Who knows what the REAL definition of "jihad" is?

Question

I just learned what it is in class, but I would like to see what you all think. Please do this without looking it up. I would like to know what you all think right off hand.

I will add the official explanation of my class lecture (which is based out of two different textbooks) in 15 minutes.

Wow. Really good answers from Will and haterhater, who have hit the nail on the head. I guess I'll add my stuff now:
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Jihad, commonly mistranslated as "holy war," is better translated as "struggle." There are two types of jihad, greater and lesser jihad. Greater jihad is an internal struggle with oneself between truth and falsehood; right and wrong; and selflessness and selfishness. Lesser jihad is known as fighting fort the Muslim faith (as haterhater pointed out), but this is defensive fight, as many Muslim scholars point out.

Answer 1

Jihad in arabic literally means struggle. In Islam, there are two types of jihad, lesser and greater jihad. The Prophet explained that the greater jihad is the internal struggle, the struggle to stay true to the path of Islam, doing the right thing, etc., while the lesser jihad is fighting in a war. This war can be justified for defensive means only, or for retribution if a group desecrated the holiness of Islam. It is compulsory for every abled, physically fit and matured Muslim men to fight in this Jihad. The lesser jihad has moral codes. One must not kill the enemy in any place of worship, such as churches, temples, synagogues, etc, one must not harm women or children who do not represent any threat in the Jihad and the army is allowed to capture prisoners of war and the leader can free the prisoners of war. Islam does not justify killing civillians in jihad. As a matter of fact, during the seige of Mecca, the army of Islam did not face any retaliation and the Muslim army did not cause any bloodshed. The Prophet himself forgave the Meccans; who previously insulted him, starved him and Muslims, exiled him and his family, killed Muslims, and attempted to assasinate him; and the Prophet let them free.

The jihad of Osama is not recognised by the majority of 1.2 billion Muslims, since he is neither a leader, a mujtaheed, nor an ulama (islamic scholar).

Answer 2

Jihad, in True Islam, means Struggle, this struggle involves everything a Muslim do to get to the Paradise (Jannah), An Alm is considered as Jihad, If a Muslim wish to do Something bad and he stops it, he have also done a Jihad (because he has fought Satan).

In many occasions, Jihad can be considered as a Struggle to Defend one's own Family, Territory, and Religion. Like what is happening in Palastine now, any moment of death by the Palastinians done in the intention to stop the occupation of Palastine by Israel is considered as Religious and Territorial Defense, so it is considered also as Struggle.

When many people gathered in order to Defend the Religion of Islam and or their Territory, it is also considered as Struggle.

The term "Holy War" is used in order to backlash Islamic Morals and in some cases beliefs, because, there are even some Muslims that also consider "Jihad" as a holy war, and this is Wrong!

Answer 3

Jihad means "struggle."

That _can_ mean an internal struggle, a battle with one's own will. Certain apologists for Islam (I'm thinking of Karen Armstrong here) like to amplify that latter interpretation, and certainly some moderate Islamic practitioners do see it that way.

However, Jihad can and unequivocally has meant external struggle - yes, war. And the Quran itself directly refers to the conditions under which such a war may be waged. Jihad can - and in certain contexts very much does - refer to violent conflict with non-muslims. And this is not necessarily a defensive struggle - besmirching the religion itself, for instance, is considered a justifiable non-defensive cause.

Answer 4

there are several meanings to the word jihad, but basically it is a personal struggle. While many Muslims feel the struggle they have is holy war, that is not necessarily true. It is more like an inner struggle and each feels that the inner struggle is the jihad. Their own inner struggle can turn into whatever they feel their "Allah" is telling them. Unfortunately, many mess up and do what is wrong and not true Jihad

Answer 5

Jihad is to strive

A lesser Jihad is a physical struggle

A greater Jihad is a struggle within ones self

Answer 6

Jihad is an Arabic word. A NOUN.

It can be translated as "the fight and/or struggle that must be carried out simply for gaining God's consent"

This term is used for Muslims as a means of justification of their fight and/or struggle.

Of course a Muslim wouldn't tell it this way.

(Heathens make wars and spill blood because they are greeedy and evil... but Muslims make wars and spill blood for the sake of their religion and to earn God's consent --> So what they do is JIHAD, not a dirty war. See the point in their logic?)

Answer 7

The actual definition of Jihad is; Holy War

Answer 8

Jihad means fighting for religion or holy war. In English it is called
Crusade.

Answer 9

Jihad is a holy war against infidels, fought by muslims on behalf of Islam.

Answer 10

jihad means Holy war. It is specifically towards Christians and Jews. Muslims know this and teach this. Sura 5:51 teaches that Muslims are not to be friends with Jews and Christians since they were to be condemned, and Mohammed and followers were the ones to do it!