For Americans: what does the term "Jihad" means for you most likely? From which source you heard about it?

Question

Jihad means:
1. inward spiritual struggle to attain perfect faith
2. holy war (Crusaders' term...)
3. ..?

Do you have Muslim background, if the answer is No 1?

Answer 1

It is Islamic Fundamentalists using barbaric tactics to exact war on all other religions, assuring theirs is the only one left standing.

Answer 2

It refers to #1 (jnner struggle) in Islam, but is mostly used in the form of #2 (holy war). Muslims themselves interpret the term differently based on their level of fundamentalism. In this, it is very much the same as the term 'evangelism' which refers to an 'inner spiritual stuggle' and leads to conversion to the Christian faith, but was applied by some through a bloody "Crusade to bring people to Christ".

Interestingly enough, the USA may indeed be having a jihad (holy war) against 'the axis of evil' if the same thought process and principles are applied - on the other end. Fundamentalism looks the same everywhere and is often a distortion of the original intention of words and practices.

And since my answer was #1 and you asked: No I am not a Muslim or have a background in Islam. I have majored in Religious Studies, which helps with taking off my own religious glasses when looking at other religions.

Answer 3

Jihad, sometimes spelled Jahad, Jehad, Jihaad or Djehad, (Arabic: جهاد‎ ǧihād) is an Islamic term, from the Arabic root ǧhd ("to exert utmost effort, to strive, struggle"), which connotes a wide range of meanings: anything from an inward spiritual struggle to attain perfect faith to a political or military struggle to further the Islamic cause. Individuals involved in the political or military forms of jihad are often labeled with the neologism "jihadist".

The term "jihad" is often simplistically reduced in western languages and non-Islamic cultures as generally "holy war", however "Jihad" does not mean "holy war." This "physical" struggle, which encompasses religion, only makes up part of the broader meaning of the concept of jihad. (The term 'holy war' was coined by the Christian Crusaders who fought the Muslims for control of the Holy Land.) The denotation is of a struggle, challenge, difficulty or (frequently) opposed effort, made either in accomplishment or as resistance. A person who engages in any form of jihad can be called a mujahid (in plural: mujahidin) (Arabic: striver, struggler), a term even more often applied to groups who practice armed struggle in the name of Islam by Islamic fundamentalists and non-muslims. Such a person might engage in fighting as a military struggle for religious reasons, or for example, struggle to memorize the Qur'an. Jihad has a negative connotation and reputation in much of the West, on par with the reaction to the Christian term crusade in much of the Islamic world.

Answer 4

Jihad, sometimes spelled Jahad, Jehad, Jihaad or Djehad, (Arabic: جهاد‎ ǧihād) is an Islamic term, from the Arabic root ǧhd ("to exert utmost effort, to strive, struggle"), which connotes a wide range of meanings: anything from an inward spiritual struggle to attain perfect faith to a political or military struggle to further the Islamic cause. Individuals involved in the political or military forms of jihad are often labeled with the neologism "jihadist".

The term "jihad" is often simplistically reduced in western languages and non-Islamic cultures as generally "holy war", but this "physical" struggle, which encompasses religion, only makes up part of the broader meaning of the concept of jihad. (The term 'holy war' was coined by the Christian Crusaders who fought the Muslims for control of the Holy Land.) The denotation is of a struggle, challenge, difficulty or (frequently) opposed effort, made either in accomplishment or as resistance. A person who engages in any form of jihad can be called a mujahid (in plural: mujahidin) (Arabic: striver, struggler), a term even more often applied to groups who practice armed struggle in the name of Islam by Islamic fundamentalists and non-muslims. Such a person might engage in fighting as a military struggle for religious reasons, or for example, struggle to memorize the Qur'an. Jihad has a negative connotation and reputation in much of the West, on par with the reaction to the Christian term crusade in much of the Islamic world.

Answer 5

"Jihad, sometimes spelled Jahad, Jehad, Jihaad or Djehad, (Arabic: جهاد‎ ǧihād) is an Islamic term, from the Arabic root ǧhd ("to exert utmost effort, to strive, struggle"), which connotes a wide range of meanings: anything from an inward spiritual struggle to attain perfect faith to a political or military struggle to further the Islamic cause. Individuals involved in the political or military forms of jihad are often labeled with the neologism "jihadist"."

So, that means that #1 can be #2. My understanding is #2.

Answer 6

Salam (Peace)!
The true meaning for the word Jihad is "Struggle". Struggle in many ways. It's basically a personal struggle. Struggle to do good and forbid evil. Struggle to avoid the glitters of this world and focus on the truth. Struggle to become closer to Allah (God). Struggle to become a better Muslim, etc. The second meaning would be the word "media" use which is a 'holy war' which works like this. Anytime a nation in which Muslims belong is attacked by its enemies, all Muslims are suppose to stand together and fight against that enemy. All Muslims are brothers and sisters in Islam. They are like a body that if one part of the body gets hurt, the rest of it also hurts. So the war is against those who attack Muslims.
Negative ways Jihad is being implemented is:
-Killing innocent.
-terrorism.
-blowing up self.
-etc.
If you want to study the read jihad, study it from the Islamic perspective, not the western, non-Muslim media.
And if you do study from islamic perspective, you will learn that our Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) taught us that the greater Jihad is the 'inner struggle'.
I hope this answers well, inshallah (GOD WILLING).
Take Care!
Salam!

Answer 7

Most of us Americans don't know that "jihad" means "personal struggle." Like, you could have a Jihad against smoking.

Of course, "crusade" is an equally misunderstood term. Yah, you've got "the Crusades" from the middle ages, but you could have a crusade against illiteracy too.

Answer 8

Well considering a inward spiritual struggle to attain perfect faith has nothing to do with blowing up women and children I would have to say #2

Answer 9

Jihad is struggle for a righteous life. In Islam there is no difference on the basis of cast,creed or color.
At initial stage there was no regular army. Therefore, participating in self defense was compulsory. During fighting there were strict instructions to follow rules (some thing like Geneva convention with some exceptions according to traditions). After introduction of hereditary rules ,interest of rulers prevailed over religion.
Present situation is due to occupation of Muslim territories b y force, presence of foreign troops in Muslim countries and most important factor is that after withdrawn of Russian troops no attention was paid to heel the after effects of war .A portion of population has to leave the country and to live in sub human conditions in neighboring countries. Muslims are main victims. They have the right to live in their ancestral land with honor and dignity.

Answer 10

Jihad to me is an excuse used by the War Freak Muslim People (I am nort saying all muslim people are war aroused.) we have trigger happy christians by the buch as well.


Jihad to me is an excuse to wage war at something that is not of Muslim faith. That's it.

Though I cannot blame the mideast since we have been sticking out american noses into their business lately. Oil Business that is.

Answer 11

I think it means to struggle on behalf of god. And that can mean anything in daily life that you struggle with to stay with in the laws of Muslim faith.

The word has been hijacked, certainly by American media, government to further their own ends, and to perpetuate this myth of a war against western culture and religion. As far as I understand it. The Muslim religion is one of peace and understanding.