☪ The Call to Jihad ☪

The Call to Jihad

“…And do not say of those who are slain in the way of Allah: “They are dead.” Nay, they are living, though you do not perceive (it).” (Koran: V 2:154)

Introduction to Jihad
The word “jihad” literally means struggle or exert effort, and applies to any colossal effort, not just to warfare. Jihad may even be to refrain from fighting or to resist one’s own desires or evil inclinations. Even making peace could mean jihad. There is no such thing as “holy war” in Islam or in the Koran. This is a mistranslation of the word. Holy war is carried out to forcibly subject others to one’s religious beliefs. This is expressly forbidden in Islam.

Fighting in war can be jihad, but under what conditions? Muslims fight in defense, but so do others. What makes such fighting a jihad? The answer is that fighting only becomes jihad if it is for the sake of being obedient to Allah and in accordance with His divine law. It is not jihad to fight for wealth, nationalism, territory, honor, race, and soon. Jihad has a strong element of self-restraint not seen in any other forms of warfare. Evening fighting against people who attacked first would not be jihad if the Muslims were to strike back in revenge except to protect and defend people of others faiths if they are in areas where the Muslims have effective power. The life, honor and property of all people are considered sacred whether they are Muslim or not. All people must be free to worship Allah. They must be free to make their own choices. Allah, the Guardian of Faith, explicitly says:

“…There is no compulsion in religion.” (Koran: V 2:256)

The Call to Jihad (Fighting for Allah’s Cause) In the Koran
Praise to Allah who has ordained Al-Jihad (the fighting for Allah’s Cause):

1. With the heart (intentions and feelings)
2. With the hand (weapons, etc.)
3. With the tongue (speeches, etc., in the Cause of Allah)

Allah has rewarded the one who performs it with lofty dwellings in the Gardens (of Paradise).

I testify that there is none who has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone and He has no partners (with Him). I (also) testify that Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is His slave and His Messenger, the one sent by Allah as a mercy for the `Alameen (mankind and jinns); the one commanded by Allah to fight against the disbelievers (and all those who ascribe partners to Allah). He fought for Allah’s Cause with all his power and ability - may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, upon his followers and upon his companions who believed in him, honored him, helped him and followed the light (the Koran) and his sunnah (the legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements, etc.) which was revealed to him and those who emigrated and fought in the Cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives, they were the supreme conquerors and masters.

It is well known how the Messenger (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was fighting against the disbelievers since Allah, the Most Respectful, the All Majestic sent him and honored him with the Messenger ship till Allah caused him to die and selected for him what was with Him (Paradise and all that is good).

Indeed, in the life of Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), we have a practical example of how jihad is to be carried out. The Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to visit the people in their gatherings during season days (Hajj and Umrah) and other days (too). He used to go to their market places, recite the Koran, invite them to Allah, the Most Respectful, the All Majestic. He used to say, “Who will give me a safe shelter and who will support me till I convey the Message of my Lord (Allah) then he will have paradise.”

He carried on his mission of inviting people to Allah (Islamic Religion) and persisted in (this) invitation for thirteen years in spite of the harm and injuries (which he suffered) and he used to forgive the ignorant… in order that Allah’s Proof be established against them (disbelievers) and that His Promise be fulfilled to them (disbelievers) which He assured them with His Statement:

“…And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (to give warning).” (Koran: V 17:15)

When Muhammad (the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) began peacefully calling the people of Mecca to Islam, he was strongly opposed. Because of their belief, Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his followers (may Allah be pleased with them) were severely persecuted, sanctioned, tortured, expelled, had their property seized and were even killed. They used to tie a rope around the neck of Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) and give the end of that rope in the hands of boys to play and drag him through the pathways of Mecca… And as to what Yasir’s family suffered from the torment was beyond what a normal human being can endure. Despite all this, Muslims did not waver from the Islamic principles of peace, nonviolence, and passive resistance. After Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) fully taught Islam for ten years, several Meccan chiefs and leaders formed an alliance, collaborating on a plot to secretly assassinate the Prophet of Allah. The angel Gabriel (Jibreel – peace be upon him) informed Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) of their assassination plot. On the night of assassination was to take place, Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) fled Mecca for Medina and was pursued closely by the assassins for days. The situation grew continuously worse until the Muslims were forced to migrate. They were openly invited to immigrate to Medina, a city to the north, where Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was jubilantly welcomed as the Messenger of Allah and the leader. In Medina, the Islamic community was established and from there the Prophet Muhammad continued his peaceful mission of calling the people to Islam.

The Meccan alliance was intent on extinguishing Islam, Muhammad and his monotheistic teachings. Several major military campaigns were waged by the Meccan army to attack Medina in order to annihilate Muslims. When the well-equipped armies of aggressors were forming on the horizon, far outnumbering the Muslims, Allah the Wise, gave Muslims permission for the first time to bear arms in defense of their life and faith in jihad. The pagan armies of Mecca were defeated by Muslims who were far inferior in numbers and equipment though blessed with faith.

