The document discusses the meaning of the term "jihad" from an Islamic perspective. It explains that jihad essentially means "struggle" and can refer to two types of struggles: the "greater jihad" which is the internal struggle of the soul against sin and evil inclinations; and the "lesser jihad" which is the external, physical struggle to defend one's faith, life, family or community against oppression. The "greater jihad" is considered more difficult as it is a battle that takes place within one's self.

1. Jihad What does it all mean?

2. Recap last day… There are different people who are telling us different things about what Muslims believe. Some people are even saying opposites! So we decided that we need to look at more information - to avoid being prejudiced.

3. Jihad A lot of the disagreements all come down to the way different people understand this small word. So we’re going to look at what it means. Actually two meanings…

4. First things first… Think of things that you ‘struggle with’. Discuss in groups. Q1: ‘In my life I struggle with…’ ‘I struggle with this because…’

5. What does it really mean when we say ‘I struggle with…’? I struggle with the war in Iraq. I know that it is incredibly hard to justify killing innocent civilians. If the world was perfect it would not happen. So I should be writing letters and emails and protesting.

6. What does it really mean when we say ‘I struggle with…’? What about “I struggle with not talking about people behind their backs.” I know it’s not right to do it. If the world was perfect it wouldn’t happen. It’s really difficult not to, so I have to try really hard.

7. What does it really mean when we say ‘I struggle with…’? What about “I struggle with my weight.” I know I should lose some weight to be more healthy. If I was perfect I would not eat too much and do lots of exercise. But the cake in the fridge is just so tempting!

8. So struggling… Have an idea of how things should be. Trying really hard to make things be like that. Are there different types of struggles? This is Jihad. It means struggle.

9. Jihad Jihad is an Arabic word. Q2: What does Jihad mean in English?

10. Q2: “ Jihad is an Arabic word. In English, Jihad means…”

11. Outer struggle… Do you ever have struggles with other people? When you have to stick up for someone whose getting bullied or picked on? Muslims call this the “Lesser Jihad.”

12. Inner struggle… Do you ever have struggles inside you? When you know you shouldn’t laugh at someone but you really want to? Muslims call this the “Greater Jihad.”

13. Why that way round? Has anyone ever told you that you are your own worst enemy? Why do you think the internal battle is described as ‘Greater”? Discuss. Q3: What are ‘greater’ and ‘lesser’ Jihad?

14. Q3 What are ‘greater’ and ‘lesser’ Jihad? “ Greater Jihad is like the struggle… And lesser Jihad is like the struggle… I think it is this way round because…

15. The Lesser Jihad Next day. When is it right to go to war? Is it ever okay to kill innocent people? Who was telling the truth about Islam?

16. When is it okay to hit somebody? Never? Or is it maybe okay sometimes?? How do you decide?