The Way of Jihad
By Hassan Al Banna
PrefaceIn the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah,
and may his peace and blessings be upon Muhammad and upon his household and
companions, and all those who follow him.
The Muslim world today is faced with tyranny and injustice. Indeed oppression and
hardship is not just limited to the Muslim world, rather many non-Muslim states are
subject to oppression at the hands of the world's leading military and economic powers.
Anyone who cares can only be saddened and hurt by the pain and suffering that
accompanies so many faces. Islam has allowed jihad as a means to prevent oppression,
yet the Muslims have forgotten this for too long.
Though jihad may be a part of the answer to the problems of the ummah, it is an
extremely important part. Jihad is to offer ourselves to Allah for His Cause. Indeed, every
person should according to Islam prepare himself/herself for jihad and every person
should eagerly and patiently wait for the day when Allah will call them to show their
willingness to sacrifice their lives. We should all ask ourselves if there is a quicker way
to heaven? It is with this in mind that this booklet is being published.
It may be asked of ourselves and others here as to why we remain in this country while
there is so much opportunity for reward. It is our understanding that today's problems
does not require the one solution whether this be jihad, working for the khilafah,
purifying ourselves etc. but rather our situation today requires action on all fronts.
Everybody has a role to play in today's great jigsaw, those who are attempting to
establish the Islamic state have to continue doing so focusing their minds onto such a
project, those who are faced with tyranny at the hands of neighbouring armies have to
defend themselves with their lives and those that have the opportunity of giving Islam to
the world should do so..
This is an important booklet for three reasons: firstly, it deals with an important issue -
that of jihad. Secondly, it is important because it has been written by one of the most
prominent Mujahideen of this century - Imam Hasan al-Banna, and thirdly it is important
because it deals with an issue that the ummah seems to have misunderstood or forgotten.
Imam Hasan al-Banna is the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood and one of the pioneers
of today's Islamic revival. It is a shame that so many people are unaware of this man and
his contribution towards what we see today. It is the right of the contemporary Muslim
generation that they should have access to the writings of this great reformer; especially
on this important topic.
The Imam, may Allah bless him, shows us that ultimately, and insha'Allah (God-willing)
time will be a witness to this, only Islam can save mankind from itself. And jihad on the
individual and international scale will be a necessary part of this process of change.
The Imam himself was assassinated in 1949, aged 43 years. It is a testimony to his
character that Allah answered his duaa' that he made at the end of this work. May Allah
accept our efforts and may Allah similarly accept and answer our duaa'.
Dr A. M. A. Fahmy
International Islamic Forum
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
All praise is for Allah, the Lord of the Universe. May Allah bestow peace and blessings
upon our Leader Muhammad, Leader of those who strive in Allah's way and Imam of the
pious. May He also bestow peace and blessings upon his family and his companions, and
all those who strive for the Sharee'ah until the Day of Judgement.
All Muslims Must Make Jihad
Jihad is an obligation from Allah on every Muslim and cannot be ignored nor evaded.
Allah has ascribed great importance to jihad and has made the reward of the martyrs and
the fighters in His way a splendid one. Only those who have acted similarly and who
have modelled themselves upon the martyrs in their performance of jihad can join them
in this reward. Furthermore, Allah has specifically honoured the Mujahideen with certain
exceptional qualities, both spiritual and practical, to benefit them in this world and the
next. Their pure blood is a symbol of victory in this world and the mark of success and
felicity in the world to come.
Those who can only find excuses, however, have been warned of extremely dreadful
punishments and Allah has described them with the most unfortunate of names. He has
reprimanded them for their cowardice and lack of spirit, and castigated them for their
weakness and truancy. In this world, they will be surrounded by dishonour and in the
next they will be surrounded by the fire from which they shall not escape though they
may possess much wealth. The weaknesses of abstention and evasion of jihad are
regarded by Allah as one of the major sins, and one of the seven sins that guarantee
failure.
Islam is concerned with the question of jihad and the drafting and the mobilisation of the
entire Umma into one body to defend the right cause with all its strength than any other
ancient or modern system of living, whether religious or civil. The verses of the Qur'an
and the Sunnah of Muhammad (PBUH) are overflowing with all these noble ideals and
they summon people in general (with the most eloquent expression and the clearest
exposition) to jihad, to warfare, to the armed forces, and all means of land and sea
fighting.
We shall not go into exhaustive detail but rather will offer you some Qur'anic verses and
Ahaadeeth below as examples since we only wish to show a glimpse of the Islamic
message on jihad. Furthermore, we will not delve into the explanation of the Qur'anic
verses or Ahaadeeth. You will recognise by the purity of language, the clarity of
exposition, the lucidity of ideas and the force of spirituality that explanations and
clarifications are not required.
The Qur'an on Jihad
‘Jihad is ordained for you (Muslims) though you dislike it, and it may be that you dislike
something which is good for you and that you like something which is bad for you. Allah
knows but you do not know.'
(Surat-al-Baqarah (2), ayah 216)
‘O you who believe! Be not like those who disbelieve (hypocrites) and who say to their
brethren when they travel through the earth or go out to fight: 'If they had stayed with us,
they would not have died or been killed,' so that Allah may make it a cause of regret in
their hearts. It is Allah that gives life and causes death. And Allah is All-Seer of what you
do. And if you are killed or die in the Way of Allah, forgiveness and mercy from Allah
are far better than all that they amass (of worldly wealth etc.). And whether you die, or
are killed, verily, unto Allah you shall be gathered.'
(Surat-aal-Imran (3), ayah 156-158)
Notice how "forgiveness" and "mercy" are associated with slaying and death in Allah's
way in the first verse, and how the second verse is does not refer to this because it is
devoid of the idea of jihad. In this verse, there is an indication of the fact that cowardice
is one of the characteristics of unbelievers, but not of believers. And notice how today the
unbelievers seem to be brave and the believers seem to be the cowards.
