mostly practiced in the form of terrorism, social chaos, extremism, economic corruption, or corruption on earth. For this, the Jaranwala incident is the glaring example of Fasaad in which a Muslim mob vandalized more than 20 churches and 80 Christian homes in 2023. This incident is entirely against the teaching of Islam, as the Prophet (PBUH) has been quoted in Sunan An-Nasai, saying, “The Muslim is the one from whose tongue (words) and hand (actions) the people are safe.” Hence, Fasaad involves vicious means that never aim to promote peace but rather to spread chaos and corruption on earth.
- Targets of Jihad and Fasaad
Furthermore, another major difference lies in their targets. The targets of Jihad are those who oppress, persecute, or attack Muslims or innocent people. Therefore, non-combatants and civilians can never be targeted in Jihad. In Surah Al-Hajj, verse 39, Allah Almighty says, “Permission (to fight) is given to those upon whom war is made because they are oppressed, and most surely Allah is well able to assist them.” This verse by Allah explicitly permits Muslims to wage Jihad against oppressors. Thus, the target of Jihad is none other than persecutors.
Contrarily, the targets of Fasaad are mostly innocent individuals, including old people, women, children, and even other Muslims. Therefore, Fasaad targets non-combatants and civilians indiscriminately. For instance, in 2014, terrorists attacked an army school in Peshawar, recklessly killing 150 people, including 134 schoolchildren. This incident is the epitome of Fasaad, in which terrorists targeted innocent students and teachers just to spread terror and mischief on Earth. Hence, everyone is targeted in Fasaad, be it combatants or non-combatants.
- Authority conducting Jihad and Fasaad
In addition to it, one more factor that further differentiates Jihad and Fasaad is the authority that declares them. Basically, Jihad can only be declared by a legitimate Islamic authority, such as a caliph or an Islamic state. In today’s world, the state has been mandated to call people to Jihad, and mostly the authorized standing armies conduct Jihad on the orders of the state. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 59, Allah Almighty states, “O believers! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (PBUH), and those in authority among you.” This verse is the cornerstone of the Islamic system, underscoring the significance of obedience in Islam. Thus, Jihad can only be declared by the legitimate Islamic authority.
On the flip side, Fasaad can be carried out by anyone who has malicious intentions. Mostly, non-state actors, such as militant groups and self-proclaimed leaders, are involved in conducting Fasaad. For instance, in 2024, the Shia-Sunni Fasaad in Parachinar, Pakistan, by the militant groups led to the killing of at least 130 people, including children, and wounding over 200 people. This illustration shows how Fasaad can be carried out by illegal paramilitary forces. But sometimes, legitimate authorities also carry it out to fulfill their malevolent goals. For example, the Myanmar government itself has been conducting Fasaad by persecuting Rohingya, a Muslim minority group, for decades. In 2017, the Myanmar military forced nearly 700,000 Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh. The United Nations (UN) has described its military’s actions as “textbook ethnic cleansing.” Hence, Fasaad can be carried out by anyone; it does not require specific authority.
- Moral values in Jihad and Fasaad
Additionally, another feature that clearly differentiates between Jihad and Fasaad is the consideration of moral values while conducting them. Basically, in Islam, the principles of military Jihad have been established, and the rights of combatants and non-combatants have been prescribed. Islam has strictly prohibited looting, plundering, rapes, and killing of civilians. Moreover, Islam has also forbidden the use of inhumane methods or violence during Jihad. In the book ‘Kitab Al-Jihad Wal-Siyar,’ the Caliph Abu Bakr (R.A.) has been quoted as giving rules to his army for their guidance on the battlefield, saying, “Do not mutilate dead bodies, nor kill a child, a woman, or an aged man. Bring no harm to the trees; do not burn them, especially the fruitful ones. Do not slaughter any of the enemies’ sheep, cows, or camels except for food.” This evidence highlights certain rules and limitations that Islam has set for Jihad not only to safeguard human dignity but also to preserve the environment. Thus, Islam has strictly ordained Muslims to consider moral values during Jihad.
