AgentM said:
For instance, al-Qaida's Wahabbism is just one interpretation of Islam, they conveniently manipulate the concept of Jihad for their own purposes. However, traditionally in Islam Greater Jihad has been emphasized over Lesser Jihad. Greater Jihad is inner struggle, as opposed to Lesser Jihad which is the Jihad most Westerners think of when they hear the term.
You are wrong in your opinion that "traditionally in Islam Greater Jihad has been emphasized over Lesser Jihad."
In point of fact, "traditionally" speaking it is the exact opposite.
Regarding jihad Professor Lewis writes the following:
The overwhelming majority of early authorities, citing the relevant passages in the Qu'ran, the commentaries, and the traditions of the Prophet, discuss jihad in military terms. . .For most of the fourteen centuries of recorded Muslim history, jiahd was most commonly interpreted to mean armed struggle for the defense or advancement of Muslim power."
Lewis Crisis of Islam, p. 29, 31-31
http://www.debatepolitics.com/general-political-discussion/638939.html#post1058483086