Lesser Jihad - GCSE Religious Studies Definition

Lesser Jihad, in the context of GCSE Religious Studies, refers to the external part of the Islamic concept of Jihad, which means 'struggle' or 'striving'. It is often interpreted as the physical struggle to defend Islam and the Muslim community against oppression or injustice. Lesser Jihad involves actions that may include military efforts, but only under strict conditions, such as when it is a last resort, declared by a legitimate authority, and conducted in a way that minimizes harm to civilians and aims for peace. It is important to understand that Lesser Jihad is distinct from Greater Jihad, which focuses on the internal, personal struggle to live a virtuous life in accordance with Islamic principles.