Jihad The translation of the Arabic word "Jihad" has been distorted and twisted to such an extent , that it no longer gives meaning to the original term. The word "jihad" means "striving ; exerting oneself in any endeavour; going the extra mile; endurance in the face of obstacles." For example , a student who is studying for his exams , is performing Jihad , because he is striving to succeed in his/her studies. A business owner who is striving to make a success of his business is performing Jihad. A husband who is trying to save his marriage , is performing Jihad because he is striving in the face of obstacles to make a success of his marriage. The Prophet Mohamed (Peace Be Upon Him) stated that the highest Jihad is against oneself . By this he meant that the best Jihad is controlling ones own desires , controlling ones emotions of anger , jealousy , hatred and revenge. To do this , is not easy – that is why it is a Jihad. It is a struggle. It means developing a strong will power and disciplining the mind and the body for a more noble cause and effort.
