Migration

If you ever meet a Muslim in the West that tells you that Hijrah is not an obligation or that our real obligation is Da’wah in the West, then let him study the sayings of these Shuyookh on living in the land of the Mushrikeen and the land which is at war with your Religion and people. We will start off with a few introductory quotes and then give quotes that detail the subject. Note that we are not doing Taqleed (blind following) here since the ayaat and ahadith on Hijrah are already explicit in regards to this matter and we only quote these Shuyookh here because some of them clearly explain these ayaat and ahadith. The majority of these quotes are self-explanatory; I might add a few comments here and there to relate to our times. It is important to keep in mind when reading these quotes that Muslims cannot practice their Deen openly in the West as they ought to. Why? Since we know that our Deen is not limited to the five pillars and that it encompasses every aspect of our lives such as Jihad fe Sabeelillah, the establishment of the Shari’ah throughout the land and the abolishment of the law of the status quo, and speaking the Haqq in an uncensored manner and so on, Hijrah then becomes an absolute necessity so that these things - which are necessary practices of our Deen - can be implemented. Notice that I said, “and speaking the Haqq” since the West no longer allows freedom of speech for those that support this Noble Millah that they are at war against. Many of the brothers in the UK, for example, have tested the patience of the Government through their verbal support of the Mujahideen and their insults at the Kuffar; many of them have been arrested such as Shaykh ‘Abdullah al-Faisal, Shaykh Abu Hamza al-Misri and others. In any case, even if they gave us the complete freedom of speech that we desire, Hijrah is still an obligation since they are against the establishment of the Shari’ah in their own lands (and even ours!) since it is like having two Presidents in a single Country; not only this, but they have publicly declared war against those who desire the establishment of the Khilafah and because of their wars against our nation, it only made Jihad fe Sabeelillah a clearer fard.

Some of the ahadith to keep in mind while reading these quotes are:

The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhe wassallam) said: “I have nothing to do with any Muslim who settles among the mushrikeen.” (Sunan Abi Dawood (2274) & is a Sahih hadith, al-Irwaa’, 5/30)

And,

The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhe wassallam) said, “I am not responsible for any Muslim who stays among polytheists.” They asked: ‘Why, Apostle of Allah?’ He said: ‘Their fires should not be visible to one another’, and he (sallallahu ‘alayhe wassallam) said, “Whoever joins the polytheists and lives with them then he is like them” and he (sallallahu ‘alayhe wassallam) said: “Migration will not end until repentance ends, and repentance will not end until the sun rises in the West.” (”Al-Musnad“, Vol.4/99, Abu Dawud, Kitab al-Jihad, Vol.3/7, Hadith 2479, and ad-Darami, Kitab as-Siyyar, Vol.2/239. Albani classifies it as Sahih. See: “Sahih al-Ja’mi’ as-Sagheer”, Vol.6/186, Hadith 7346)

Finally, if anyone has arguments with Dalaa’il (evidences) that are against the Dalaa’il I presented here, then we humbly ask them to bring these arguments forth.

INTRODUCTORY QUOTES

Ibn al-Arabi (rahimahullah) said,

“It is obligatory to leave a place where forbidden practices are rife since it is mandatory for Muslims to demand observance of the Law.” Ibn al-Arabi, “Ahkaam al-Qur’an“, Vol. 1/484-485

In this regard, Shaykh ul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) said,

“The state of a place reflects the state of a person. It is possible to be sometimes a Muslim and at other times a disbeliever; sometimes sincere and at other times hypocritical; sometimes good and pious and at other times rotten and corrupt. Thus, a person becomes like the place of his abode. The migration of a person from a land of disbelief and profanity to one of faith and probity is an expression of repentance and of his turning away from disobedience and perversion to belief and obedience. This is so until the Day of Resurrection.” “Majmu’al-Fatawa“, 18/284

Shaykh ‘Abdul Lateef ibn ‘Abdur-Rahmaan (rahimahullah) said,

“And the best thing to draw one nearer to Allah is the aggression towards His enemies, the Mushrikeen, while hating them and having enmity towards them and waging Jihad against them. And with this, the slave is saved from having allegiance with them as opposed to the believers. And if he does not do so, then he has formed his allegiance with them, based upon what he failed to fulfill from that and abandoned from that. So beware, (again) beware, that which destroys Islam and uproots it.” Ad-Durar as-Saniyyah, Volume of Jihad, pg. 681

In regards to the weak excuse some Muslims give saying, “It’s better for us to not show this open animosity and the reality and truth of Jihad fe Sabeelillah now because we are in a delicate time and place; we should only show it when we have power and influence,” Shaykh Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi (fakkAllahu Asra) said,

