Describe the meaning of the term jihad and say how Muslims can practise jihad in their everyday lives.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2015). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. (a) Candidates may well give the meaning of the term jihad and go on to say that in religious terminology it means to struggle against ones evil inclinations and to exert in the way of Islam. They can go on to say what the different kinds of jihad are; jihad of the self (jihad bil-nafs), jihad of the tongue (jihad bil-lisan), jihad by the hand (jihad bil-yad), and jihad by the sword (jihad bis-saif). They need to go on to say how Muslims practice jihad in their everyday lives and here the answers could vary with some writing about how mostly it is jihad bil-nafs, which is practiced when Muslims fight their own inner selves to keep on the path of righteousness. Others could mention how Muslims in war-torn countries are fighting for their faith and a just government.
2. (b) An evaluative response is needed here as to why jihad of the self is considered the greater jihad and all valid responses should be credited.