Abstract

The present study analyzes the meaning of the concept of jihad in the Qur’an, the main foundational text of Islam, and its treatment of violence and war. The study emphasizes the need to understand the foundational texts considered sacred, taking into account the historical context in which they arose, and concludes that the quranic rules on jihad and war participate in a religious-inspired humanitarianism that differs fully from the practices of jihadist terrorism. _Received_: 11 June 2018 _Accepted_: 15 September 2018 _Published online_: 11 December 2018.