jihad
UK[dʒɪˈhɑːd]US[dʒɪˈhɑːd]
n
A struggle or effort by Muslims to defend or spread their faith, which can be an internal spiritual struggle or an external physical one.
n
A holy war fought by Muslims against those seen as enemies of Islam.
Etymology
The word 'jihad' is a direct borrowing from Arabic جِهَاد (jihād), which means 'struggle' or 'striving'. It derives from the Arabic root j-h-d, carrying the core sense of 'exerting effort' or 'striving'. In Islamic theology, this concept evolved to encompass the dual meaning of the greater jihad (the internal, spiritual struggle for self-improvement and faith) and the lesser jihad (the external, physical struggle in defense of the Muslim community). The term entered European languages in the 19th century through colonial and academic discourse, where its meaning in English became increasingly narrowed and associated primarily with the concept of armed conflict.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword from Arabic. It is not productively segmented using English morphemes.
Examples
For many believers, the daily practice of faith and overcoming personal faults is considered the true jihad.
The historical text described the military campaign as a jihad against the invading forces.
Scholars emphasize the importance of understanding the term's broader spiritual meaning, beyond its popular association with holy war.