Arabic · noun · Spirit & the Divine

Mujahida

मुजाहिदा
said mu-JAA-hi-da
also written: mujahada, mujahida, mujahadah
Meaning

The inner spiritual struggle against the carnal self, the greater jihad of self-discipline.

Literally: striving; struggle against the self

Usage & notes

Spiritual striving — the disciplined struggle (mujahida) against the lower self and its appetites, the inner counterpart of outward jihad, often called the "greater jihad." Iqbal's ethic of effort and self-conquest resonates strongly here: the strengthening of khudi requires precisely this strenuous discipline of the self, though he insists the conquered self then turn outward to act creatively in the world.