The word "jihad" literally means to make the greatest effort. It is my impression that it gradually came to mean to make war; and this may even be a complete distortion and hijacking of the word's original intent (I'm interested in knowing if that is the case). As an Arabic word, it does not necessarily have any martial connection, as you will see from these examples of how Shoghi Effendi has translated the word jihad when it has been used in the Writings of Baha'u'llah and the Master: *Strive*, that ye may truly recognize and know Him, and observe befittingly His precepts. Gleanings p. 5 *Bend your energies* to whatever may foster the education of men. Gleanings p. 9 *arise to disseminate,* with the utmost wisdom, the verities of His Cause. Gleanings p. 14 With the utmost unity, and in a spirit of perfect fellowship, *exert yourselves*, that ye may be enabled to achieve that which beseemeth this Day of God. Gleanings p. 196 It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to *strive* to translate that which hath been written into reality and action. Gleanings p. 250 *Exert yourselves* that ye may attain this transcendent and most sublime station, the station that can ensure the protection and security of all mankind. Gleanings p. 288 It is the duty of every seeker to bestir himself and *strive* to attain the shores of this ocean, Gleanings p. 326 Verily I say, the world is like the vapor in a desert, which the thirsty dreameth to be water and *striveth after it with all his might*, until when he cometh unto it, he findeth it to be mere illusion. Gleanings 328 *Gird up the loins of thine endeavor*, that haply thou mayest guide thy neighbor to the law of God, the Most Merciful. Gleanings 339 O CHILDREN OF ADAM! Holy words and pure and goodly deeds ascend unto the heaven of celestial glory. *Strive* that your deeds may be cleansed from the dust of self and hypocrisy and find favor at the court of glory; Persian Hidden Words 69 "Baha'u'llah after His return (from Sulaymaniyyih) *made such strenuous efforts* in educating and training this community, in reforming its manners, in regulating its affairs and in rehabilitating its fortunes, that in a short while all these troubles and mischiefs were quenched, and the utmost peace and tranquility reigned in men's hearts." Abdu'l-Baha, GPB 133 This body of the Hands of the Cause of God is under the direction of the Guardian of the Cause of God. He must continually urge them to *strive and endeavor to the utmost of their ability* to diffuse the sweet savors of God, and to guide all the peoples of the world Will and Testament of `Abdu'l-Baha, p. 13
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