To explain Islam to people.

The Islamic idea of jihad, which is derived from the Arabic root meaning "to strive" or "to make an effort," connotes a wide range of meanings, from an inward spiritual struggle to attain perfect faith to an outward material struggle to promote justice and the Islamic social system. During the period of Qur'anic revelation while Muhammad was in Mecca (610-622), jihad meant essentially a nonviolent struggle to spread Islam. Following his move from Mecca to Medina in 622, and the establishment of an Islamic state, fighting in self-defense was sanctioned by the Qur'an (22:39). The Qur'an began referring increasingly to qital (fighting or warfare) as one form of jihad. Two of the last verses on this topic (9:5, 29) suggest a war of conquest or conversion against all unbelievers. *Encyclopedia of Politics and Religion, ed. Robert Wuthnow. 2 vols. (Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly, Inc., 1998), 425-426.

A useful comparison is the use of the word "crusade" in English. Although the Crusades were a brutal holy war against Muslims in the 11th to 15th centuries AD, it is commonly used today as a striving for moral goodness: a crusade against drugs, or a crusade against corruption. Similarly, although the word "jihad" originally had the meaning of a "holy war", most modern muslims use the word as a modern English speaker uses "crusade". The current breed of Islamic fundamentalists, like Osama bin Laden, use "jihad" in terms of its archaic, medieval meaning of "holy war".

A "jihad" is literally a "struggle." Perhaps one could also use the word "quest". Muslims speak of a greater jihad and a lesser jihad. The greater jihad is a personal struggle or quest to always act according to the ideals of Islam. It refers to monitoring one's personal behavior and habits, displaying the moderation and tolerance advocated by Islam, etc. This is the more important jihad. Lesser jihad is a quest to encourage the ideals of Islam outside of one's own self. This can involve raising awareness about Islam, defending it against any attack or threat (incidentally I think Osama bin Laden is as much of a threat to proper Islam as certain Western leaders I could name), encouraging non-Muslims to learn about Islam or eventually to accept it as their own, and advocating Muslim values and beliefs in society. Here is where the misconception arises. At times, especially in the Middle Ages, this advocacy has involved warfare (think of the Christian Crusades and the Spanish Inquisition as well though) but that is not an essential part of all jihad. The problem is that everyone has different interpretations, especially now that many Muslims live in non-Muslim Western countries where the laws are not based on Islam and we have to figure out how to reconcile two systems. Part of my lesser jihad is monitoring the "Islam" section of Answerbag, to make sure you all receive correct information. Another example would be voting against practices such as abortion or same-sex marriage, with which I disagree on religious principles, although I recognize the importance of democracy and the fact that I can't implement my own policies if a majority of people vote otherwise. Extremists like the Taliban or al-Qaeda would have strikingly different interpretations. Fox News, I have noticed, prefers to play up theirs. :)

To put it simply the word "Jihad", in the most basic sense, amounts to the belief that a person/peoples has the right to protect/defend [by force if necessary] himself/herself from "attack". The points of contention regarding the meaning of this word center around what constitutes an "attack" and to what measures can a person/peoples go before they are no longer simply "protecting" and/or "defending". Thanks a lot. Great question.

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 religion in the face of oppression and persecution. Jihad is often mistakenly described as "holy war." Explore what the true meaning of Jihad is, a constant struggle to preserve one's faith and defend the rights to freedom of worship. The Arabic word comes from the root jahada, meaning to strive or endeavor to do something. For mainstream Muslims it can mean struggling to lead a virtuous life. It is about intent. Read here to find out how the term Jihad is routinely taken out of context. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/specialreports/jihad/s_84619.html Peace/Salam

jihad means to struggle to find the truth. ever wondered what we are here for? what do we want? like what were the MATIX movies about? what does God want? well jihad is what you do to figure that out. what am i here for and stuff like that. now the devils always upfront to blind your eyes and all, so you know when the going gets tough the tough gets the going. so there comes in the war. but jihad had not got something related to war alone. We see nowdays in the movies that guys with beards and turbans and AK 47s say "im gonna put a jihad on you @#$%!" but that's just crap. WITH JIHAD, YOU FIND THE REALITY THAT BINDS US ALL... "ALLAH"

If you want fully detailed meaning of Jihad, please follow the link below. http://islamqa.com/index.php?ref=20214&ln=eng&txt=jihad

Jihad essentially means holy war. There are two forms, internal struggle against sin, and the external struggle for Allah (which is the source for the acts of terrorism such as 911). There are five principles to the external Jihad. No offensive violence to advance Islam. Islam is advanced by appeal and persuasion. Violence. is justified in direct defense. Violence is just in indirect defense. Violence is just to regain Islamic lands. The USA stands against Islamic attempts to regain Jerusalem, so according to the fourth and fifth principle of Jihad, 911, and any other acts of terroism against the USA or anyone that sides with them, are justifed.

"Crusades were a brutal holy war against Muslims in the 11th to 15th centuries AD" The crusades were a belated response to centuries of islamic conquest of christians lands dont try to make it out as an unprovoked attack on the poor innocent muslims it was nothing such. Suggested reading material "The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and The Crusades)" by Robert Spencer.

"a holy war waged by Muslims against infidels" Thank you google!

"Jihad" is often meant to be a 'religious struggle' based upon religious reasons. In fact, though, jihād is just an Arabic noun meaning "struggle." For more information on jihad, go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jihad

Holy War by the terrorist,(that would be the enemy) who have sworn war to either their death or our death to us,(that would be US) because we are infidels and as such it is their duty to kill all of us in the name and glory of Allah But don't worry. Obama is going to make them love us and everything will be fine.

JIHAD IS AN OLD RELEGION NAME SAYED FOR THOSE WHO WAS BADLY TREATED AND KILLED THERE CHILD AND WIFE JUST BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE IN PROPHET MOHAMED (SALA ALLAH ALYHI WASSALAM)AND SAID GOD IS ONE SO THEY ASK GOD TO PERMET THEM TO KILLE BACK AND GIVE A FEEDBACK TO ALL WHO DID BAD TO THEM SO GOD SAY YES AND CALLED (AL JIHAD) IT S NOT WHT THEY R TRYING TO EXPLANE NOW IT HAS NO RELATION BY RASISTE OR NATIONALITY JUST WHO DID WRONG GET FEEDBACK JUST ALL NO MORE LIKE SOME 1 KILLE FOR U THE 1 U LOVE SO U JIHAD OF HIM IT MEANS U MAKE HIM PAY FOR IT

http://www.alislam.org/terrorism.html this is a comprehensive view of what Jihad is

Striving in the cause of Allah.