What Is Jihad?

As long as Islamic History goes back, the concept of Jihad has been criticized and misinterpreted to paint Muslims as inherently violent people. From the times of the crusades to the Age of Terror, Jihad has often been defined as "Holy War" by both extremist and the western media. As soon as people hear the word Jihad they are usually overcome with fear and the first thing that comes to mind is Osama Bin Laden or Isis. Apart from Jihad being coined as “Holy War” by extremist, what would the average Muslim interpret Jihad as? For most, if not all mainstream Muslims, Jihad literally translates to struggle. This concept goes back to the very beginning of Islam where the Prophet Muhammad taught his followers that participating in Jihad means that you are striving to overcome a struggle. This concept of “Struggle” is split into two categories. The greater Jihad, which addresses your own personal battles (abstaining from sin, trying to make ends meet, Etc.) or the lesser Jihad, where one would be required to do all that is in their power to eradicate injustice wherever they may see it. For me, Jihad is an internal struggle. I try my best to be a good person and to right my wrongs, as I get older I appreciate the fact that my religion addresses the fact that I will struggle in life and there will be moments where I want to give up but if I persevere it will make my life a more meaningful experience for myself and those around me.

Via google.com

What is Jihad?