Multiculturalism: Osama bin Laden has caused misuse of the term jihad

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that a Muslim cultural spokesman today told a seminar in Sydney, that the Arabic word jihad does not solely equate with holy war and the rise of Osama bin Laden has caused widespread misuse of the term.

More than 500 people gathered at the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque to hear a series of lectures on the teachings of Islam during the mosque's annual open day.

Ahmet Keskin, director of Affinity Intercultural Foundation, a cultural group which provides seminars and education on Islam, told a group of about 30 people: "Jihad really means to strive or struggle - it does not equate to holy war."