Contradictorily, people conducting Fasaad do not follow rules and principles established for human rights in warfare. Basically, they do looting, plundering, rape, and killing of civilians indiscriminately, thereby, violating human rights altogether. According to the United Nations Human Rights Report, 2022, “Between 2017 and 2019, the Chinese government has committed human rights abuses against Uyghurs, including internment, torture, forced sterilization, forced abortion, forced labor, gang rapes, indoctrination, etc.” This evidence clearly shows that the government has conducted Fasaad against Muslims by contravening basic human rights. Hence, while conducting Fasaad, moral values and principles are not considered.
- Outcomes of Jihad and Fasaad
Similarly, one of the basic differences between Jihad and Fasaad also lies in their outcomes. Essentially, the end of Jihad is either victory in this world or martyrdom for the Hereafter. In both cases, Allah Almighty promises survivors of Jihad with rewards and war booty and martyrs to admit them to Paradise. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 74, Allah the Exalted says, “And whoever fights in Allah’s cause—whether they achieve martyrdom or victory—We will honor them with a great reward.” This verse depicts that whether Muslims participating in Jihad survive or become martyrs, they get the pleasure of Allah Almighty. Thus, the outcome of Jihad is none other than blessings and rewards in both worlds.
Conversely, the outcome of spreading Fasaad is punishment not only in this life but also in the Hereafter. These severe consequences of Fasaad are because it harms others, disrupts social order, and spreads mischief on earth, thus, violating the Islamic principles and earning the displeasure of Allah Almighty. In Surah Al-Maidah, verse 33, Allah says, “Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and spread mischief in the land is death, crucifixion, cutting off their hands and feet on opposite sides, or exile from the land. This (penalty) is a disgrace for them in this world, and they will suffer a tremendous punishment in the Hereafter.” This verse clearly teaches Muslims to take strict actions in this world against those who spread Fasaad, and they would also face the wrath of Allah in the Hereafter. Hence, the outcome of Fasaad is severe punishment in both worlds.
The possibility of practical application of the Quranic concept of Jihad in the current international scenario
The possibility of the practical application of the Quranic concept of Jihad in the current international scenario is discussed below.
- Jihad to end foreign oppression
First, the primary meaning of Jihad in the Holy Quran is the struggle to defend oneself and one’s community against aggression and oppression, as mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 193, “Fight them until there is no more persecution…” In the current international scenario, this concept of Jihad could be applied in situations where a community or a nation is suffering from foreign persecution. Israel’s genocide against Palestinians is the most pertinent illustration of how the Quranic concept of Jihad as self-defense can be applied practically. The Human Rights Watch’s World Report, 2025, reveals, “The Israeli military has killed, wounded, starved, and forcibly displaced Palestinian civilians in Gaza in 2024, massively destroying houses, hospitals, etc., and depriving them of food, water, medicines, etc.” This data clearly demonstrates the misery and brutality inflicted by Israel on innocent Palestinian civilians. Hence, the Quranic concept of Jihad as self-defense can be applied to the Israeli oppression against Palestinian Muslims.
- Jihad to advocate social justice and human rights
Second, the Quranic concept of Jihad also includes a struggle aimed at advocating social justice and human rights, as mentioned in Surah An-Nisa, verse 135, “O believers! Stand firm for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it is against yourselves, your parents, your kin, or the rich or the poor…” This verse explicitly describes that Muslims must struggle to seek social justice and human rights in society. In the current international scenario, this concept of Jihad could be applied in situations where a community or a nation is suffering from gross injustices and human rights violations. And Afghanistan is the epitome of this, where the Taliban regime has been inflicting injustices on women and depriving them of their basic rights since 2021. “The Taliban government has banned girls’ secondary education, restricted their employment, enforced male chaperones for traveling, curbed their access to healthcare, and prohibited family planning,” as per the Human Rights Watch Report, 2024. All these measures are inevitably against the teachings of Islam, unleashing injustices on them. Thus, the Quranic concept of Jihad as a means of advocating social justice and human rights can be applied to Afghanistan against the injustices and denial of basic rights wrought by the Taliban regime.
