Our spirits striving against the lower qualities of our ego is the great jihad of our life. The word jihad originates from the root word jahada, which means “to strive or struggle.”31 Based on narrations from the Prophet , Muslim scholars have broken down the concept of jihad into two parts: the lesser jihad and the greater jihad. The lesser or combative jihad is the act of fighting in defense for the freedom of religion, homeland, and basic human rights, while the greater or spiritual jihad is striving against one’s ego and lower desires. As the Qur’an says, “And why should you not fight in
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