Which term means "struggle" in Arabic and in some contexts "holy war"?

The term that means "struggle" in Arabic and, in certain contexts, refers to "holy war" is indeed "al-jihad." This concept encompasses a wide range of meanings, including personal spiritual striving, communal efforts to promote good and prevent evil, and in some interpretations, physical struggle or warfare in defense of Islam.

Jihad is often misunderstood or oversimplified in Western discourse, but it is primarily rooted in the broader context of striving for a good life and fulfilling religious duties. The term is not exclusively associated with warfare; rather, it is a complex, multifaceted concept that represents various forms of effort and struggle in the name of faith.

Other terms, while relevant in discussions surrounding conflict or religious obligations, do not carry the same specific meanings. For instance, "al-qaeda" refers to a specific militant organization, "intifada" translates to "uprising" and usually pertains to Palestinian resistance, while "shari'ah" signifies Islamic law derived from the Quran and Hadith, guiding moral and legal conduct. Thus, none of these alternatives encapsulates the broad significance of "al-jihad" as effectively as the correct answer does.