I was told that, while "jihad" IS the term used for a militaristic holy war is not RESTRICTED to that meaning. According to what I was taught (in general religious studies classes, not an Arabic language class) it also has the sense of any sort of struggle. Thus a spiritual struggle within the individual soul might be termed a "jihad."
This is an interesting comparison: both words carry a deeper meaning, beyond their more common definitions. In Greek, "ἀγών" refers to a contest or struggle, but not just physical competitions but also moral and spiritual. This is the reason why it is the root of "agony," the intense struggle. And, "jihad" in Arabic carries a dual meaning. While it can refer to a militaristic effort, it also signifies any form of striving or exerting effort, particularly in a spiritual or moral context. So, I guess in a way, both "ἀγών" and "jihad" express the dual nature of struggle – external conflicts and internal battles. I agree that, connections like this, highlight the universal nature of human experiences and the diverse ways cultures express these concepts. Thank you Justin!
Interesting. It sounds similar to the definitions I've heard Arabic-speakers give of the word jihad.
Really? What have you heard?
I was told that, while "jihad" IS the term used for a militaristic holy war is not RESTRICTED to that meaning. According to what I was taught (in general religious studies classes, not an Arabic language class) it also has the sense of any sort of struggle. Thus a spiritual struggle within the individual soul might be termed a "jihad."
This is an interesting comparison: both words carry a deeper meaning, beyond their more common definitions. In Greek, "ἀγών" refers to a contest or struggle, but not just physical competitions but also moral and spiritual. This is the reason why it is the root of "agony," the intense struggle. And, "jihad" in Arabic carries a dual meaning. While it can refer to a militaristic effort, it also signifies any form of striving or exerting effort, particularly in a spiritual or moral context. So, I guess in a way, both "ἀγών" and "jihad" express the dual nature of struggle – external conflicts and internal battles. I agree that, connections like this, highlight the universal nature of human experiences and the diverse ways cultures express these concepts. Thank you Justin!