‘Think not of those who are killed in the Way of Allah as dead. Nay, they are alive, with
their Lord, and they have provision. They rejoice in what Allah has bestowed upon them
of His Bounty, rejoicing for the sake of those who have not yet joined them, but are left
behind (not yet martyred) that on them no fear shall come, nor shall they grieve.'
(Surat-aal-Imran (3), ayah 169-170). Refer up to verse 175 for further information.
‘Let those (believers) who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter fight in the cause of
Allah., and whosoever fights in the Cause of Allah, and is killed or is victorious, We shall
bestow on him a great reward.'
(Surat-an-Nisaa' (4), ayah 74)
Refer to the verses (4: 71-78) in the Noble Book to understand how Allah urges the
Muslims to remain alert and to acquire experience in warfare, in armies and troops, or as
individuals, as circumstances may dictate. Allah also reprimands those who are slack,
cowards or opportunists, and He arouses our zeal to protect the weak and prevent
oppression. Notice how Allah associates warfare with prayer and fasting, establishing it
as one of the pillars of Islam. And how He refutes the false arguments of the waverers,
and encourages those who are scared to the utmost degree to plunge into battle and to
face death unflinchingly and bravely, showing them that they will welcome death, and
that if they die in jihad, they will receive the most magnificent recompense for their lives,
and that they will not lose any of their contribution or sacrifice however small.
Surat-al-Anfaal is in its entirety an exhortation to jihad and a command to remain
steadfast [while engaged] in it, as well as a clear presentation of many of its rules. It is for
this reason that the first Muslims (may Allah's grace be upon them) adopted it as a war
chant which they would chant whenever their apprehensions mounted and the battle grew
grim. Suffice it to quote what Allah (SWT) says:
‘Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of
war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies of Allah and your enemies.'
(Surat-al-Anfaal (8), ayah 60)
up to His words (SWT):
‘O Prophet! Urge the believers to fight. If there are twenty steadfast amongst you, they
will overcome two hundred, and if there are be a hundred steadfast they will overcome a
thousand of those who disbelieve, because they (they disbelievers) are people who do not
understand'
(Surat-al-Anfaal (8), ayah 65)
Surat-at-Tawbah too is in its entirety an exhortation to combat and a clear presentation of
its rules. It is sufficient to quote what Allah (SWT) says concerning warfare against the
treacherous polytheists:
‘Fight against them so that Allah will punish them by your hands and disgrace them and
give you victory over them and return calmness in the hearts of the believing people thus
relieving their anxiety. Allah accepts the repentance of whom He wills. Allah is All-
Knowing, All-Wise.'
(Surat-at-Tawbah (9), ayah 14-15)
And His words (SWT) concerning fighting with People of the Book:
‘Fight against those who believe not in Allah nor in the Last Day, nor forbid that which
has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger and those who acknowledge not the
Religion of Truth (i.e. Islam), from among the People of the Book, until they pay the
jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.'
(Surat-at-Tawbah (9), ayah 29)
The proclamations of the general call in the following verses, end with His words (SWT):
‘March forth, (whether equipped) lightly or heavily, and strive hard with your wealth and
your lives in the Cause of Allah! This is better for you, if you but knew.'
(Surat-at-Tawbah (9), ayah 41)
Allah then rebukes those who are cowardly for their attitude and their continuous
attempts to escape from jihad, in His words (SWT):
‘Those who stayed away (from Tabuk expedition) rejoiced in their staying behind the
Messenger of Allah; they hated to strive and fight with their wealth and their lives in the
Cause of Allah, and they said, 'March not forth in the heat.' Say: 'The fire of Hell is more
intense in heat,' if only they could understand!' So let them laugh a little (and they will)
cry much as a recompense of what they used to earn (by committing sins). If Allah brings
you back to a party of them, and they ask your permission to go out (to fight), say: 'Never
shall you go out with me, nor fight an enemy with me: you agreed to sit inactive on the
first occasion: then you sit (now) with those who lag behind.'
(Surat-at-Tawbah (9), ayah 81-83)
Then Allah praises those who engage in jihad by declaring jihad as Prophet Muhammad's
mission and the way of his Companions, as He, the Almighty, says:
‘But the Messenger, and those who believed with him, strove hard and fought with their
wealth and their lives (in Allah's cause). The good things are for these people, and it is
they who will be successful. For them Allah has got ready the Gardens (Paradise) under
which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success.'
(Surat-at-Tawbah (9), ayah 88-89)
Then follows an oath of allegiance, comprehensive and protective leaving no excuses, in
His words (SWT):
‘Verily, Allah has purchased of the believers their lives and their wealth; for the price that
theirs shall be the Paradise. They fight in Allah's Cause, so they kill (others) and are
killed. It is a promise in truth which is binding on Him in the Torah and the Gospel and
the Qur'an. And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain
which you have concluded. That is the supreme success.'
(Surat-at-Tawbah (9), ayah 111)
Surat-al-Qital (commonly known as Surat Muhammad) mentions two key factors that
form the foundation of the military spirit: obedience and discipline. Allah has
summarised these two factors in the following two verses in His Book. Obedience
appears in this Surah where He, the Almighty, says:
‘Those who believe say: "Why is a Surah not sent down (for us)?" But when a decisive
Surah (explaining and ordering things) is sent down, and fighting is mentioned (i.e.
ordained) therein, you will see those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy) looking at
you with a look of one fainting to death. But it was better for them (hypocrites, to listen
to Allah and obey Him). Obedience (to Allah) and good words (were better for them).
