The Event of Karbala: Jihad or a Battle?

Question

Should the event that took place at Karbala be called jihad, or merely a battle?

Answer

Generally, the term jihad applies where there is a confrontation between kufr and Islam and the aim, too, is the exaltation of the Word of Allah (i‘la’ kalimat Allah); where this is absent, it is [merely] armed conflict (muharaba).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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