jihad
Jihad (noun) means In Islam, a struggle or striving — either an inner spiritual effort toward self-improvement, or, in some contexts, armed struggle in defense of the faith. Example: “Many scholars describe jihad primarily as an internal struggle against one's own bad habits.”
How to use jihad
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn Arabic word meaning "struggle," used in Islam for both spiritual self-discipline and, in some cases, armed conflict.
The word is often reduced in English media to mean only violent conflict, which flattens its broader religious meaning of personal striving.
Word forms
jihaded past tense, jihads plural, jihads singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Many scholars describe _____ primarily as an internal struggle against one's own bad habits.
Etymology
Borrowed from Arabic jihād, meaning "struggle" or "effort."
Synonyms
View more →Frequently asked questions
What does “jihad” mean?
The word “jihad” means in Islam, a struggle or striving — either an inner spiritual effort toward self-improvement, or, in some contexts, armed struggle in defense of the faith. In plain terms, an Arabic word meaning "struggle," used in Islam for both spiritual self-discipline and, in some cases, armed conflict.
How do you pronounce “jihad”?
“Jihad” is pronounced jih-HAD (/d͡ʒɪˈhæd/ in IPA).
How do you use “jihad” in a sentence?
Here is “jihad” used in a sentence: “Many scholars describe jihad primarily as an internal struggle against one's own bad habits.”
What part of speech is “jihad”?
“Jihad” is a noun.
Where does the word “jihad” come from?
The word “jihad” comes from Arabic. Borrowed from Arabic jihād, meaning "struggle" or "effort.".
Is “jihad” a common word?
“Jihad” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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