“…Permission to fight is given to those (i.e. believers against disbelievers) who are fighting them (and) because the (believers) have been wronged, and surely Allah is able to give them (believers) victory.” (Koran: V 22:39)

“…Fighting is prescribed for you, and you dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows, and you know not.” (Koran; V 2:216)

“…And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you” (Koran: V 2:190)

“Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject faith fight in the cause of evil: so you fight against the friends of Satan: feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan.” (Koran: V 4:76)

“…So when you meet (in fight… Jihad in Allah’s Cause) those who disbelieve smite at their necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives). Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity (i.e. free them without ransom) or ransom (according to what benefits Islam), until the war lays down its burden. This (you are ordered by Allah to continue in carrying out Jihad against the disbelievers till they embrace Islam (i.e. are saved from the punishment in the hell-fire) or at least come under your protection) but if it had been Allah’s Will, He Himself could certainly have you punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are killed in the Way of Allah, he will never let their deeds be lost.” (Koran: V 47:4)

“…And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah is worse than killing. And fight not with them at Al-Masjid-al-Haram (the sanctuary at Mecca), unless they (first) fight you there. But if they attack you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers.” (Koran: V 2:191)

“…Fight against them so that Allah will punish them by your hands and disgrace them and give you victory over them and heal the breasts of a believing people.” (Koran: V 9:14)

“…March forth, whether you are light (being healthy, young and wealthy) or heavy (being ill, old and poor), strive hard with your wealth and your lives in the Cause of Allah. This is better for you, if you but knew.” (Koran: V 9:41)

“…There is no blame or sin is there upon the blind, nor is there blame or sin upon the lame, nor is there blame or sin upon the sick (that they go not forth to war).” (Koran: V 48:17)

“…And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and worshipping of others along with Allah) and (all and every kind of) worship is for Allah (Alone). But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against Az-Zalimun (the polytheists, and wrong-doers, etc.)” (Koran: V 2:193)
“…But if they cease, then Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Koran: V 2:192)
“…There was already been for you a Sign in the two armies that met (in combat): one was fighting in the cause of Allah, the other resisting Allah; these saw with their own eyes twice their number. But Allah supports with His aid whom He pleases. In this is a warning for such as have eyes to see.” (Koran: V 3:13)

“…As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allah's Religion - Islamic Monotheism). And verily, Allah is with the (good doers)." (Koran: V 29:69)

“…Do they not travel through the earth and see what was the end of those before them? They were superior to them in strength they tilled the soil and populated it in greater numbers than these have done: there came to them Messengers with clear (signs), (which they rejected, to their own destruction): it was not Allah Who wronged them but they wronged their own souls.” (Koran: V 30:9)

After the Meccan alliance recognized that war was futile, Muslims initiated a nonaggression treaty which was signed between the Meccan alliance chiefs and the Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Muslims are required by Allah to strive toward peace at any opportunity. This treaty allowed unarmed Muslims to perform the pilgrimage to the Ka`bah, built by Abraham (peace be upon him). This peaceful period proved discouraging to Meccan leaders who saw Muslim number grow rapidly. Masterminding another treacherous plot, the Meccan alliance attacked and slaughtered many in betrayal of the treaty with the Muslims, in order to put a stop to Islam and peace. It was only after the Meccan alliance violated the treaty, that the Koran verse ordering Muslims to jihad against this tyranny was revealed. Amazingly the Meccans did not engage in combat. Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) entered Mecca humbly and instead of taking revenge, he offered general amnesty and forgiveness to everyone. Muslims peacefully conquered Mecca without bloodshed, cleansing the Ka`bah and destroying the idols. Muhammad forbade any oppression, injustice or compulsion in religion and did not allow any doors to be forced open. He graciously forgave his most bitter enemies, including those who had severely persecuted him and had even killed members of his family. This is Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), a true example of Islam, the pinnacle of humanity and the clear example of jihad.

