Jihad

The Arabic word for “striving” or “struggle.” Jihad is a complex concept in Islam that is often associated with armed struggle against the enemies of Islam. But this limited definition refers to one aspect of jihad only—that known as “lesser jihad,” or an external struggle to defend Islam, promote justice and social well-being, and spread the religion. “Greater jihad,” the ongoing internal struggle to live a pure and noble life according to Islamic principles, has more importance. In this sense, armed struggle or “holy war,” as jihad is often mistranslated, is but one facet of a much larger philosophy of Islam. Contrary to misrepresentations of the term, in Islam, jihad is more accurately defined as an individual effort that is inwardly peaceful and spiritual.