Is Jihad defined incorrectly in Webster's dictionary?

Question

Muslims objected strongly to others defining Jihad as being a holy war when asked in other questions on this blog. However, indeed one of the two definitions of Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition defines Jihad as a 'holy war waged on behalf of Islam as a religious duty'. Is the dictionary wrong in it's definition or are we being duped when it is explained as being something else?

Answer 1

The dictionary definition isn't entirely wrong but it's not entierly right either.

Jihad is a struggle or a striving - not necessarily a holy war although this is a type of Jihad. It could for example, be a struggle for a moral goal or to acheive perfect faith.

There's a whole range of definitions here... http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=define%3Ajihad&meta=

Answer 2

I think the point is that it's misleading. It's the usage of the word 'war'. As far as I know - I'm not Muslim - there are several types of Jihad, and only one - which is confusing and difficult to interpret - suggests actually taking up arms. To a Muslim, 'jihad' as a concept usually refers to an 'internal' war within yourself - it's about fighting the bad thoughts in your head, so to speak.

I think it's fair to say that Merriam Webster's dictionary is commenting on the main usage of 'jihad' as it's entered the English language - which is what a dictionary is meant to do of course, but again it is rather misleading.

Answer 3

Do not take dictionaries for gospel. They are full of prejudices and mala fides. Example: "Allah" in some dictionaries is defined as the god of Moslems (sic) not God in Arabic, although the fact that Arab Christians call God "Allah" is common knowledge.

Jihad means strife, a constant effort to achieve some high goal. But it can also mean armed struggle, the mobilization of the nation for war against aggressors or for expansion if you are in a position of strength.

Answer 4

Yes, it is wrong to show the half picture. But the truth is that "JIHAD" is an Arabic word meaning to strive for getting some thing. That may be getting success in your examination, getting success in winning a foot ball match, wining a war, wining a Nobel prize, getting rid from tyrenny or striving to getting rid from your personel internal/external bad habits/thoughts etc. Fighting against terrorisom is also a jehad. Fighting against operession & hunger and fighting for right of self determination/ freedom is also a jehad. But in all above said matters the goal shall not be against the WILL of GOD almighty.

Answer 5

According to the wiki article, which they can help edit for accuracy, being a holy war is just part of what Jihad encompasses...it can also be an internal spiritual struggle.

Answer 6

According to a friend of mine who is fluent in Arabic, 'jihad' only means "war."

Example: In English 'war' means war even when you qualify it with the modifier 'holy.' War still means "war."

H

Answer 7

The observe "concept" confuses the priority because of the fact we are speaking approximately faith, so that is deceptive human beings into thinking that atheists have self belief something. that is surely in basic terms the different of concept. An atheist is one that denies the life of a deity/deities and does no longer worship any deity. because I surely have considered yet another fallacious opinion approximately atheists, if I had my druthers i might additionally upload to the definition above, "...and that denial includes each and all of the secondary characters linked with that deity". reason: some non secular human beings immediately make a silly bounce and mistakenly think of that if atheists deny God they could worship devil. i don't comprehend any atheist who worships something, no longer to point a mythological being believers made up.

Answer 8

ji-had also je-had (ji-had)n. 1. A Muslim holy war or spiritual struggle against infidels. 2. A crusade or struggle: "The war against smoking is turning into a jihad against people who smoke" (Fortune).