If there is one word in Islam that has been consistently misunderstood, it’s undoubtedly “Jihad”. For many outside the Muslim world, and even within it, the term often brings to mind images of war, violence, or extremism. But is it really what Jihad means?

The answer is a gentle but firm no. In Islam, Jihad is not a call to chaos but a call to strive, grow, and do better. Ultimately, it’s a deeply personal, often quite a struggle that every human being faces in their own way.

Jihad Simply Means to Strive

The Arabic word Jihad literally means “to struggle” or “to strive”. It’s not a synonym for war or aggression, and it was never meant to be a tool for harm.

Jihad can be:

• A student staying focused in a world of distractions
• A worker standing firm against dishonesty in the office
• A teenager choosing to be kind when peers pressure them otherwise
• A parent raising children with love, patience, and Islamic values
• A person fighting their own ego or addiction in silence

None of these involve conflict, but all of them involve effort, and that is the heart of Jihad.

The Greater Jihad: The Battle Within

One of the most powerful teachings of Islam comes from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). After returning from a defensive battle, he told his companions:

“We are returning from the lesser Jihad to the greater Jihad.”

They were confused — wasn’t war the greater test? He clarified: the greater Jihad is the struggle against the self.

This includes:

• Resisting temptation
• Letting go of grudges
• Controlling anger
• Staying patient when life gets hard
• Remaining hopeful in times of despair

Jihad is a struggle that happens in silence, while no one may see it, but Allah does — and He rewards it.

The Lesser Jihad

Islam does allow for a lesser form of Jihad, and that is physical struggle, but only in rare cases of legitimate self-defense or to protect those being oppressed. Even then, the rules are strict:

• No harm to non-combatants
• No destruction of homes, crops, or places of worship
• No compulsion in religion
• Mercy must always guide intention

It is the last resort, not the mission of Islam. Sadly, extremist groups have abused this term for political gain, acting in ways that Islam clearly forbids. This misuse has done more harm to Islam than any outside force ever could.

What the Quran Teaches About Jihad

The Quran frequently speaks of striving in the way of Allah, not just through defense, but through worship, truth, and justice:

“Strive for the cause of Allah with the striving due to Him.” (Quran 22:78)

“There is no compulsion in religion.” (Quran 2:256)

It also reminds us:

“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done regularly, even if small.” (Hadith – Sahih Bukhari)

This is Jihad too — the small, consistent efforts to live well and do right.

Everyday Jihad: The Struggle to Do Good

In today’s world, being a good Muslim often means navigating stress, confusion, and social pressure while staying true to your values. That includes:

• Speaking the truth even when it’s uncomfortable
• Practicing patience in traffic, queues, or online arguments
• Treating neighbors kindly, regardless of their religion or background
• Choosing compassion over cruelty, even when hurt

These are not dramatic acts, but they are real Jihad.

Why the Misconception Took Hold

So why do so many people still think Jihad means violence? This is due to some factors, like the extremist groups that have abused the term for political agendas. Global media also plays a role by often equating “Jihad” with terrorism. Moreover, some Muslims misunderstand it too, due to a lack of knowledge. However, just because a word is misused doesn’t mean it should be feared. It should be reclaimed and redefined with clarity and truth.

True Jihad is rooted in sincerity and service, and not rage or revenge. There are numerous examples of Jihad, including a doctor working long hours to help the sick, a teacher nurturing young minds with care, and a young adult refusing to follow trends that hurt their soul.

It’s Time to Reclaim the Word

Jihad is not a war cry, a political slogan, or a threat. It’s a call to become a better human being, to stand for good, resist evil, and uplift the world around you by starting with yourself.

It’s time we reclaim the meaning of Jihad, not only for the world but for our own hearts, because at its core, Jihad is love in action.