Jihad is an Arabic word meaning struggle, striving or effort. It is often translated in English newspapers as "holy war", but that is a narrow and often misleading translation.

The Prophet Muhammad taught that there are two kinds of jihad. After returning from a battle he is reported to have said: "We have returned from the lesser jihad to the greater jihad" - meaning the inner struggle.

The Greater Jihad

The greater jihad (jihad al-akbar) is the inner struggle to live as a good Muslim. It includes:

Resisting temptation and selfish desires.
Controlling anger and pride.
Practising the Five Pillars sincerely.
Showing kindness and patience.

For most Muslims, this is the meaning of jihad they experience every day.

The Lesser Jihad

The lesser jihad (jihad al-asghar) is fighting to defend Islam, Muslim lands, or Muslim communities under attack. The Qur'an sets strict rules:

It must be in self-defence, not for conquest or revenge.
Civilians, women, children, the elderly, and even crops and animals must not be harmed.
It must be declared by proper religious leaders, not by individuals.
Peace must be made as soon as the enemy stops fighting.

Misuse of the Word

Extremist groups use the word "jihad" to justify violence that breaks every one of these rules. Mainstream Muslim scholars say such acts are not real jihad at all - they are terrorism, and they are condemned in Islam.

Y9 Islam

Jihad - the Greater and Lesser Struggle