And when the matter (preparation for Jihad) is resolved on, then if they had been true to
Allah, it would have been better for them.'
(Surat-Muhammad (47), ayah 20-21)
As for discipline, it appears in Surat-as-Saff, where He, the Almighty, says:
‘Verily, Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in rows (ranks), as if they were a solid
structure.'
(Surat-as-Saff (61), ayah 4)
Surat-al-Fath is also dedicated in its entirety to one of the military campaigns of the
Messenger of Allah (PBUH), and was a special occasion of jihad, which took place under
the shadow of a tree where an oath of allegiance unto steadfastness and death was taken,
and this bore the fruit of tranquillity and victory. This is what He (SWT), says:
‘Indeed, Allah was pleased with the believers when they gave their bay'ah (pledge) to you
(O Muhammad) under the Tree, He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down As-
Sakeenah (calmness and tranquillity) upon them; and He rewarded them with a close
Victory; And abundant spoils that they will capture. And Allah is Ever All-Mighty, All-
Wise.'
(Surat-al-Fath (48), ayah 18-19)
These, brother, are some examples of the Qur'anic references on jihad. Its virtues are
made clear, and those who do jihad are given the good news of the magnificent reward
that will be waiting for them. The Book of Allah is filled with examples like these, and
anyone who reads the Qur'an and pays attention to its meaning will be astounded at the
negligence of the Muslims who have failed to take advantage of this reward.
The Ahaadeeth on Jihad
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: ‘I heard the
Prophet (PBUH) say:
‘By the One in whose Hands is my soul, had it not been for the limitation of resources
which caused some of the companions to remain behind (much to their displeasure), I
would not have prevented any group from striving in Allah's way. And by the One in
whose hand is my Soul, I wish I could be killed in the Way of Allah, then live again so
that I may be killed again, then live again so that again I may be killed, then live again so
that again I may be killed.' (Transmitted by Al Bukhari and Muslim)
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: ‘The
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
‘By the One in whose Hand is my Soul, no one is wounded in Allah's way, and Allah
knows best who is wounded in His way, except that the colour of his wound appears on
the day of judgement as the colour of blood and his scent appears as the scent of musk.'
On the authority of Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: ‘My paternal uncle
Anas bin al Nadir was absent from the battle of Badr, and he said: ‘O Messenger of
Allah, I was absent from the first battle in which you fought the polytheists but if Allah
provides me with a second opportunity to participate in a battle with the polytheists, then
Allah will witness my actions!' And when the Day of Uhud arrived and the Muslims
retreated, he said: ‘O Allah, I ask you to forgive my brothers for their actions and I
excuse myself from the actions of the polytheists!' Then he rushed forward and met Sa'd
bin Mu'aadh and said: ‘O Sa'd bin Mu'aadh, by Allah I smell its scent from below Uhud!'.
Sa'd said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, I could not do what he did.' Anas said: ‘We found him
with some eighty wounds either from swords, spears or arrows. We found him murdered
and mutilated by the polytheists. No one recognised him except his sister, and even she
recognised him by his fingers.' Anas said: ‘We used to think, or suppose, that this verse
came down concerning him and people like him: ‘Among the believers are men who have
been true to their covenant with Allah..' up to the end of the verse (Surat al-Ahzaab (33),
ayah 23).'. (Transmitted by Al Bukhari)
On the authority of Umm Haritha bint Suraaqah; she went to the Prophet (PBUH), and
said: ‘O Prophet of Allah, can you tell me about Haritha (a stray arrow had struck him
before the day of Badrý)? For if he is in Paradise, I will bear his loss patiently. But if he
is not there, I shall weep for him'. He said:
‘O mother of Haritha, there are many gardens in Paradise and your son is in Firdaws (the
highest level)...' (reported by Al Bukhari)
Brother, see how Paradise made these companions forget their cares and misfortunes, and
enabled them to persevere even through adversities.
On the authority of 'Abdullah bin Abi Awfa, may Allah be pleased with him,: ‘The
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
‘Let it be known that Paradise lies in the shadows of the swords.' (reported by the Al
Bukhari, Muslim and Abu Dawud)
On the authority of Zayd bin Khalid al Juhani, may Allah be pleased with him: ‘The
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
‘He who provides for a mujahid in the Way of Allah the Almighty, it is as if he himself
has made jihad; and he who has supported the family of a mujahid with an act of
goodness, it is as if he himself has made jihad.' (Transmitted by Al Bukhari, Muslim, Abu
Dawud and Al-Tirmidhi) (that is to say he obtains the reward for it)
On the authority of Abu Hurayra, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: ‘The
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
‘He who out of faith in Allah and a firm belief in His promise prepares a horse while
waiting for jihad then its feeding and drinking and its dung are all in his favour on the day
of Resurrection.' (Transmitted by Al Bukhari)
This is, of course, true for all types of wealth (like the horse) given in the way of Allah:
On the authority of Abu Hurayra, may Allah be pleased with him, it was said:
‘O Messenger of Allah, what is equal in reward to jihad in Allah's Way.' He said: ‘You
cannot do it.' But they brought up the same thing before him two or three times more, and
he said: ‘You cannot do it.' Then he said: ‘The equal of the mujahid in Allah's way is he
who fasts and stands in worship throughout the night reciting Allah's verses without
becoming tired until the mujahid in Allah's way returns.' (Transmitted by Al Bukhari,
Muslim, An-Nisaa'i , Ibn Majah, and At Tirmidhi)
On the authority of Abu Sa'eed al Khudari, may Allah be pleased with him, who said:
