Explain the original meaning of Jihad and the current use of jihad in terms of a "holy war"

Question

The concept of this word has changed over the years. Even today the meanings of modern words change (Example: Sick can mean to be unhealthy or to be cool). Provide other examples of words that have had their meanings change.

What will be an ideal response

Answer 1

From an Islamic perspective, the term "jihad" is derived from the Qur'an. The word represents an internal struggle to overcome adversity and difficulty in submitting to the will of
God. The greater jihad characterizes a spiritual front over one's own ego and the destructive
emotions often associated with malice, hate, envy, and pride that prevent man from
attaining perfection; the lesser jihad is much more material and consists of acts of mercy
and faith that are designed to help others. The Western perspective of "jihad" is based on
a Middle Eastern perversion of the word meaning "holy war," and is often associated with
violent actions and attacks by Islamic radicals and terrorists as exemplified by Usama bin
Laden and al-Qaeda .

Examples in the changing of meaning in more recent words will vary, but should allow the student to see logical connections on how these shifts can happen and to what extent these changes can have on society.