Will someone familiar with doctrine explain greater and lesser jihad?

Question

I know that jihad means to strive against, to struggle with and not "Holy War". I'm interested in learning about the doctrine as it's practiced, not propogandized. I've recently read that jihad of the heart, mind, and tongue are the lesser and jihad of the sword is the greater. At first I thought "lesser" and "greater" were a value judgement, as in, "not as good" and "better", but after thinking about it, I don't think that's actually the case, or isn't the only case. In what context is the "greater" and "lesser" thing used? What, do the average Muslim take this to mean as applied to the practice of living?

Please don't quote Wikipedia, I've read it. If you can bring relevant Koran quotations, that would be helpful.

Answer 1

You have got it the wrong way around. The greater Jihad is to strive and battle yourself against it's own desires and whims.
The lesser and easier jihad is the physical fighting in the battlefield.

What is Jihad?:

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-AAbout_Islam/AskAboutIslamE/AskAboutIslamE&cid=1123996015820

Answer 2

Greater jihad: fighting those who want to wipe Islam out. This took place when Mohammed (pbuh) was spreading the word. Infidels wanted to kill him and keep the idols as their god. They waged war, so God ordered Mohammed to fight back. Mohammed would never have started it without an order, he cannot have Muslims lives on his conscience.
Lesser jihad: no fighting involved. When you have a ruler who has left the right path (a corrupt Muslim) do not pledge alliance to him, this is hypocrisy, God hate hypocrites. In general, when you see a violation of Islamic rules, a person selling alcohol, a cheating trader….try to talk them out of it or get a group to bring them back to righteousness.
As a Muslim, I wish this is applied to our Islamic community, to live in a pure corrupt-free society. I am merely answering the last part in the question, although there is a big sigh.

Answer 3

this will help you.
http://www.islamworld.net/jihad.html