Jihad

Jihad is an Islamic principle that literally translates to "striving" or "struggle." It appears frequently in the Quran, typically in reference to the idiomatic expression "striving in the way of Allah."BBC: Jihad The most common interpretation is that the struggle described by Jihad is to improve one's self and society. This is commonly referred to as the "greater Jihad" by Muslims. The "lesser Jihad" describes armed combat or war in the name of God, a "holy war," which is the only form of fighting permissible in Islam.TIME Magazine: Faith and Submission (April 16, 1979) Islamic militants use "Jihad" as a call for Muslims to fight against non-Muslims.ReligiousTolerance.org: The Concept of Jihad (Struggle in Islam)

Some Muslims have referred to Jihad as the "sixth pillar of Islam," though this is not common among the Islamic faith. Jihad plays a more significant role in Shia Islam, particularly Twelver Shi'ism, which includes the concept as one of the ten key practices of Islam. The exact implications of the term are widely debated.TIME Magazine: Faith and Submission (April 16, 1979)

"Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors."Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 190ReligiousTolerance.org: The Concept of Jihad (Struggle in Islam)

The term Jihad has for distinct and important connotations in Islam. The First is commonly referred to as "Jihad of the heart" and is concerned with combating evil within one's self. The second connotation is "Jihad of the tongue" which calls for the speaking of truth and the spread of the word of Islam. The final connotation, "Jihad of the sword," is the most commonly referenced meaning today and evokes the right of Muslims to go to war if, and only if, the word or will of God undeniably compels them to.TIME Magazine: Islam's Idea of "Holy War"