- Jihad to counter terrorism
Third, another feature of the Quranic concept of Jihad involves a struggle to counter-terrorism, thereby, safeguarding human lives and maintaining peace in society. In Surah Al-Maidah, verse 32, Allah says, “Whoever kills an innocent person—unless as a punishment for murder or corruption on land—it is as if he has killed all of humanity. And whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all of humanity.” In the current international scenario, this concept of Jihad could be applied to countries ravaged by terrorism. According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI), 2024, the top ten countries most affected by terrorism are Burkina Faso, Mali, Pakistan, Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, and others. The report undeniably suggests that these top ten countries have accounted for 87% of total terrorism-related deaths worldwide. Hence, the Quranic concept of Jihad to counter-terrorism could be applied in Burkina Faso, Mali, Pakistan, Syria, and all other countries being devastated by terrorism to save innocent lives.
- Jihad to combat Islamophobia
Fourth, the Quranic concept of Jihad also encourages believers to spread the teachings of Islam through peaceful means. In Surah An-Nahl, verse 125, Allah says, “Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and kind advice, and only debate with them in the best manner.” This verse depicts the peaceful means of Jihad. In the current international scenario, this Quranic concept of Jihad can be applied to countries in which Islamophobia and misinformation regarding Islam have risen. As per the Pew Research Center, Austria has seen a recent rise in Islamophobia in 2024, with 71% of Muslims targeted, followed by Germany and Finland. The evidence depicts that religious intolerance and racism have increased exponentially in the West. Therefore, it has become the responsibility of Muslims to conduct Jihad by promoting a peaceful and nuanced understanding of Islam in these countries. Hence, the Quranic concept of Jihad can be applied in Austria, Germany, Finland, and all other countries where Islamophobia is on the rise.
Critical Analysis
In a critical diagnosis, the concept of Jihad has been severely misinterpreted in the contemporary era. It is unfortunately linked with terrorism and extremism. Basically, the oppressors, like India and Israel, have covered up their persecution and genocidal acts by painting their opponents as Islamic freedom fighters. Moreover, some extremist groups have also distorted the concept of Jihad to justify their political gains, such as maintaining authoritarian rule, suppressing dissent, etc. Apart from this, the pursuit of political and economic interests, such as diplomatic relations, fear of sanctions, foreign aid, trade, etc., has led Muslim countries to compromise Jihad principles, leaving oppressed Muslim brothers, especially Palestinians and Uyghur Muslims, helpless. On that account, it is high time the Muslim world took concrete steps to address and clarify the misconceptions about Jihad through education, debates, seminars, and cultural exchange.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Jihad and Fasaad are entirely distinct concepts, having significant differences between them. The first one lies in their objectives: Jihad aims to defend Islam, Muslims, and innocent people from oppression and to establish justice and peace, whereas Fasaad intends to spread corruption and chaos, driven by personal gains or malicious intentions. The second feature that differentiates them clearly is their means of conduct. Jihad can be waged through various means, including struggle through warfare, inner temptation, pen, tongue, hand, etc. Contrary to it, Fasaad involves violent or destructive means, such as terrorism, social chaos, or corruption on earth. The third difference is in targets. Jihad targets only those who oppress, persecute, or attack Muslims or innocent people. Conversely, Fasaad targets everybody indiscriminately, including civilians, women, children, and even other Muslims. As far as the possibility of the application of the Quranic concept of Jihad in the current scenario is concerned, it can be applied internationally to end foreign oppression, like that of Israel, to advocate social justice and human rights, especially for Afghan women, to counter-terrorism, and to combat Islamophobia across the world. Thus, there are lots of possibilities for the practical application of the Quranic concept of Jihad in the current international scenario.
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