What is Jihad and why was Islam forced to resort to defending itself in its early history?

Why have mistaken notions about jihad taken root in the minds of some Muslim groups and what part have Muslim clerics and Christian priests played in this process?

Is it legitimate for a Muslim to revolt against a government that maintains law and order and permits religious freedom?

These questions, which have become the focus of worldwide attention today, were answered over one hundred years ago with God-given guidance and understanding by the man who claimed to be the Promised Messiah.