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16.49 What is Jihad, Internal Struggle for Self Betterment or
War on the Infidel?
A web page that was posted by American Islamic Outreach defines says:
So, what does jihad mean at its core? In Arabic, the word jihad comes from the root word jahada, which means “to strive” or “to struggle.” This definition sets the foundation for understanding jihad in Islam, not as violent conflict, but as a struggle for righteousness.
Islamic scholar and Kuwaiti Muslim Brotherhood leader Dr. Tareq Al-Suwaidan does not agree with this definition. He was interviewed in the August 15, 2025 episode of The Thinking Muslim podcast. In the podcast, he argues that Jihad is about making war.
Robert Spencer wrote a book titled The History of Jihad: From Muhammad to ISIS https://www.amazon.com/History-Jihad-Muhammad-ISIS/dp/1682616592 Islamic history makes it very clear that Jihad is about making war.