"The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
‘Shall I tell you who is the best of men and who is the worst? Among the best of men is
he who is active in Allah's way on the back of his horse or camel, or on foot, until death
comes to him. And among the worst of men is he who reads the Book of Allah Almighty,
and remains unenlightened (he does not check himself, nor does he admonish and reprove
himself).' (Transmitted by An-Nisaa'i)
On the authority of Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: "I heard the
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say:
‘There are two eyes which the Fire shall not touch: the eye which wept for fear of Allah,
and the eye which passed the night on guard in the way of Allah Almighty.' (From At
Tirmidhi)
On the authority of Abu ‘Umayra, May Allah be pleased with him who said: "The
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
‘It is dearer to me that I die in the Way of Allah than that if the entire wealth of the world
were to become mine.' (Transmitted by An Nisaa'i)
On the authority of Rashid ibn Sa'd, May Allah be pleased with him, on the authority of
one of the companions, that a man said:
‘O Messenger of Allah, how is it that the believers will be put to the test in their graves,
but the martyr is free?' The Messenger said: ‘The glittering of swords over his head is a
sufficient test for him!' (Transmitted by An Nisaa'i)
On the authority of Abu Hurayra, May Allah be pleased with him: "The Messenger of
Allah (PBUH) said:
‘The martyr feels nothing more from the pain of slaughter than any one of you feels from
the sting of a gnat.' (Transmitted by At Tirmidhi, An Nisaa'i and Al Darmi. At Tirmidhi
designates this as Hasan Gharib)
On the authority of Ibn Mas'ud, May Allah be pleased with him, who said: "The
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
‘Our Lord (SWT) is pleased with a man campaigning in Allah 's way, who, when his
companions are driven back, and knowing that the odds are against him, nevertheless
returns to the battlefield until he is killed. Then Allah says to the angels: "See how My
servant returned to the battle field out of his desire for the reward that I provide and out
of his fear from my punishments until he was killed. I call on you to witness that I have
forgiven him.'
On the authority of ‘Abd al Khayr bin Thabit, on the authority of his father, on the
authority of his grandfather, who said: "A woman came to the Messenger of Allah
(PBUH) named Umm Khalid, wearing a veil, in order to ask him about a son of hers who
had been slain in the way of Allah Almighty....The Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said to her:
‘Your son has the reward of two martyrs.' She asked: ‘Why?" He said: ‘Because he was
killed by People of the Book.' (Transmitted by Abu Dawud)
On the authority of Sahl bin Hunayf (May Allah be pleased with him): "The Messenger
of Allah (PBUH) said:
‘He who asks Allah Almighty for martyrdom with sincerity, will be brought by Allah to
the mansions of the martyrs, though he may die on his bed.' (transmitted by Muslim, An
Nisaa'i, Ibn Majah, and At Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)
On the authority of Khuraym ibn Fatik, who said: "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
‘He who spends a sum in the way of Allah Almighty will have it accredited to his
account seven hundred fold.' (Transmitted by At-Tirmidhi, who classed it as hasan and
also by An Nisaa'i).
On the authority of Abu Hurayra, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: "One of the
Companions of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) passed by a ravine in which there was a
small fount of fresh water. He was greatly pleased by this, and said to himself: ‘What if I
were to withdraw from mankind and live in this ravine?' He mentioned this to the
Messenger of Allah (PBUH), who said:
‘Don't do it! When one of you takes his place in Allah's way, it is more excellent than if
he prayed in his house for seventy years. Do you not wish for Allah to forgive you and
bring you into Paradise? Campaign in Allah's way: he who fights in Allah's way mounted
on a camel must necessarily enter Paradise.' (Transmitted by At Tirmidhi.)
On the authority of Al-Miqdam ibn Ma'ad ibn Yakrib, who said: "The Messenger of
Allah (PBUH) said:
‘The martyr possesses six distinctions with respect to Allah: he is forgiven, amongst the
first to be forgiven; he is shown his place in Paradise; he is not punished in the Grave; he
is secure from the supreme terror of the day of judgement; the crown of dignity is placed
on his head, a single ruby of which is more precious than the entire world and all it
contains; he is wedded to seventy-two of the women of heaven; and he may intercede for
seventy of his relatives.' (Transmitted by At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah Almighty be pleased with him, who said:
"The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
‘He who meets Allah with no trace of jihad on him will meet Allah with a flaw in him.'
(Transmitted by Al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)
On the authority of Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: "The Messenger of
Allah (PBUH) said:
‘He who seeks martyrdom sincerely will be granted it, though it may never touch him.'
(Transmitted by Muslim)
On the authority of Uthman ibn Affan, may Allah be pleased with him, on the authority
of the Prophet (PBUH), who said:
‘He who keeps guard for one night in the way of Allah (SWT) will be credited with a
thousand nights of fasting and standing in prayer.' (Transmitted by Ibn Majah)
On the authority of Abul-Dardaa', may Allah be pleased with him, "The Messenger of
Allah (PBUH) said:
‘A campaign by sea is the equivalent of ten campaigns by land: he who is tossed about at
sea is like one who wallows in his blood in the way of Allah (SWT).' (Transmitted by Ibn
Majah)
This tradition honours the sea campaign, and the ummah must proceed from this to
protect its coastline and strengthen its fleet. This applies by analogy to the air as well, and
Allah will increase the reward of those who campaign by air in His way many times over.
