Radical groups have justified armed struggle against secular regimes as a jihad against jahiliyyah. She frequently characterizes incidents involving Muslims as part of a "jihad". It follows calls from mosques to join the "jihad" in Syria. Al-Qaeda also sought to open the "offensive phase" of the global Salafi "jihad". He advocated violent, offensive jihad. They labelled Assad the "enemy of Allah" and called for a "jihad" against his rule. Of calling for "jihad" for the sake of Allah? The word jihad in Arabic means 'struggle'. The conflict gradually turned from one against occupation to one seen as a jihad. For these reasons, they justify their actions as acts of defensive jihad. Hussein described the flag as "the banner of jihad and monotheism". The group responded by declaring a Jihad against ISIL. I have spent my life in jihad and fighting aggression. He repeatedly called for "jihad" against the United States. None of these jihad movements were victorious.