Jihad (/ dʒɪˈhɑːd /; Arabic: جِهَاد, romanized: jihād [dʒiˈhaːd]) is an Arabic word that means 'exerting', 'striving', or 'struggling', particularly with a praiseworthy aim. [1][2][3][4] In an Islamic context, it …

Jun 1, 2026 · Jihad, in Islam, a meritorious struggle or effort. Although in the West it is sometimes erroneously translated as ‘holy war’ and understood as referring exclusively to military combat, …

6 days ago · Learn what Jihad really means in Islam. Explore Quranic verses, types of jihad, and Islamic teachings that debunk violent misconceptions.

Nov 10, 2025 · Jihad in Islam is an obligatory duty upon every Muslim. It is divided into two categories: the greater Jihad, which involves self-purification and devotion to Allah, and the lesser Jihad, which …

Feb 7, 2019 · The word Jihad stems from the Arabic root word J-H-D, which means "strive." Other words derived from this root include "effort," "labor" and "fatigue." Essentially, Jihad is an effort to practice …

Jihadism is the ideology of modern, armed militant Islamic movements that seek to establish states based on Islamic principles. [1][2] In a narrower sense, it refers to the belief that armed confrontation …

Dec 11, 2014 · What does jihad mean? The word "jihad" is widely used, though often inaccurately, by Western politicians and media. In Arabic, the word means "effort" or "struggle".

May 17, 2026 · The meaning of JIHAD is a holy war waged on behalf of Islam as a religious duty; also : a personal struggle in devotion to Islam especially involving spiritual discipline.

Aug 3, 2009 · Introduction Jihad The literal meaning of Jihad is struggle or effort, and it means much more than holy war. Muslims use the word Jihad to describe three different kinds of struggle: A …

Oct 24, 2003 · "Jihad" is a loaded term—and a concept that illustrates a deep gulf of miscommunication between Islam and the West. We asked expert Maher Hathout, author of "Jihad vs. Terrorism," to …