This study shows what Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi's influence has been and how it can be explained. To assess al-Maqdisi's influence and why he has been so influential, it is obviously necessary to determine what al-Maqdisi's ideology is. Although this study focuses on one Jihadi-Salafi ideologue in particular, it is important not to deal with al-Maqdisi's ideas in isolation but in the context of Islamic thought on the issue that distinguishes Jihadi-Salafis from others: their specific views on jihad. This chapter therefore concentrates on al-Maqdisi's radical views on jihad and how he differs from more traditional beliefs and the ideas of other ideologues on this issue. This is not to suggest that the following is an exhaustive account of the ideas on jihad as expressed throughout history. That would go beyond the scope of this study. My objective here is rather to explain and contextualise al-Maqdisi's views on jihad by looking at its origins in early Islam and how it was subsequently (re)formulated by certain prominent ideologues and scholars. Therefore, although there are more sides to jihad than those mentioned here, such as the spoils of war or martyrdom, only those aspects relevant for a discussion of al-Maqdisi's views will be dealt with.