Jehad

Jehad, also spelled Jihad, is an Arabic word meaning "struggle" or "striving." In Islam, it is a broad concept that encompasses a wide range of efforts by Muslims and Islamic communities to live their faith and uphold God's will. The term is often translated as "holy war," but this is a narrow and sometimes misleading interpretation.

The most common understanding of jehad involves an internal, spiritual struggle to be a better Muslim, to resist evil, and to live according to Islamic principles. This is often referred to as the "greater jehad." There is also the concept of the "lesser jehad," which refers to the external struggle, which can include defending the Muslim community or faith through armed conflict. However, Islamic jurisprudence places strict conditions on the use of force, emphasizing it must be defensive, just, and conducted with ethical considerations.

The concept of jehad has been interpreted and applied in various ways throughout Islamic history and by different groups. While some extremist factions have used the term to justify violence and terrorism, mainstream Islamic scholarship and the vast majority of Muslims understand jehad in its broader, more spiritual sense or as a defensive struggle undertaken under specific, justifiable circumstances. The context and intent behind any action claimed as jehad are crucial for its proper understanding.