How Jihad is conducted
The following will further clarify how fighting in Islam was conducted. The Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) forbade the killing of any noncombatants. Ibn ‘Umar, a companion of the Prophet said, “I saw the body of a slain woman during one of the battles of the Prophet, so he forbade the killing of women and children.” (Book of Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Rabah B. Rabi (may Allah be pleased with him) was another companion of the Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). He gave the following account of an incident that occurred during one of the battles: “We were with Allah’s Messenger during a battle and we saw people gathered together. He dispatched a man to find out why they were woman. “So Allah’s Messenger said: “She should not have been attacked!” him saying: “Tell Khalid B. Walid was leading the forces, so he dispatched a man to him saying: Tell Khalid not to kill women or laborers (civilians).” (Book of Sunan Abi Dawud)

Allah’s Messenger (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to say the following words to his troops before sending them to fight: “Invade in the Name of Allah and for the cause of Allah and kill those who disbelieve in Allah. Invade and do not press heavily by exceeding the limits, and do not betray, and do not kill children…” (Book of Muwatta’)

It is not for any Prophet to take illegally a part of booty and whosoever deceives his companions as regards the booty, he shall bring forth on the Day of Resurrection that which he took (illegally). Then every person shall be paid in full what he has earned and they shall not be dealt with unjustly. (Koran: V 3:161)

From all of this it is easy to see the position of Islam on terrorism. Terrorism is against Islamic principle. Terrorism is a form of warfare in which innocent people are specifically targeted in order to instill fear in a society. It is clear from the proceeding that even during war, when the Muslims are defending against aggressive enemy; they are never allowed to target any civilians, or to destroy crops, trees, or livestock. This is strictly prohibited by Islamic law and the clear examples of the Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The killing of innocents is murder and a crime against Allah and humanity, even during times of war and even when the other side does not similarly respect civilian life. One who intentionally kills innocent people is a murderer who deserves the punishment for murderer. Terrorism is categorically prohibited in Islam and Islamic law rejects the premise that a non-legitimate tactic can ever lead to a positive result.

Throughout Islamic history, the behavior of Muslims who followed the Koran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), as well as how they treated others in times of war, has been exemplary. Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and the first Caliph (successor and leader) who came after him, sent an army to Syria to fight the aggressive Roman legions and went out to give them words of encouragement. He said: “You are going to find a group of people who have devoted themselves to the worship of Allah (i.e., monks), so leave them to what they are doing.”

When Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the second Caliph, drove the Roman legions out of Jerusalem, the Muslims were welcomed as liberators. Even though Muslims had conquered the land, they were not allowed to look upon the inhabitants of the land as their enemies. Their enemies were only the Roman legions who had aggressed humbly. Instead of dictating harsh terms to the people, he brought a treaty that guaranteed the people of Jerusalem, who were predominantly Christian, their safety and freedom from all persecution. The following is from the treaty that he drafted for them:

“This is what Umar, the commander of the faithful, grants to the people in peace. He grants them the safety of their persons, their churches and their crosses… their churches will not be shut down nor destroyed. Northing will be taken from them or from their crosses. They will not be compelled to abandon their faith nor shall any one of them be abused.”

To reiterate, there is no such thing as a “holy war” in Islam. War is atrocious and can never be holy. Muslims are not allowed to force their religion on anyone. The word jihad means “struggle”. This struggle can be of military nature. When it is, the difference between jihad and war becomes clear. Jihad can never be fought for worldly gain, for conquest or for revenge. Muslims must fight to protect the freedom of the people to worship Allah when that freedom is forcibly attacked. They are never allowed to attack innocent people, even when they are themselves attacked.

Any people who go against this established principle of Islamic law are fighting in contradiction to Islamic principles. It is ludicrous for anyone to call this fighting jihad, a word that means striving for the cause of Islam. In general, they are murderers in the light of Islamic law and should be treated as such.

Similarly one should be cautious, not to fight (with the intention) to show off, or for good reputation or for dignity, or for pride and haughtiness, or for the clamors (noise) of nationalism and for false-forged slogans.

Excellence of Jihad
Jihad is a great deed indeed and there is no deed whose reward or blessing is as that of it, and for this reason, it is the best thing thatone can volunteer for. All the Muslim religious scholars unanimously agree that Jihad is superior to Hajj and ‘Umra (Pilgrimage) and also superior to non-obligatory prayer (salah) and fasting (saum) as mentioned in the Koran and the Prophet’s Sunnah. It is obvious that the benefits of Jihad for us are extensive and comprehensive, it (Jihad) includes all kinds of worship both hidden and open, it also includes ( a great) love for Allah and it shows one’s sincerity to Him and it also shows one’s trust in Him and it indicates the handing over of one’s soul and property to Him – it (Jihad) shows one’s patience, one’s devotion to Islam, one’s remembrance to Allah and there are other kinds of good deeds which are present in Jihad and are not present in any other act of worship.

For these above mentioned degrees of grades of various kinds of worship one should race for Jihad. It is confirmed in the two authentic books (of Hadith).

Narrated Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): I heard Allah’s Messenger (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saying, “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is! Were it not for some men amongst the believers who dislike to be left behind me and whom I cannot provide with means of conveyance, I would certainly never remain behind any Sariya (army unit) going out for jihad in Allah’s Cause. By Him in Whose Hands my life is! I would love to be martyred in Allah’s Cause and then come back to life and then be martyred and then come back to life again and then be martyred and then come back to life again and then be martyred.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol 4, Hadith No. 54).

