Is Islamic jihad any different from the violence of the Bible?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Muslims teach that jihad, the Arabic term for struggle and often defined as holy war, is an important part of their faith. In fact, death as a martyr in jihad is the one way the Qur'an teaches a Muslim can be guaranteed a place in paradise: "Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur'an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? then rejoice in the bargain which ye have concluded: that is the achievement supreme" (Surah 9:111).

The Bible, however, does not teach that spreading faith requires violence. While the Old Testament records wars and judgments at specific times for Israel, these were limited to particular historical contexts and not a universal command and certainly not to share the faith (Deuteronomy 7:1–2; Joshua 6:1–21). In the New Testament, Jesus came to serve and save through love, humility, and sacrifice, calling His followers to share the gospel peacefully (Matthew 28:18–20; John 13:12–15; Romans 12:19). Unlike jihad, Christianity emphasizes faith, grace, and the transformation of hearts rather than conquest or coercion.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Bible, especially the Old Testament, records much violence, but several important distinctions stand out. First, much of the military violence described was recorded as historical fact rather than as a direct command from God (1 Samuel 17:1–51; 2 Samuel 11:1–27). In other words, many battles and acts of war are documented as events that occurred, not necessarily as instructions from the Lord.
• God’s commands to Israel to destroy certain enemies were limited to specific times and places (Deuteronomy 7:1–2; Joshua 6:1–21). God used Israel to carry out judgment on peoples who had persistently rejected Him, but this was never intended to be a universal or ongoing model for warfare in other contexts. These commands were unique to Israel’s covenantal history and should be understood within that particular historical and theological framework.
• The violence in the Old Testament was not seen as a way to spread the Jewish faith (and the New Testament nowhere promotes violence as a means of spreading Christianity). In contrast, Islam has historically used jihad to spread its faith to new lands. Though accusations are made in this regard with the Crusades in the Middle Ages, these battles do not represent an accurate application of the teachings of the Bible.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Both the Qur'an and the Bible record many accounts of military violence. Yet many differences can be found in their accounts. Islam fundamentally and historically includes holy war as a means of spreading its faith. Christianity uses a spread of the teachings of Jesus as its means of growth (Matthew 28:18-20).
• Jesus came with a message of peace. He did not promote violence. His followers did not begin a holy war; they shared the message of the resurrected Jesus and started churches. In fact, the apostle Paul taught, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God" (Romans 12:19). Though the Bible may permit self-defense or the protection of those in harm, the New Testament's teachings do not teach the spread of Christianity by violence.
• Jesus, the founder of Christianity, did not come in violence. Instead, He served others, teaching humility and love, ultimately giving His life on the cross for the salvation of humanity (Matthew 20:28; John 13:12–15; Philippians 2:5–8). In contrast, Muhammad, the founder of Islam, promoted militant jihad as a means of spreading the Muslim faith. Both religions have grown significantly since their founding, yet Christianity has spread primarily as a message of peace, offering salvation through faith in Christ alone (John 14:6; Romans 10:9–10), while Islam has often expanded through direct military campaigns and political conquest.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

When we compare Islamic jihad with the violence recorded in the Bible, a striking contrast emerges: jihad is used as a tool to expand faith through warfare, while the Bible consistently calls God’s people to share His truth peacefully. Even though the Old Testament records wars, these were specific acts of judgment in history, not a model for spreading God’s covenant. We are called to be God’s ambassadors, pleading with people to be reconciled to God. Our call is not to force our faith on people but to boldly live out our faith and point people to the One who offers salvation to all who trust in Him. Christianity grows through relationship, teaching, and witness, not conquest or coercion. Salvation does not come by the sword.

Our influence comes not from arguments or pressure, forcing people to understand that they have wrong beliefs, but from consistently showing Christ’s character in our interactions. Even when we share the gospel or challenge beliefs, we are called to do so in a way that reflects Christ. That’s why Scripture calls us to speak the truth in love, seasoned with grace, living out what we proclaim. At times this is difficult, but when we realize that God is at work pursuing people and opening their eyes to believe, we don’t have to feel the pressure of bringing people to salvation as much as living out the truth of our salvation, telling people the truth but in a way that reflects the heart of Christ rather than the force of our own will. True influence happens when our words and actions point others to Jesus, leaving the results in God’s hands.

UNDERSTAND

• Islamic jihad historically uses violence to expand faith.
• The Bible does not command spreading faith through violence.
• Christianity does not grow through coercion.

REFLECT

• How do you live out your faith in ways that reflect Christ’s love rather than trying to pressure others into belief?
• When you face disagreement or opposition about your faith, how can you respond in a way that models Christ’s character?
• In what areas of your life do you rely on force, argument, or control rather than trusting God to influence others through your faithful example?

ENGAGE

• How does jihad differ from violence recorded in the Bible?
• In what practical ways can we share our faith so our influence is relational rather than coercive?
• How does leaving the results of sharing the gospel in God’s hands encourage us to share the faith with others?