Jihad-lesser

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The Koran exempts the disabled and weak from jihad (Koran 4:95 and 9:91) which doesn't make sense if the word is being used to mean a spiritual struggle. Also, why would Mohammed use graphic language, such as smiting fingers and heads from the hands and necks of unbelievers (Koran 8:12) if he were speaking of mere character development?

That whole "greater/lesser jihad" lie is based on a single, weak hadith that Islamic scholars generally agree was [fabricated.](http://archive.is/Tvi9e) (A hadith is a record of the words and deeds of Mohammed; plural is *ahadith.*)

Ahadith are graded according to their authenticity. The most authentic ahadith are graded *sahih.*

The authority of the ahadith is second only to that of the Koran. One of the most reliable of all ahadith collections is Bukhari. Jihad is mentioned over fifty times in reference to the words of Mohammed, in verses graded *sahih*.

Each reference carries a clear connotation to physical war, with only a handful of possible exceptions (e.g., dealing with a woman's supporting role during a time of war, and a non-combatant's obligation to supply funding).

Both the Shias and the Sunnis regard jihad as physical warfare against unbelievers, and its funding. According to *Umdat as-Salik wa 'Uddat an-Nasik,* classical manual of Islamic jurisprudence:

"Jihad means to war against non-Muslims, and is etymologically derived from the word *mujahada* signifying warfare to establish the religion" (section o9.0).

The association of "jihad" with spiritual struggle in the modern discourse is a merely a rhetorical strategy to downplay the association of Islam with violence.