Can Striving in Worldly Matters Be Considered Jihad?

Jihad literally means to sacrifice. Therefore, the opinion that wordly pursuits is sacrifice is only correct in the literal sense is correct.

The reward of that sacrifice depends on the good intention of the individual e.g. a seeker of worldly knowledge, for example, contributing to the propagation of Islam.

However, Jihad includes physical and monetary sacrifice against the Kuffaar even to the extent of placing one's life at risk.

Generally, the Qur'an and Ahadith refers to the latter understanding of Jihad.