On the authority of Jabir ibn Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: "When
Abd Allah bin ‘Amr bin Haram was slain on the Day of Uhud, the Messenger of Allah
(PBUH) said:
‘O Jabir, shall I tell you what Allah (SWT) said to your father? I said: ‘Yes indeed!' He
said: ‘Allah speaks to no-one save from behind a veil, but He spoke to your father faceto-
face, saying: "O My servant, ask of Me what thou wilt, and it shall be granted." He
said: "O Lord, grant me life, that I may be slain for Thee for a second time!" He said:
"But I have already decreed that they shall not return unto it." He said: "O Lord, let them
know who are [left] behind me." So Allah (SWT) sent down these verses "Think not of
those who are killed in the way of Allah as dead..." (Surat-aal-Imran (3), ayah 169) And
so on up to the end of the verse. (Transmitted by Ibn Majah)
On the authority of Anas, on the authority of his father (may Allah be pleased with them),
on the authority of the Prophet (PBUH), who said:
‘It is more pleasing to me to accompany a fighter in Allah's way and to help him on his
journey, departing or returning, than this world and what it contains.' (Transmitted by Ibn
Majah)
On the authority of Abu Hurayra, who said: "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
‘Allah's guests are three: the mujahid, the haji, and the one who intends to perform umra.'
(Transmitted by Muslim)
On the authority of Abul-Dardaa', who said: "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
‘The martyr will intercede on behalf of seventy of his family.' (Transmitted by Abu
Dawud)
On the authority of Abdullah ibn ‘Umar, who said: "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH)
said:
‘When you deal in hidden Riba, and are fully occupied in your own life and give up
jihad; Then Allah shall cover you with such disgrace, as would not be removed, until you
would return to your religion again.' (Transmitted by Ahmad and Abu Dawud, and
attested as to its authenticity by Al-Hakim)
On the authority of Abu Hurayra, may Allah be pleased with him, who said:
"The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and his Companions set out in a hurry so that they
reached Badr ahead of the polytheists. The polytheists arrived, and the Messenger of
Allah (PBUH) said: ‘Rise to the Paradise, whose width embraces the heavens and the
earth!" Umayr bin al Humam said: ‘Hurrah!' The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
‘What impels you to say "Hurrah! hurrah!" He said: ‘Nothing, O Messenger of Allah,
except the hope that I may be one of its people.' He said: ‘You are indeed one of its
people.'"
He (Abu Hurayrah) said:
"And he [Umayr] took out some dates from his quiver and began eating them. Then he
said: ‘If I live long enough to eat all my dates, my life will indeed be a long one!' So he
flung away the remaining dates, and fought until he was slain." Transmitted by Muslim.
On the authority of Abu Imran, who said:
"We were at the city of Rum, and they sent out a mighty regiment of Byzantinian soldiers
against us. A like number of Muslims, and even more, came out against them. ‘Uqbah ibn
Amir was at the head of the Egyptians, and Fadaala bin Ubayd was the head of the entire
force. One of the Muslims rushed and attacked the Byzantinian regiment until he passed
through it. The Muslims shouted and said: ‘Glory be to Allah! He has cast himself into
annihilation!' But Abu Ayyub al Ansari rose and said: ‘Men, you interpret this verse in
this manner, but it was sent down concerning only us, the band of the Ansar. When Allah
made Islam powerful and its defenders grew numerous, some of us said to others in
secrecy, but not to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH): "We lost our wealth at the earlier
periods, and then later Allah Almighty made Islam powerful and its defenders became
many. What if we were to settle down to regain our lost wealth?" So God Almighty sent
down an answer, rebutting what we had said, to His Prophet: ‘and make not your own
hands contribute to (your) destruction.' (Surat al-Baqarah (2), ayah 195). The destruction
referred to our settling down with our wealth, while working to increase it, and
abandoning jihad. And Abu Ayyub continued in God's way until he was buried in the
land of Rum." (Transmitted by Tirmidhi)
Notice, brother, that Abu Ayyub said this in his old age, he had passed the evening of life
and entered into the night of life yet his spirit remained young while his faith yearned for
the return of the might and the grandeur of Islam.
On the authority of Abu Hurayra, may Allah be pleased with him, on the authority of the
Messenger of Allah (PBUH), that he said:
‘He who dies without having gone on campaign, and without having exhorted himself to
do so, dies in a state of hypocrisy.' (Transmitted by Muslim, Abu Dawud, and there are
many reportings of the same meaning)
There are many precious Ahaadeeth on this subject which contain guidance or
commandments regarding jihad. They are so numerous though that even a large book
would not suffice to cover them. But otherwise "Al-'Ibrata Feema Warada ‘Anillahi wa
Rasulihi fi al Ghazwu wal Jihad wal Hijra" (The Wisdom in What Was Transmitted in
the Qur'an and Sunnah about Fighting, Jihad and Hijrah), by Hasan Sidiq Khan, who is
specialised in this research, and "Mashari' alAshwaq ila Masari' al-'Ashaq wa Matheer al-
Gharam ila Dar as-Salam" and what has come in the books of Ahaadeeth, in the sections
on jihad, you will see a lot of good.
The Scholars on Jihad
I have just presented to you some verses from the Qur'an and the Noble Ahadith
concerning the importance of jihad. Now I would like to present to you some of the
opinions from jurisprudence of the Islamic Schools of Thought including some latter day
authorities regarding the rules of jihad and the necessity for preparedness. From this we
will come to realise how far the ummah has deviated in its practice of Islam as can be
seen from the consensus of its scholars on the question of jihad.
The author of the "Majma' al-Anhar fi Sharh Multaqal-Abhar", in describing the rules of
jihad according to the Hanafi School, said: "Jihad linguistically means to exert one's
utmost effort in word and action; in the Sharee'ah it is the fighting of the unbelievers, and
involves all possible efforts that are necessary to dismantle the power of the enemies of
Islam including beating them, plundering their wealth, destroying their places of worship
and smashing their idols. This means that jihad is to strive to the utmost to ensure the
strength of Islam by such means as fighting those who fight you and the dhimmies (if
they violate any of the terms of the treaty) and the apostates (who are the worst of
unbelievers, for they disbelieved after they have affirmed their belief).
