"Jihad against the lower self and whims is the foundation of jihad against the unbelievers and hypocrites, for a Muslim cannot wage jihad against them unless he has waged jihad against himself and his desires first, before he goes out against them."

Jihad, in Islam, a meritorious struggle or effort. Although in the West it is sometimes erroneously translated as ‘holy war’ and understood as referring exclusively to military combat, Islamic texts yield a broader array of meanings connected to moral and ethical struggles.

Today, the word jihad is often used without religious connotations, like the English term crusade. The term "jihadism" has been in use since the 1990s, more widely in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in the United States. [42]

In this episode, we give an academic, historical overview of the concept of Jihad in Islam, dispelling some misconceptions and nuancing an otherwise thorny topic.

On his return from a battle, the Prophet said: "We are finished with the lesser jihad; now we are starting the greater jihad." He explained to his followers that fighting against an outer enemy is the lesser jihad and fighting against one's self is the greater jihad (holy war).

Jihad in Islam is an obligatory duty upon every Muslim. It is divided into two categories: the greater Jihad, which involves self-purification and devotion to Allah, and the lesser Jihad, which involves armed struggle only as a last resort against oppression and aggression.

Explore the true meaning of Jihad in Islam, revealing its context and significance in Quran and Hadith. Enhance your understanding today.

The term jihad is often rendered in English as "Holy War", although this translation is controversial. Today, the word jihad is often used without religious connotations, like the English crusade.

But jihad literally means "exerted effort" to most Islamic scholars and Muslims, and represents a range of activities.

The meaning of JIHAD is a holy war waged on behalf of Islam as a religious duty; also : a personal struggle in devotion to Islam especially involving spiritual discipline.