Fight to restore peace against self is called `Jihad’, (misinterpreted by media as aggression) an Arabic word derived from ‘Jahadoon’ meaning to strive or struggle. For instance, “Whoever strives hard does so for his own soul”(29:6) and further on, “Those who strive hard in our cause”, the Quran says, “We shall certainly guide them onto paths that lead unto Us: for, behold, God is indeed with the doers of good.”(29:69) According to the Prophet, “cleanliness, prayers, and worshipping of God with perseverance, is your Jihad in God’s cause ” and, “One who strives for the widows and the poor”, the Prophet said, “is like one who struggles in the way of God”.
Quranic view of Jihad against others is clearly expressed in 25:52 “strive hard against them, by means of this [i.e., the Quran], with utmost striving”, and the way to do it is expressed in 4:63 “speak to them a word to reach their very soul”. Quran does propose a peaceful and positive change. For that it appeals to the intellect of man. There are more than seven hundred verses inviting man to think and ponder , many more than verses for does and don’ts.
For maintaining peace with others, however, even if one has to fight for defense against any aggressor, Islam gives permission to do so -- “permission to fight is given”, the Quran says, “to those against whom war is being wrongfully waged” (22:39). It constitutes the earliest (and therefore fundamental) Quranic reference to fight, undoubtedly for self defense. This rule of defensive character of a fight has been maintained throughout the Quran as the only possible justification of war: “Thus, if anyone commits aggression against you,” Quran makes it explicit in 2:194 “attack him just as he has attacked you – but remain conscious of God,” i.e., when fighting for your defense, abstain from all atrocities, including the killing of non-combatants.