It is fard (obligatory) on us to fight with the enemies. The Imam must send a military
expedition to the Dar-al-Harb every year at least once or twice, and the people must
support him in this. If some of the people fulfil the obligation, the remainder are released
from the obligation. If this fard kifayah (communal obligation) cannot be fulfilled by that
group, then the responsibility lies with the closest adjacent group, and then the closest
after that etc., and if the fard kifayah cannot be fulfilled except by all the people, it then
becomes a fard ‘ayn (individual obligation), like prayer on everyone of the people. This
obligation is by virtue of what He, the Almighty, said:
‘Then fight the polytheists...!'
(Surat at-Tawbah (9), ayah 5)
and by what the Prophet (PBUH) said:
‘Jihad is in effect until the Day of Judgement'
If the whole body [of believers] abandons it, they are in a state of sin' (up to where the
author of the book says: ‘If the enemy conquers any territory of Islam, or any regions of
it, it becomes a fard ‘ayn, and the woman and the slave shall go forth without the
permission of husband or master. In the same way, the child shall go forth without the
permission of his parents, and the debtor without the permission of his creditor.'
And in the Kitab al Bahr:
‘Should a Muslim woman be captured in the East, it is incumbent on the people of the
West to rescue her unless she is taken to the stronghold cities of the enemies, and it
becomes impossible to free her.'
The author of the "Bulghat al-Salik li Aqrab al-Masalik fi Madhhab al-Imam Malik" said:
‘Jihad in Allah's way for the purpose of exalting Allah Almighty's Word every year is a
fard kifayah. If some fulfil it, the remainder are absolved of it. It becomes specifically
designated (i.e., it becomes a fard ‘ayn like prayer and fasting), when the Imam
announces it and the enemy attacks the population of a specific region, whereupon it
becomes obligatory on them and if this in sufficient then it becomes obligatory on those
in their vicinity. In this case it becomes obligatory on the females and the slaves even
though they may not have the permission of their husbands or their masters. It is also
obligatory on the debtor even though the lender may not agree to it. It also becomes fard
'ayn on that individual who vows to engage in jihad. Parents have the right to forbid their
child from taking part in it only under conditions of fard kifayah. And if a Muslim is held
as a prisoner of war by enemies and he does not have enough money to pay to free
himself, then it is obligatory on the others to secure his release, even if this requires all of
the Muslims' wealth.'
And in Al-Minhaj of Imam Nawawi of the Shafi'i school:
‘Jihad during the time of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was a fard kifayah, though it is
also alleged that it was a fard ‘ayn. Since then, there are two conditions relative to the
unbelievers:
If they remain in their own territories, then jihad is not an obligation on all Muslims. As
long as a sufficient number of Muslims undertake it, the remainder are released from this
duty.
If they invade one of our territories, its population are obliged to repel them with all their
force. If fighting is possible then fighting becomes an obligation. Every slave, poor
person, son and debtor must prepare for war, even though they may not have
permission.."
And in Al-Mughni of Ibn Qudama of the Hanbali school, who said:
‘Jihad is a fard kifayah. If a group of people engage in it, the remainder are released. It
becomes a fard ‘ayn under three conditions:
If two armies meet and two lines of soldiers confront one another, those present are
forbidden to leave the battlefield, and it becomes a fard ‘ayn on each one to remain at his
station.
If the unbelievers attack a territory, it is a fard ‘ayn on its population to fight and repel
them.
If the Imam calls a group of people to arms, then they must join his military forces. And
he should at least announce Jihad once every year.'
Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal said:
‘I know of nothing after the divine commandments more excellent than jihad, and
campaigning by sea is more excellent than campaigning on land.'
Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him! said:
‘The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asleep. Then he awoke laughing, and Umm Haram
said: "What makes you laugh, O Messenger of Allah?" He said: "People of my ummah
embarked on a military campaign in Allah's way, riding on the surface of this sea as kings
on their thrones,"
and at the end of the Tradition, Umm Haram asked the Prophet (PBUH) to beseech Allah
on her behalf that she might be one of them. So he prayed for her, and she lived long
enough to ride upon the sea in the Muslim fleet which conquered the island of Cyprus.
She died and was buried there, may Allah be pleased with her.
And it says in Al-Muhalla of Ibn Hazm:
‘Jihad is obligatory on the Muslims, but if the borders of the Muslims can be protected,
the enemy can be repelled and fought within his own territory then the remainder of the
people are released from it. And if not, then the obligation remains. God Almighty said:
‘Go ye forth, (whether equipped) light or heavily, and strive and struggle, with your
goods and your persons, in the Cause of Allah!'
(Surat at-Tawbah (9), ayah 41)
It is not permissible to participate in jihad without the permission of the parent. But if
Muslim land is invaded, then it is obligatory on those who can help even if their parents
do not grant them permission. However, it is not lawful for him to abandon his parents if
his parents would suffer in his absence.
And Al-Shawkani said in Al-Sayl al-Jarrar:
‘The arguments regarding the jihad being a religious obligation, both in the Qur'an and in
the Sunnah, are too numerous to be set down here. Nevertheless, it is a fard kifayah as
long as some people are fulfilling this fard kifayah then the rest are absolved from the
duty. Otherwise, it is an fard ‘ayn incumbent on every adult by law until the duty is
fulfilled. Similarly, it is a fard ‘ayn also on those people who are ordered to jihad by the
Imam.'
