1. a spiritual struggle within oneself against sin
Usage: Islamic religious context
2. a holy war waged on behalf of Islam as a religious duty
Usage: Islamic religious context
3. a crusade for a principle or belief
Usage: extended use

Examples

• The imam spoke about jihad as an internal battle against one’s own weaknesses.
• Many scholars emphasize that the greater jihad is the struggle against personal sin.
• The concept of jihad has been interpreted differently throughout Islamic history.
• She launched a personal jihad against corruption in local government.
• The activist described his environmental work as a jihad for the planet.
• Religious leaders stressed that true jihad begins with self-improvement.