Background: Some think that the term "jihad" means
"holy war" and it is a requirement which all Muslims
must engage in.

'jihad' is a common Arabic word meaning to strive/
struggle or exert effort, and is used in different ways
depending on context in The Quran. We learn from The
Quran that believers must be willing to exert effort in
the cause of God, using their wealth and themselves.
This effort/jihad may or may not include fighting. It
does not have an exclusive meaning of 'holy war' or
'fighting', as shown below.

An example in The Quran where 'jihad' refers to giving
'effort' as charity as opposed to giving money/objects as
charity:

It is these (hypocrites) who find fault with such of the
believers who give generously in charity, and they find
fault with such believers who have nothing to give but
their effort, God disdains them, and they will have a
painful retribution. [9:79]

An example in The Quran where 'jihad' can mean
parents 'striving' to change the beliefs of their children.
Please note, even in such circumstances believers are
still asked to treat them amicably:

If they strive to make you set up any partners besides
Me, then do not obey them. But continue to treat them
amicably in this world. You shall follow only the path of
those who have sought Me. Ultimately, you all return to
Me, then I will inform you of everything you have done.
[31:15]

In the following verses of The Quran, striving/jihad in
God's cause leading to guidance is contrasted to turning
away from the truth and fabricating lies about God:

Who is more evil than one who fabricates lies and
attributes them to God, or denies the truth when it
comes to him? Is there not a place in Hell for those
who deny the truth? As for those who strive in Our
cause, We will guide them to Our paths. For God is with
the pious. [29:68-69]

The only time a 'great jihad' is mentioned in The Quran
is in the following verse and it refers to striving against
those who deny the truth with the message of truth:

And if We wish, We could send to every town a warner.
So do not obey those who deny the truth, and strive
against them with it (The Quran) in a great striving.
[25:51-52]