A Critical Exposition of the Popular 'Jihád'/Appendix A/2

[Sidenote: Classical meaning of Jihád, &c.]

2. The words "Jahada", and Jáhada signify that a person strove, laboured or toiled; exerted himself or his power, or efforts, or endeavours, or ability employed himself vigorously, diligently, studiously, sedulously, earnestly or with energy; was diligent or studious, took pains or extraordinary pains ; for example, the term Jáhada fil-amr signifies that a person did his utmost or used his utmost powers, or efforts, or endeavours, or ability in prosecuting an affair. The infinitive noun Jihádan also means difficulty or embarrassment, distress, affliction, trouble, inconvenience, fatigue, or weariness. Jauharce, a lexicologist of great repute, whose work is confined to classical terms and their significations, says in his Siháh that "Jáhada fi Sabeelillah" or Mojáhadatan and Jihádan and also "Ajtahada" and Tajáhada mean expending power and effort. Fayoomee, author of Misbahel Moneer, which contains a very large collection of classical words and phrases of frequent occurrence, also says that "Jáhada fi Sabeelillah Jihádan" and Ajtahada fil Amr mean he expended his utmost efforts and power in seeking to attain an object.