Mythbusting: What does 'jihad' really mean?

The Arabic word 'jihad', meaning 'struggle' or 'striving', has gained international notoriety in recent years.

Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia Source: AAP

In Western societies the word 'jihad' is often interpreted as a call for Muslims to unite and conduct violent acts against non-Muslims. But Islamic experts argue it has been misunderstood.