Jihad - GCSE Religious Studies Definition

Jihad is an important concept in Islam that is often misunderstood. It means "struggle" or "striving" and is usually seen as a personal journey to improve oneself, both spiritually and morally. There are two main types of Jihad: the greater Jihad and the lesser Jihad. The greater Jihad is the inner struggle every Muslim faces to live a good life, including following the teachings of Islam, showing self-discipline, and helping others. The lesser Jihad refers to the physical struggle to protect the Muslim community, but it does not mean harming others without just cause. It is important to remember that Jihad is mostly about making oneself and the world a better place through peace and good actions.