In the name of Allah, Most Gratious and the Most Mercyful
[May Allah grant us all proper understanding; A'ameen]
::ISLAMIC JIHAD, EXPLAINED::
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The concept of jihad is one of the most misconstrued aspects of Islamic doctrine in the world today. Not only by Western society and its media, but also by some pseudo-Muslim radical elements who have popularized it to mean holy war. As a result, Islam is erroneously and unjustly labeled as a religion that advocates violence and terrorism.
In the linguistic sense, the Arabic word "jihad" means struggling or striving and applies to any effort exerted by anyone. In this sense, a student struggles and strives to get an education and pass course work; an employee strives to fulfill his/her job and maintain good relations with his/her employer; a politician strives to maintain or increase his (1) popularity with his constituents and so on. The term strive or struggle may be used for/by Muslims as well as non-Muslims.
In the West, "jihad" is generally translated as "holy war," a usage the media has popularized. According to Islamic teachings, it is unholy to instigate or start war; however, some wars are inevitable and justifiable. If we translate the words "holy war" back into Arabic, we find "harbun muqaddasatu," or for "the holy war," "al-harbu al-muqaddasatu." We challenge any researcher or scholar to find the meaning of "jihad" as holy war in the Noble Qur'an or authentic Hadith collections or in early Islamic literature. Unfortunately, some Muslim writers and translators of the Qur'an, the Hadith and other Islamic literature translate the term "jihad" as "holy war," due to the influence of centuries-old Western propaganda. This could be a reflection of the Christian use of the term "Holy War" to refer to the Crusades of a thousand years ago. However, the Arabic words for "war" are "harb" or "qital," which are found in the Noble Qur'an and Hadith.
Categories of Jihad:
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1. Jihad-e-Akbar: Jihad of the Highest Order
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a. Jihad an-Nafs or Struggle against ones own Nafs or Desires:
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This is the jihad of self-reformation, and the struggle is against human vices, such as greed and lust, and all worldly enticements that are contrary to Islamic principles. This jihad reflects the journey of an individual from an ‘animalistic’ state of existence, which is living for immediate gratification or gain, to one where the psyche is disciplined enough to exercise moral control. The Muslim is expected to strive hard to learn correct Islamic instruction and to put those teachings into effect every day. Jihad an-Nafs calls for compelling oneself to observe obligatory and voluntary duties, and abandon all things that are haram (forbidden) or makrooh (disliked) as mandated in the Qur'an. It also includes compelling oneself to conduct all of one's affairs with excellent disposition and the highest level of ethics.
According to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), “The most excellent type of jihad is to practice jihad against your own self and own desires for the sake of Allah.” [At-Tirmidhi]
All forms of worship in Islam, such as prayers, fasting and charity, exist as means of purifying and perfecting the soul - this is the essence of mankind, and the element that will outlast this life and be judged in the next. It is only in the upward development of the soul that mankind will find happiness in this life and in the hereafter. The Qur'an states:
“And by the soul and Him Who perfected it, then showed it what is right and what is wrong for it—indeed, he succeeds who purifies his soul, and, indeed, he fails who corrupts his soul.” [Qur'an 91:7]
b. Jihad ash-Shaytaan or Struggle against Evil (Satan):
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This is the struggle against Satan, and it involves defending oneself from his evil whisperings, temptations and lustfulness. One should understand that Satan's promptings will never cease, as a result, this is a struggle to last throughout one’s life. The Qur’an states:
“Verily Satan is an enemy to you: so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his adherents,that they may become Companions of the Blazing Fire.” [Qur’an 35:6]
2. Jihad-e-Kabir: Major Jihad
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a. Jehad al-daawah or Jehad al Ziqr or Verbal Jihad:
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This is the jihad that calls for the propagation of the true and unadulterated message of the Qur’an. Muslims are required to become involved in da'wah (spreading the message of Islam), and to do so with patience, wisdom, tolerance and respect of others and their own beliefs. Propagating the true message of Islam is not only to enlighten non-Muslims, but also to correct mistaken beliefs among Muslims. However, the goal and intention of da’wah to non-Muslims is simply to convey the message of Islam - it is not to have or make them convert Islam. Muslims are prohibited from using any form of coercion or force in this endeavor. The Qur’an states:
“Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.” [Qur’an 2:256]
b. Jihad ahlu ath-Thulm or Struggle Against Evil, Injustice and Innovations:
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This is the struggle against evil (al-Munkaraat), injustice (ath-Thulm) and those who corrupt Islam and society with heretic ideas or innovation (al-Bida'ah). It calls for Muslims to speak up against evil-doing, oppression and tyranny, and to help safeguard the well-being of all people regardless of race, gender, nationality or religion. Furthermore, this jihad calls for removing treacherous people from power and replacing them with those who will be just and equitable. In addition, those who devote their time, talent, wealth or knowledge to the cause of righteousness are also said to be practicing Verbal Jihad.
