The Meaning of Jihad

While Jihad does refer to the individual's struggle with personal sin, Jihad also refers to Muslims waging literal war with the enemies of Muhammad and the Muslim community.

The Muslim calendar begins with the establishment of Islam as a political force in Medina in A.D. 622, not with the birth of Muhammad, the revelation of the Quran, or even Muhammad's preaching in Mecca.

Within 100 years of the death of Muhammad, Islam had conquered much of the old Roman Empire, including most of the Middle East and North Africa. It had also conquered Spain and parts of modern France.