Muhammad's life and that of his adherents was threatened: they were mocked, assaulted, insulted, and beaten; those within the power of the enemy were put into chains and cast into prison ... they could not even buy the food they wanted or perform their religious duties.
Thus, there was need and justification for Muhammad and his followers to fight the persecuting Meccans.
It is easy to see from this example that forceful jihad is used only as a method of last resort and it is only a small aspect of the lesser jihad.
Hence, lesser jihad incorporates all aspects of Muslims' outwardly actions, which unless otherwise directed by God, will be peaceful, since they will strive to share the message of God with others.