c. Jihad al-Kuffar or Struggle against Disbeliever’s and Hypocrites:
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This is the struggle against disbelievers (kuffar) and al-Munafiqeen (hypocrites). It is accomplished at four levels: with the heart, the tongue, one's wealth and one's soul. This jihad is usually practiced with the tongue by verbally refuting misguided ways and conveying the true message of Islam. According to the Prophet (peace be upon him):
"Perform Jihad against the disbelievers with your wealth, with yourself and with your tongues." [Abu Dawud]
"He amongst you who witnesses an evil, let him change (remove, stop) it with his hand. If unable, then with his tongue, and if unable, then with his heart, and this indeed is the weakest Iman." [Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri, Muslim]
And the Qur’an states:
"But strive hard against them (the Kuffar), (by preaching) with the utmost endeavor, with it (ie. the Qur'an)" [Qur'an 25:52]
“O Prophet! Strive hard against the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and be firm against them. Their abode is Hell,- an evil refuge (indeed).” [Qur’an 66:9]
“Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject Faith fight in the cause of Evil: So fight ye against the friends of Satan: feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan.” [Qur’an 4:76]
d. Jihad al-Haq or Jihad for ones Rites:
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This comprises of all the effort (through actions) one makes in order to establish rightiousness and fulfillment of ones rites upon him/her self. For example -- a person working hard in order to earn for honest living, is his/her jehad for livelihood or earning.
A person taking care of his/her family and fulfilling there legitimate needs, is a jehad.
A student making efforts for education or to gain some knowledge, is a jehad.
A person councelling his/her children against the sins and evils of society, is a jehad to establishment of rightiousness.
A person being obedient and dutyful to ones parents, is a jehad to fulfill the rites of ones parents upon the one.
Allah declares in the Qur'an:
"As for those who strive (Jahadu) in Us (the cause of Allah), We surely guide them to Our paths, and lo! Allah is with the good doers."
(The Holy Quran, 29:69)
When we are faced with two competing interests, it becomes jihad to choose the right one, as the following Hadith exemplify:
"Aisha, wife of the Prophet(S) asked, 'O Messenger of Allah, we see jihad as the best of deeds, so shouldn't we join it?' He replied, 'But the best of jihad is a perfect Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah).'"
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, No. 2784)
At another occasion, a man asked the Prophet Muhammad(S):
"'Should I join the jihad?' He asked, 'Do you have parents?' The man said, 'Yes!' The Prophet(S) said, 'Then strive by serving them!'"
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, No. 5972)
Yet another man asked the Messenger of Allah(S):
"'What kind of jihad is better?' He replied, 'A word of truth in front of an oppressive ruler!'" (Sunan Al-Nasa'i , No. 4209)
The Messenger of Allah(S) said:
"...the Mujahid (one who carries out jihad) is he who strives against himself for the sake of Allah, and the Muhajir (one who emigrates) is he who abandons evil deeds and sin."
(Sahih Ibn Hibbanm, No. 4862)
Thus we can say that- each and every legitimate effort made by a person in order get his/her rites to live ones life rightiously; each and every legitimate effort made by a person to accomplish and fulfill the rites of others upon him/her; and every legitimate effort made for the establishment of justice and rightiousness in society, is a form of JEHAD.