“…Let those fight in the cause of Allah who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter. To him who fights in the cause of Allah, - whether he is slain or gets victory – soon shall We give him a reward of great (value).” (Koran: V 4:74)
“…Verily, Allah has purchased of the believers their lives and their properties; 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 Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) and the Koran. And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain which you have concluded. That is the supreme success.” (Koran: V 4:111)
So the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), through his life, his firmness, his courage and his patience has deeply encourage the Mujahidin for Allah’s Cause.

He informed them of jihad’s advanced and delayed reward that is for them, and how different kinds of evils Allah repels with it; and what a great honor, power, dignity and a high grade is obtained through it and he has put jihad at the top of Islam. The Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

Narrated Abu Hurayrah: The Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), performs Prayer (Salat) and observes fast (Saum) during the month of Ramadan, then it will be a promise binding upon Allah to admit him to Paradise, no matter whether he fights in Allah’s Cause or remains in the land where he is born.” The people said. “O Allah’s Messenger! Shall we acquaint the people with this good news?” He said, “Paradise has one hundred grades which Allah has reserved for the Mujahidun who fight in His Cause, and the distance between each of the two grades is like the distance between heaven and earth. So, when you ask Allah (for something) ask for Al-Firdaus which is the middle and highest part of Paradise.” (the subnarrator added, “I think the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also said, ‘Above it (i.e. Al-Firdaus) is the Throne of the Most Gracious, and from it gushes forth the rivers of Paradise).” (As mentioned in the two authentic books (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) See Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol 4, Hadith No. 48).

Narrated Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Nobody who dies and finds good from Allah (in the Hereafter) would wish to come back to this world, even if he were given the whole world and whatever is in it except the martyr who, on seeing the superiority of martyrdom would like to come back to the world and get killed again (in Allah’s Cause).”

It is narrated in the book, Sahih Al-Bukhari, Allah’s Messenger (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“Anyone whose both feet get covered with dist in Allah’s Cause will not be touched by the Hell-fire.” (Vol. 4, Hadith No. 66).

It is also narrated in the two books (Al-Bukhari and Muslim):

A man said: “O Allah’s Messenger (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)! Inform me of a thing that is equal to Jihad!” Allah’s Messenger (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “You cannot (do that).” The man said: “Inform me of that.” Allah’s Messenger (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Can you observe fasting (saum) continuously without eating or drinking (at all) and stand continuously in prayer from the time the Mujahidin go out for jihad (till the time they return back home)?” The man replied, “No.” Allah’s Messenger (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: That is (the thing) which is equal to jihad.”

Likewise Allah’s Messenger (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

1. The souls of the martyrs are in the green birds dwelling in Paradise wherever they like.
2. That all their sins and faults are forgiven.
3. That he can intercede with Allah for seventy (70) of his family members.”
4. That he will come secure on the Day of Resurrection from the great terror.
5. That he will not feel the agonies and distress of death.
6. That he will not be horrified by the (great) Gathering (on the Day of Resurrection).
7. That he does not feel the pain of “the killing” except like that of a pinch.

And how many agonies and distresses are there for a person who dies on his bed and a standing (praying) or a sleeping person in jihad. And whosoever acted as a guard or escort in Allah’s Cause, his eyes will never witness the Fire (Hell) and that a day spent while one is in jihad for Allah’s Cause is better than the world and whatsoever is in it.

Similarly Allah disapproved of those who abandoned jihad (i.e. they did not go for jihad) and attributed to them hypocrisy and disease in their hearts and threatened (all) those who remain behind from jihad and sit (at home) with horrible punishment. He (Allah) accused them with the ugliest descriptions, rebuked them for their cowardice and spoke against them (about their weakness and their remaining behind) as He said:

“…O you who believe! What (excuse) have you that when it is said to you: Go forth in Allah's way, you should incline heavily to earth; are you contented with this world's life instead of the hereafter? But the provision of this world's life compared with the hereafter is but little. If you do not go forth, He will chastise you with a painful chastisement and bring in your place a people other than you, and you will do Him no harm; and Allah has power over all things.” (Koran: V 9:38-39)

And you will not find any organization past or present, religious or non-religious as regards (jihad and military) (ordering) the whole nation to march forth and mobilize all of them into active military service as a single row for jihad in Allah’s Cause so as to make superior the Word of Allah (i.e. there is no god but Allah), as you will find in the Islamic Religion and its teachings.

“…Among the Believers are men, who have been true to their covenant with Allah, (i.e. they have gone out for jihad and showed not their backs to the disbelievers), of them some have completed their vow (to the extreme) (i.e. have been martyred) and some still are waiting, but they have never changed (their determination) (i.e. they have never proved treacherous to their covenant which they concluded with Allah) in the least.” (Koran: V 33:23)