Greater and Lesser Jihad- concepts in Islam

GREATER & LESSER JIHAD
Compiled by Abu Fadl - Translated by Br. Khalid Saifullah
The evidence used as proof for establishing that Jihad against the desires and Shaitaan is Jihad Akbar, are weak if not false Hadith
A man asked the Prophet: What is Jihad? He (s.a.w) replied: “To fight against the disbelievers when you meet them (on the battlefield).” The man asked: “What kind of Jihad is the highest?” He (s.a.w) replied: “The person who is killed whilst spilling the last of his blood”
It is not only the disbelievers that the Mujahid must contend against on the battlefield but he must fight against his desires which always call him towards evil
It has been said that the opinion of many Muslims regarding Jihad is that it is of two sorts, namely, Jihad Akbar (greater) and Jihad Asghar (lesser). Jihad Akbar meaning Jihad against the desires and Shaitaan whilst Jihad Asghar is against the disbelievers on the battlefield.
The reasons given for the above, in regards to Jihad against the desires and Shaitaan as being Jihad Akbar, are as follows: