What is the primary linguistic meaning of the word Jihad in Arabic?

1. Holy War
2. To fight
3. To strive or struggle
4. To conquer

The Arabic root “j-h-d” means to strive or exert effort. While often mistranslated as “holy war,” its core meaning is a struggle, which can be spiritual, moral, or physical. This broader meaning is established in Islamic texts and scholarship. Therefore, “to strive or struggle” is the most accurate primary linguistic meaning.