Islamic Jihad

Okay, so everyone's familiar with the term. Jihad, the "holy war" fought by the Muslims against the Infidels, or the "people of no faith." The term has currently been applied to anything from an Iraqi blowing himself up in a car bomb to a group of terrorists flying planes into buildings. Is this really what a "jihad" is?Well...of course not.The actual term "jihad" literally translated from Arabic, means "struggle." It could be better applied to an act of spiritual struggle, one of faith. For example, one struggling to memorize the Qu'ran, or trying to push all earthly desires from his/her system. Either of these examples could be acceptable for context.This is often called the "greater Jihad," because it involves one's soul. Since this is the most important to the faith, this one should be the most important to a Muslim.However, there is a "lesser Jihad," which is usually applied to the physical struggle, such as a battle or a fight. The problem, you see, is that this Jihad was never intended to be an aggressive approach to the struggle. This was intended to be merely defensive. Since the word "Islam" literally means "peace," one is not pushed to combat with others, merely defend one's beliefs.Such crude misunderstandings of these terms have bred many more misguided souls, both Muslim and not, into hatred and bigotry.These literalist interpretations have brought violence to both "sides" of the "conflict" and continue to antagonize the situation to this day. Can anyone tell me, whether you agree with the methods or not, why there are bombs set off everyday in opposition to the United States' military in Iraq?It's not because people don't want freedom in their country. They just don't want the "infidels" to give it to them. Any violence at all directed towards any Muslim is considered an act of "jihad," and therefore seems to encourage more senseless violence.There has to be an end to war, particularly this one. But the end has to come from the aggressors, not those looking for stabilization. There will be no end, however, if views are not changed. There has to be a more moderate view on these teachings and those in the important positions (like the clerics and the politicians) need to direct that change.There must be a Jihad. And it must take place within one's self - to search for peace, and put away bigotry and violence.