Where does the word "jihad" come from?

Question

I did not find it in one version of the Koran.

Is it a transcription into the Western or Latin alphabet?

Answer 1

Jihad, sometimes spelled Jahad, Jehad, Jihaad, Djehad or Cihad, (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. Individuals involved in the political or military forms of jihad are often labeled with the neologism "jihadist" or "jihadi".

The term "jihad" is often used to describe purely physical and military "religious war", through physical struggle. Some Muslim scholars say that this only makes up part of the broader meaning of the concept of jihad. 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). 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 gained a negative connotation and reputation in much of the West because of its usage by various groups classified by the United States of America as terrorist organizations as part of its War on terror. The Jihad had a reputation for this at the time.

more at link below.....

Answer 2

hey sweety, I think that is very wise of you unlike others, to actually refer to the Koran :-) Jihad means struggle. There are many different struggles; contrary to Western belief the highest forms of Jihad are conquest of ones soul (poetic heheh), the Jihad of the pen (basically pen is stronger than the sword) and the Jihad of speaking truth to a tyrannical leader. Yes, of course there is the physical Jihad, which if justified is also a good deed. If you need further clarification feel free to ask. God bless.

Answer 3

It is Arabic word, that means "striving in the way of God." This striving can take a number of forms, including the daily inner struggle to be a better person. However, jihad is often used to refer to an armed struggle fought in defense of Islam.

Here is the first verse that was revealed about Jihad, more verses in the link [see below]

The Noble Qur'an 2:190-193

190. And fight in the Way of Allâh those who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Truly, Allâh likes not the transgressors. [This Verse is the first one that was revealed in connection with Jihâd, but it was supplemented by another

191. And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah is worse than killing. And fight not with them at Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (the sanctuary at Makkah), unless they (first) fight you there. But if they attack you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers.

192. But if they cease, then Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

193. And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and worshipping of others along with Allâh) and (all and every kind of) worship is for Allâh (Alone). But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against Az-Zâlimûn (the polytheists, and wrong-doers, etc.)

Answer 4

It's 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. Individuals involved in the political or military forms of jihad are often labeled with the neologism "jihadist" or "jihadi". The term "jihad" is often used to describe purely physical and military "religious war", through physical struggle.

Answer 5

its an arabic word.

Jihad, literaly means to strive, or exert effort. nothign more nothing less.

In the Quran it was used in the three different contexts,

1) inner jihad- basically means struggle to do good or not to whats wrong, "struggle not to have sex before marriage."

2) social jihad- strving for truth, justice, goodness and charity, "Its our jihad to help the poor, and throw the bad in jail"

3) is in the context of the battlefield- meaning specifically only to fight to defendd yourself from other peoples aggression or to resist severe oppression. no verse in the quran permits fighting for your faith, ethnicity or nationality,


so you can see how terrorist use this word but inapporiatly and are doing wrong. in my opinion, they've lost the right to call themselves muslims, but still do.

Answer 6

The Koran.

Answer 7

As a Muslim, there is no word "Jihad" in the Holy Quran. It means to strive oneself to God's way through the holy teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and many previous teachings like Jesus (PBUH) and so on. Jihad has 2 meanings.

1. Holy War

2. War against your ego and to find your path with Allah (SWT)\

Peace....

Answer 8

"Al-Hajj Talib 'Abdur-Rashid, imam of the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood in Harlem, says the word jihad has its origin in the verb jahada which means to struggle, to fight. The word has a few different connotations, since struggle can occur on several levels." --Beliefnet.com

Apparently it's in Chapter 2, Verse 190. Didn't say which Sura (unless by "chapter" they mean Sura).

Just remember: the Greater Jihad is the inner struggle w/your own desires to sin.

Answer 9

JahIhadit

Answer 10

"JIHAD" IS AN ARABIC WORD WHICH MEANS HOLY WAR...in which women, children and old ones are respected...AND not being involved