Comment by Andrew_nenakhov
5 years ago
When people risk being killed during a jihad, it kinda implies that a text does not refer to a greater jihad aimed at improving one's soul.
5 years ago
When people risk being killed during a jihad, it kinda implies that a text does not refer to a greater jihad aimed at improving one's soul.
Right, which is why "improving one's soul" isn't the only meaning of jihad. This is pointed out in the article I linked.
> The word jihad comes from the Arabic jahada, which is perhaps best translated as "struggle," "effort," or "striving."
This can also be verified with a dictionary or encyclopedia.
> Jihad is an Arabic word which literally means striving or struggling, especially with a praiseworthy aim.
> Jihad, also spelled jehad, in Islam, a meritorious struggle or effort. The exact meaning of the term jihād depends on context; it has often been erroneously translated in the West as “holy war.” Jihad, particularly in the religious and ethical realm, primarily refers to the human struggle to promote what is right and to prevent what is wrong
We can twist the word to focus on violence to accommodate some political objective, but that wouldn't be accurate.