The scholarly people are of one opinion on this matter as should be evident and this is
irrespective of whether these scholars were Mujtahideen or Muqalideen and it is
irrespective of whether these scholars were salaf (early) or khalaf (late). They all agreed
unanimously that jihad is a fard kifayah imposed upon the Islamic ummah in order to
spread the Da'wah of Islam, and that jihad is a fard ‘ayn if an enemy attacks Muslim
lands. Today, my brother, the Muslims as you know are forced to be subservient before
others and are ruled by disbelievers. Our lands have been besieged, and our hurruma'at
(personal possessions, respect, honour, dignity and privacy) violated. Our enemies are
overlooking our affairs, and the rites of our din are under their jurisdiction. Yet still the
Muslims fail to fulfil the responsibility of Da'wah that is on their shoulders. Hence in this
situation it becomes the duty of each and every Muslim to make jihad. He should prepare
himself mentally and physically such that when comes the decision of Allah, he will be
ready.
I should not finish this discussion without mentioning to you that the Muslims,
throughout every period of their history (before the present period of oppression in which
their dignity has been lost) have never abandoned jihad nor did they ever become
negligent in its performance, not even their religious authorities, mystics, craftsmen, etc.
They were all always ready and prepared. For example, Abdullah ibn al Mubarak, a very
learned and pious man, was a volunteer in jihad for most of his life, and 'Abdulwahid bin
Zayd, a sufi and a devout man, was the same. And in his time, Shaqiq al Balkhi, the
shaykh of the sufis encouraged his pupils towards jihad.
And Al Badr al Ayni, the commentator on Al Bukhari (scholar and muhaddith), would
take part in jihad one year, study for one year and go on pilgrimage one year, while the
judge Asad ibn al Furat of the Maliki School was an admiral in his day and Imam Shafi'i
would shoot ten arrows and not miss once.
Such was the example set by the early generations of Muslims, may Allah's grace be
upon them! My brother, how do we compare with them?
Why Do the Muslims Fight?
Islam allows jihad and permits war until the following Qur'anic verse is fulfilled:
‘We will we show them Our signs in the universe, and in their ownselves, until it
becomes manifest to them that this (the Qur'an) is the truth.'
(Surat al-Fussilat (41), ayah 53)
People have for some time now ridiculed this but today these same people acknowledge
that preparation for war is the surest way to peace! Allah did not ordain jihad for the
Muslims so that it may be used as a tool of oppression or tyranny or so that it may be
used by some to further their personal gains. Rather jihad is used to safeguard the mission
of spreading Islam. This would guarantee peace and the means of implementing the
Supreme Message. This is a responsibility which the Muslims bear, this Message guiding
mankind to truth and justice. For Islam, even as it ordains jihad, it extols peace: the
Blessed and Almighty said:
‘But if they incline to peace, you also incline to it, and (put your) trust in Allah.'
(Surat al-Anfal (8), ayah 61)
The Muslims in war had only one concern and this was to make the name of Allah
Supreme, there was no room at all for any other objective. The wish for glory and
reputation were forbidden to the Muslims. The love of wealth, the misappropriation of
the benefits of war and striving to conquer through unjust methods are all made forbidden
to the Muslim. Only one intention was possible and that was the offering of sacrifice and
the taking of pains for the guidance of mankind.
On the authority of Al-Harith bin Muslim, on the authority of his father, who said:
‘The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) sent us on a military expedition. When we reached the
area to be raided, I urged on my horse and got ahead of my companions. The people of
that area met me with cries of lamentation, and I said to them: "If you say: ‘There is no
god but Allah' you are safe." So they said it. My companions reproached me and said:
"You have prevented us from taking any spoils!" When we came back to the Messenger
of Allah (PBUH), they told him what I had done. He called me over and found what I had
done praiseworthy. Then he said to me: "Allah Almighty has indeed decreed for you so
much and so much reward for every human being." And he said: "I myself shall write
something for you in the way of a bequest after my death." He did so, sealed it, and
handed it over to me.' (Transmitted by Abu Dawud.)
And on the authority of Shaddad bin al Hadi (may Allah be pleased with him):
‘A man of the [nomad] Arabs came and believed in the Prophet (PBUH). Then he said: "I
shall emigrate with you." And the Prophet (PBUH) put him into the charge of some of his
Companions. In a campaign the Prophet (PBUH) took some booty and this was divided
up, and he gave him his share. And he [i.e., the Arab] said: "What is this?" He said: "I
have apportioned it to you." He said: "It was not for this that I followed you; rather I
followed you that I might be pierced here (and he motioned with his hand to his neck)
with an arrow, and that I might die and enter Paradise." He said: "If you are truthful in
what you have just said, then Allah will fulfil your desire." So they remained there for a
space; then they rose to do battle with the enemy. He was carried over to the Prophet,
having been struck with an arrow exactly where he had pointed. The Prophet (PBUH)
said: "Is it he?" They said: "Yes." He said: "He was truthful in what he said, so Allah
answered him." Then he was shrouded in the garment of the Prophet (PBUH), and he
[i.e., the Prophet] walked before him and prayed over him. This is part of what he said in
his prayer: "O Allah, this is your servant who went forth as an Emigrant in your way and
was slain a martyr. And I am a witness unto it." (Transmitted by An-Nisaa'i)
On the authority of Abu Hurayra, may Allah be pleased with him:
‘A man said: "O Apostle of Allah, what of a man who wants to engage in jihad in Allah's
way, but desires the goods of this world?" He said: "There is no reward for him." And he
[i.e., the man] repeated this question to him three times, but he said: "There is no reward
for him."' (Transmitted by Abu Dawud)
On the authority of Abu Musa al-Ash'ari, may Allah be pleased with him, who said:
‘The Apostle of Allah (PBUH) was asked about a man who fights courageously, one who
fights zealously, and one who fights hypocritically. Which of these was in the way of
Allah? He said: "He who fights so that Allah's Word is the most exalted is in Allah's
way."' (Transmitted in Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, An-Nisaa'i and Ibn Majah)
The companions' (may Allah's grace be with them) behaviour in the battles and in the
territories they conquered indicates the extent to which they abstained from indulging in
their personal desires and cravings, and the extent of their dedication to their fundamental
and original goal: the guidance of mankind to the truth until Allah's Word is the most
exalted. The charge of some people who accuse the companions of being covetous of
power and authority, desirous of grabbing countries and ascendancy or that a passion for
earning a living was driving their activities is ludicrous.
