Last updated: April 23, 2026
By Alex Walter, Research Associate at WACCE
Today, the term “jihadism” is often associated with terrorism. However, this interpretation is misleading.
The proper Arabic terminology for terrorism is neither jihad nor jihadism. It is irhāb. Yet this word (irhab) is relatively unfamiliar to many outside Arabic-speaking contexts. Part of this misinterpretation arises from the coinage and widespread use of the term “jihadism” by Western media and scholars, as well as from extremist organizations that strategically manipulate the meaning of jihad to gain prominence and goodwill. In reality, jihad is a complex and spiritual concept which has been frequently misrepresented as referring to a violent struggle against non-believers.
Both Western narratives and extremist interpretations have contributed to this distortion for their own purposes. The danger is that the continued misuse of “jihadism” has consequences. It alienates some Muslim communities and allies, who view it as conflating a deeply nuanced and sacred concept with acts of terrorism. Further, it leaves many non-Muslims with the mistaken belief that jihad inherently involves violence, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and obscuring its broader meaning.
This short explainer by Alex Walter aims to clarify the true meanings and dispel common misconceptions.
What does jihad mean?
The word jihad comes from the Arabic root “jahada” meaning “to strive” or “to struggle.” Within the Islamic tradition, the word “jihad” carries two primary meanings. The first, jihād al-nafs or the “greater jihad”, refers to the personal internal struggle of self-improvement in the cause of God. It is the ongoing effort to strengthen one’s faith and resist temptation. The second, jihād al-sayf or the “lesser jihad,” refers to armed struggle, but traditionally only in self-defence or to protect the community. Importantly, the parameters for warfare are extremely high and always within ethical limits, such as avoiding harm to civilians, women, children, trees, among others. Jihād al-sayf cannot be undertaken unilaterally as it requires a fatwa, a formal ruling from a recognized religious authority. This ensures any armed struggle is grounded in legitimate religious reasoning, not personal or political motivation.
Origins & Historical Context:
The concept and practice of jihad has played such a central role in Islam that it is sometimes referred to as the Sixth Pillar of Islam due to its ethical and communal significance. At its core, it refers to the obligation of Muslims to live a good moral life, following God’s guidance and supporting the Islamic community through teaching, service, moral example and preaching.
During Prophet Muhammad’s time in Mecca, jihad focused on patience and internal spiritual struggle (jihād al-nafs). Later in Medina, it also included physical combat (jihād al-sayf) in defence of the Ummah (Muslim community). The Quran emphasises that any fighting should always be defensive, fair, proportionate, with a strong preference for peace and protection of non-combatants. Over the centuries, jihad was interpreted in a variety of ways, with classical scholars clearly distinguishing between the inward struggle of greater jihad and the outward one of lesser jihad.
From Jihad to Jihadism:
In the modern era, the term jihad has been politicised and militarised by militant groups to justify violence, giving rise to the term “jihadism.” This phenomenon emerged in the late 20th century, shaped by ideological writings and political conflicts. By presenting violent acts as a divine obligation, extremist groups attempt to legitimise actions that are widely considered unlawful or immoral, portraying themselves as defenders of Islam against perceived enemies. This framing is designed to attract followers by giving a religious justification for acts of violence. In doing so, militants exploit both a familiarity with the term and broader misconceptions about Islam.
Western actors also distort jihad for a combination of reasons, including political agendas, the need for a simplistic narrative around terrorism and to reinforce Western stereotypes about an inherent violence in Islam. Media outlets and politicians coined the term jihadism and often use it to focus on sensationalist narratives that overlook the multiple peaceful meanings of jihad. Particularly after 9/11, the term has become a touchpoint for Islamophobic rhetoric.
Key Takeaways:
Today, the word jihad is often linked in global media to terrorism and political violence, overshadowing its original ethical and spiritual meanings. This deep association has shaped stereotypes of Islam worldwide and alienated Muslim communities, including those who have hoped to join counter-terrorism efforts as well. Ultimately it is important to remember that non-violent interpretations of jihad, such as education and personal moral growth, continue to exist and reflect the broader ethical meaning of the term.
These misrepresentations are precisely why we at the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE) do not use the term “jihadist groups” to describe extremist organisations. Language shapes perception and we are committed to terminology that is responsible and does not conflate a sacred concept with acts of terror.
