The word jihad simply means ‘to try’. A Beirut academic Yusuf Ibish explains two types of jihad based on the Qur’an: greater and lesser jihad. He explains,
The greater jihad is fighting one’s animal tendencies. It is internal than external: striving in the path of God to overcome one’s animal side. Man shares with animals certain characteristics which, if let lose, make him a very dangerous beast. To bring these passion under control, that is what jihad means. The lesser jihad- fighting on behalf of the community, in its defense – is a duty incumbent on a Muslim provided he is attacked [1]
The greater jihad is fighting one’s animal tendencies. It is internal than external: striving in the path of God to overcome one’s animal side. Man shares with animals certain characteristics which, if let lose, make him a very dangerous beast. To bring these passion under control, that is what jihad means. The lesser jihad- fighting on behalf of the community, in its defense – is a duty incumbent on a Muslim provided he is attacked [1]