Mercy in the Islamic Jihad
The Islamic jihad is the noblest of endeavours and its method of realisation is the most
sublime and exalted. For Allah has forbidden aggression. He, the Almighty, has said:
‘But transgress not the limits. Truly, Allah likes not the transgressors.'
(Surat al-Baqarah (2), ayah 190)
and He commanded that justice be observed, even towards the enemy and the adversary.
He, the Almighty, has said:
‘And let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is
nearer to piety.'
(Surat al-Maa'idah (5), ayah 8)
Allah instructs the Muslims to act with the utmost mercy. For when they fight, they do
not instigate hostilities, nor do they steal nor plunder property, nor do they violate
someone's honour, nor do they indulge in wanton destruction. In their warfare they are
the best of fighters, just as in peace they are the most excellent of peacemakers.
On the authority of Burayda, may Allah be pleased with him, who said:
‘Whenever the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) appointed a commander over an army or a
band of raiders, he told him to remain conscious of Allah Almighty in his inward self and
to remain concerned for the care of the Muslims who were with him. Then he [i.e., the
Prophet] said: "Strive in the name of Allah in Allah's way! Fight those who disbelieve in
Allah: campaign, but do not indulge in excesses, do not act treacherously, do not
mutilate, and do not slay children."' (Transmitted by Muslim.)
On the authority of Abu Hurayra, may Allah be pleased with him, who said:
‘The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "When one of you fights, let him avoid [striking]
the face."' (Transmitted by Bukhari and Muslim)
On the authority of Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: "The
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
‘The most self-restrained from amongst mankind even at the time of killing are the
people of iman.' (Transmitted by Abu Dawud)
On the authority of Abdullah bin Yazid al Ansari, may Allah be pleased with him, who
said:
‘The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) forbade plundering and mutilation.' (Transmitted by Al
Bukhaari)
It is forbidden to slay women, children, and old people, to kill the wounded, or to disturb
monks, hermits, and the peaceful who offer no resistance. Contrast this mercy with the
murderous warfare of the ‘civilised' people and their terrible atrocities! Compare their
international law alongside this all-embracing, divinely ordained justice!
O Allah , bless the Muslims with a correct understanding of the deen, and save the world
from these injustices with the enlightenment of Islam!
Associated Matters Concerning Jihad
Many Muslims today mistakenly believe that fighting the enemy is jihad asghar (a lesser
jihad) and that fighting one's ego is jihad akbar (a greater jihad). The following narration
[athar] is quoted as proof: "We have returned from the lesser jihad to embark on the
greater jihad." They said: "What is the greater jihad?" He said: "The jihad of the heart, or
the jihad against one's ego."
This narration is used by some to lessen the importance of fighting, to discourage any
preparation for combat, and to deter any offering of jihad in Allah's way. This narration is
not a saheeh (sound) tradition: The prominent muhaddith Al Hafiz ibn Hajar al-Asqalani
said in the Tasdid al-Qaws:
‘It is well known and often repeated, and was a saying of Ibrahim ibn 'Abla.'
Al Hafiz Al Iraqi said in the Takhrij Ahadith al-Ahya':
‘Al Bayhaqi transmitted it with a weak chain of narrators on the authority of Jabir, and Al
Khatib transmitted it in his history on the authority of Jabir.'
Nevertheless, even if it were a sound tradition, it would never warrant abandoning jihad
or preparing for it in order to rescue the territories of the Muslims and repel the attacks of
the disbelievers. Let it be known that this narration simply emphasises the importance of
struggling against one's ego so that Allah will be the sole purpose of everyone of our
actions.
Other associated matters concerning jihad include commanding the good and forbidding
the evil. It is said in the Hadeeth: "One of the greatest forms of jihad is to utter a word of
truth in the presence of a tyrannical ruler." But nothing compares to the honour of
shahadah kubra (the supreme martyrdom) or the reward that is waiting for the
Mujahideen.
Epilogue
My brothers! The ummah that knows how to die a noble and honourable death is granted
an exalted life in this world and eternal felicity in the next. Degradation and dishonour
are the results of the love of this world and the fear of death. Therefore prepare for jihad
and be the lovers of death. Life itself shall come searching after you.
My brother, you should know that one day you will face death and this ominous event
can only occur once. If you suffer on this occasion in the way of Allah, it will be to your
benefit in this world and your reward in the next. And remember brother that nothing can
happen without the Will of Allah: ponder well what Allah, the Blessed, the Almighty, has
said:
‘Then after the distress, He sent down security for you. Slumber overtook a party of you,
while another party was thinking about themselves (as to how to save themselves,
ignoring the others and the Prophet) and thought wrongly of Allah - the thought of
ignorance. They said, "Have we any part in the affair?" Say you (O Muhammad): "Indeed
the affair belongs wholly to Allah." They hide within themselves what they dare not
reveal to you, saying: "If we had anything to do with the affair, none of us would have
been killed here." Say: "Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death
was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death: but that Allah
might test what is in your hearts; and to purify that which was in your hearts (sins), and
Allah is All-Knower of what is in (your) hearts."'
(Surat al-Imran (3), ayah 154)
You should yearn for an honourable death and you will gain perfect happiness. May
Allah grant myself and yours the honour of martyrdom in His way!
