It is only through struggle and hardships that character is developed. Jihad means controlling ones lower, animalistic base desires (the ‘nafs’) and thereby unveiling the true inner spirit of compassion, mercy , love , selflessness and kindness for all humanity. The true test of one’s character comes when a victim does not take revenge when in a position of strength. For example, Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years. When victory came to him, he could have extracted revenge , and few people would have blamed him. However , he showed true character and a strong will – he controlled his desire for revenge – by controlling his desire for revenge , Mandela performed Jihad. The Prophet Mohamed (Peace Be Upon Him) was persecuted and forced to flee from the land of his birth
