For Muslims, the word jihad is used in conjunction with all forms of striving and has developed various special meanings over time. Two of the most important sources in Islam, the Qur'an and the Hadith (sayings) of the Prophet Muhammad, use the term jihad in quite a few different contexts as listed below. All of the behaviours or actions listed below are included under the wide scope of jihad.

• Recognising the Creator and loving Him the most (9:23-24).
• Resisting the harmful influences of parents, peers and society (25:52).
• Staying steadfastly on the straight path of faith and balance (22:78), (3:142).
• Striving for righteous deeds (29:69).
• Having courage and steadfastness to convey the message of Islam (41:33).
• Defending Islam and the community (22:39-40) as well as helping allied people who may not necessarily be Muslim.
• Removing treacherous people from power (8:58).
• Gaining freedom to inform, educate and convey the message of Islam in an open and free environment (2:217).
• Freeing people from tyranny and oppression (4:75).

The Prophet Muhammad advised a man who was seeking to join the army to start his jihad (striving) by serving his parents (Sahih Al-Bukhari, 5972). On another occasion, to a man who wanted to know a better form of jihad, the Prophet responded "a word of truth in front of an oppressive ruler." (Sunan Al-Nasa'i, 4209).