3. Jihad-e-Asghar : Jihad of the Lower Order.
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a. Jihad al-Qital or Military or Combat Jihad:
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This is the jihad of DEFENSIVE battle and represents the most misinterpreted category of jihad by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. It is used by some pseudo-Muslim radical elements and anti-Islamists to contend that Islam promotes and rewards offensive warfare. But the correct interpretation is that this jihad represents the legitimate struggle to defend human rights, families, personal and religious freedoms, land and property. Islam forbids Muslims to be initiators or aggressors, but it permits them to defend themselves when necessary. Hence, the battle can only be defensive, and not an offensive action. The Qur’an issues this decree as follows:
“Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors.” [Qur’an 2:190]
One of the authentic Hadits regarding Jehad is as--
SAHIH AL BUKHARI: Volume 1, Book 3, Number 125 :
Narrated by Abu Musa:: A man came to the Prophet and asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What kind of fighting is in Allah's cause? (I ask this), for some of us fight because of being enraged and angry and some for the sake of his pride and haughtiness." The Prophet raised his head (as the questioner was standing) and said, "He who fights so that Allah's Word (Islam) should be superior, then he fights in Allah's cause."
IN ISLAM, THE POURPOSE OF ANY BATTLE IS TO RESTORE PEACE AND NOT TO PROMOTE VIOLENCE. When engaging in battle, Islam commands Muslims to be fair and just; not to harm or kill women, children, the elderly and unarmed civilians; not to terrify civilians; and not to employ unnecessary excessive force. The Qur’an has provided the circumstances under which defensive warfare is permissible; and Muslims are strictly forbidden from transgressing these parameters.
Military or Combat Jihad is only permitted:
--> to defend a peoples’ homeland and fellow citizens against any invaders;
-- > to provide help and support to those who are oppressed and unable to exercise their own will and freedom of choice;
--> when Muslims are subjected to aggressive oppression, in the practice of their religion, and there are actual threats to their lives; and
--> when Muslims have been driven out of their homes. In such cases, the Qur'an recommends that they migrate to a more peaceful and tolerant society. However, if relocation is not possible, and there are actual threats to their lives, they can resort to defensive action. The Qur’an states:
“Permission [to fight] is given to those against whom war is being wrongfully and offensively waged, and surely Allah is able to give them victory. Those who have been expelled from their homes unjustly, only because they said, 'Our Lord is Allah…” [Qur’an 22: 39-40]
AND
“Fight against aggressors until oppression is stopped.” [Qur'an 2:193]
Thus in true sense-- if a Muslim attacks a weak non-Muslim and ceases his properties, another Muslim fights against the Muslim who attacked, in order to guard the rites and property of the non-Muslim, will sure be considered as a jehad.
Islamic Rules for Defensive Battle:
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According to Islamic injunction, the following comprise what Muslims can or cannot carry out in the event of a battle:
i) civilians who are not fighting against Muslims are not to be attacked or killed;
ii) crops, other sources of food, water and cattle or other animals are not to be destroyed;
iii) hospitals, orphanages and other places of safety and refuge are not to be destroyed;
iv) Mosques, Churches, Synagogues or other places of worship are not to be destroyed;
v) women, children, the elderly and the disabled are not to be harmed;
vi) if the aggressor stops the aggression or offers a treaty it should be accepted and the fighting stopped immediately;
vii) fleeing oppressors are not to be pursued to unnecessary extents and should be allowed to return to their home; and
viii) prisoners of war should be treated with respect and have their basic needs fulfilled, and they should be freed or ransomed as soon as possible after the battle.
In a nutshell, the true nature of jihad in Islam constitutes various levels of struggles and efforts in the cause and for the sake of Allah (SWT). The struggle between good and evil, truth and falsehood will forever remain a constant in the life of this world. Engaging in jihad means dedicating one’s physical, intellectual and spiritual resources to stay on the path of truth and righteousness; in the hope of gaining Allah's good pleasure by making His Word prevail in and through the life of all grateful believers.
AND ALLAH KNOWS THE BEST.
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