Definition

1. Noun:
   • A holy war waged by Muslims against infidels: "International jihad" refers to a concept of a religiously mandated struggle or war, perceived to be on a global scale, undertaken by Muslims against those considered non-believers or enemies of the faith.

Usage

• The term is used in geopolitical, religious, and security discourses to describe a form of militant religious ideology that advocates for transnational armed conflict.
• It typically appears in academic analyses, news reports, and policy discussions concerning extremist movements.

Examples

• The security report analyzed the threat posed by groups calling for an international jihad.
• Scholars debate the historical and theological interpretations of the concept of international jihad.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used analytically to describe the operational ideology of certain extremist organizations, distinguishing it from broader, non-violent spiritual meanings of "jihad."
• It can be part of compound noun phrases in analytical contexts, e.g., "the ideology of international jihad."

Variants and Related Words

• Jihad (noun): A broader term meaning struggle or striving, which can refer to an internal spiritual struggle, a struggle for moral improvement, or an armed struggle in defense of the faith.
• Jihadist (noun/adjective): A person who engages in or advocates for jihad, often specifically in its militant sense.

Synonyms

• Global holy war: A direct descriptive synonym.
• Transnational jihad: A near-synonym emphasizing the cross-border nature.

Notes on Meaning

• It is crucial to distinguish this specific, militant usage of "international jihad" from the wider, multifaceted concept of "jihad" in Islamic theology, which primarily denotes a personal spiritual struggle.
• The term is highly charged and context-specific, primarily used in discussions of modern extremism rather than general religious practice.

Noun

1. a holy war waged by Muslims against infidels