What I’m talking about here is known as “Greater Jihad” vs. “Lesser Jihad.” The Lesser is the version of the word we normally see on the news. Greater Jihad consists of personal struggle in one’s daily life. The term jihad actually means ‘struggle’ and it is how one interprets that word which defines what is considered to be jihad.
There is a group in Chicago working to spread awareness that jihad need not be a violent movement centered on killing ‘enemies of Islam.’ In fact, the group called “My Jihad” has begun advertising on Chicago busses and billboards showing male and females American Muslims talking about their personal jihad or struggle. These struggles include getting better grades in school, losing weight, and taking care of elderly parents… anything but violent images… in fact for some their personal jihad is to spread the word about peaceful jihad.
Critics of the group My Jihad say that violent jihad is a powerful movement with over 300 years of bloody history, and that even if the Koran intended it as a personal, peaceful struggle, the reality is that many Muslims in the world commit acts of mass violence in the name of jihad. These critics are fearful that peaceful images of personal jihad will disarm American to the reality of national and international jihadi terrorism.
Thoughts?
A word of caution for those of you seeking to comment on this blog: There is a fine line between discussion, criticism, and racism.