what is a jihad

Jihad is an Arabic word that means "struggle" or "effort". It is a concept with multiple meanings, used and interpreted differently by different people and groups. In general, jihad refers to the obligation incumbent on all Muslims, individuals and the community, to follow and realize God’s will: to lead a virtuous life and to extend the Islamic community through preaching, education, example, writing, etc. . Jihad also includes the right, indeed the obligation, to defend Islam and the community from aggression. There are two broad meanings of jihad: non-violent and violent. The "Greater Jihad" is the struggle against the lower self – the struggle to purify one’s heart, do good, avoid evil and make oneself a better person. The "Lesser Jihad" is an outward struggle, which may involve fighting against oppressors and aggressors who commit injustice. It is not "holy war" in the way a crusade would be considered a holy war, and while Islam allows and even encourages proselytizing, it forbids forced conversion. Throughout Islamic history, wars against non-Muslims, even when motivated by political and secular concerns, were termed jihads to grant them religious legitimacy. The concept and practice of jihad have been critical in the history of Islam, and it is a complex set of doctrines and practices that have changed over time and continue to evolve today.