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Lesser Jihad

Introduction

Jihad, or "holy war", though a new concept to the western world has a long-standing

tradition in Arabia predating the foundation of Islam as a religion but incorporated into it

as a primary tenet of the religion. The concept served a legitimate purpose in the

Jahiliyya period of Arabic history and perhaps even in Muhammad's time, but has

become a dangerous force in the present day world, presenting an increasing threat to the

developed world just as national animosities are cooling down among the larger powers.

Definition

The term jihad stems from the root J.H.D. meaning to strive, exert oneself, or take

extraordinary pains (R. Firestone, p. 16). Considered a sixth pillar of Islam, jihad

actually takes two forms within Islam, lesser jihad and greater jihad. Greater jihad refers

to a personal struggle within oneself, a struggle to remain pure of heart, to attempt to

keep one's base instincts at......

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Approximate Word Count: 3179
Approximate Pages: 13 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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