“And perhaps the vast majority would use as an excuse, the benefit (Maslahah) of the Da’wah and the (resulting) trials (Fitnah). But which trial (Fitnah) is greater than the concealment of the Tawheed and the deception of the people regarding their religion? And which benefit (Maslahah) is greater than establishing the Millah of Ibrahim, while openly showing the allegiance to the religion of Allah as well as the enmity to the Tawagheet, who are worshipped, and devoted to besides Allah? And if the Muslims are not tested because of this, and if the (sacrificial) slaughtering is not put forth in His path, then for what would the tests be? So disbelieving in all of the Tawagheet is obligatory upon every Muslim by (the virtue of) half of the testimony (Shahaadah) of Islam. And openly declaring that, while showing it and making it apparent, is also a great obligation, and it is a must which all Muslim groups, or sub-groups from each group, must do so that it would become known and the (awareness) would spread. And also, so that it would become the distinguishing characteristic and description of these (various) Da’wahs. Such was the condition of the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhe wassallam); not only in the time wherein he became established (i.e., in Madinah), but also in the times of weakness as well (i.e., in Makkah), because it is well known that he used to be pointed to, by all the fingers, and (people) would warn others about him and describe him as having enmity towards their gods, and other things as well. And we find it odd; what is this Da’wah about which the callers weep for its benefit (Maslahah)? And which religion is it that they wish to establish and make apparent, while most of them consistently speak with the praising of the fabricated law (system) – and O what an evil – and some of them (even) praise it and bear witness to its fairness? And many of them (even) undertake an oath of honoring it and complying with its stipulations and its restrictions; reversing the (entire) issue (i.e., Da’wah to Tawheed) and its very course. So instead of openly showing and declaring the enmity towards it (i.e., the law system), and disbelief in it, they openly show the allegiance to it and their pleasure with it. So is it the likes of those who would spread the Tawheed and establish the religion?! And to Allah is the grievance.” Millat Ibrahim, pg. 55

Abul-Wafaa’ ibn ‘Uqayl (rahimahullah) said,

“If you wish to know the status of Islam amongst the people of a particular time, then do not look to the crowding at the doors of the Masajid, nor to their echoing with, ‘Labbayk.’ Rather, look to their enmity towards the enemies of the Shari’ah. So seek refuge, (again) seek refuge in the shield of the religion and remain steadfast to the great rope of Allah and the allegiance to His believing supporters and beware, (again) beware His opposing enemies, as the best thing by which to draw nearer to Allah, the Most High, is the severe fury towards those who oppose Allah and His Messenger and waging Jihad against them by the hand and the tongue and the heart, according to one’s ability.” Ad-Durar as-Saniyyah, Volume of Jihad, page 238

DETAILED QUOTES

Ibn Hazm (rahimahullah) states that:

“Whoever joins the ‘land of war’ and disbelief, of his own free will and in defiance of whoever amongst the Muslims calls him to his side, is by virtue of this act an apostate, by all the laws of apostasy, in Islam. Whoever is able to kill him must do so. His property is unprotected, his marriage null and void, all his rights are swept away.

But whoever flees to the ‘land of war’ for fear of oppression, who neither opposes the Muslims in anything nor bears any malice towards them, and who was not able to find any refuge among the Muslims, is free of any guilt since he was compelled to leave.

As for someone who takes the Muslims as his enemies, offering his help and his service to the disbelievers, he is a disbeliever. But those who would emigrate to non-Muslim lands in search of wealth or prosperity to live under their protection, while they were able to go to live amongst the Muslims in their own land, but still do not withdraw themselves from the disbelievers; such people are not far from the fold of disbelief, and we can find no possible excuse for them, so we ask Allah’s Forgiveness.

As for the person who lives in the land of Karmathians by his own free will, he is without doubt a disbeliever, because they are avowed enemies of Islam, disbelievers and apostates who only long for the destruction of the Muslims. Concerning those who live in a land where some heretic tendencies, leading to disbelief, are manifested, they are not considered disbelievers, as Islam is supreme in the land where it is possible to practice Islam openly; to confirm the message of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhe wassallam), read the Qur’an, establish the prayer, perform the fast of Ramadan and fulfill one’s obligations entirely.

The words of the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhe wassallam), “I am not responsible for any Muslim who stays among polytheists” should clarify what we have said so far. It is clear that the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhe wassallam) refers here to the ‘Dar ul-Harb’, and because he (sallallahu ‘alayhe wassallam) appointed some Companions as governors of Khaibar (Jewish land), even though everyone who lived there were Jews.

If a disbeliever conquers a Muslim country, then acknowledges their religion (Islam), but assumes authority over them, and then claims any other religion than Islam, whoever lives with him, supports, or serves him in any way is a disbeliever, even if he claims to be a Muslim, as aforementioned.” Ibn Hazm, al-Muhalla’: Vol. 13/139-140

Ibn Rushd (rahimahullah) said:

“It is obligatory, according to the Qur’an, Sunnah and scholarly consensus, for anyone who becomes Muslim in a Kafir country to migrate from there and settle in a Muslim land, and not to live among the mushrikeen or settle among them. That applies if he is not able to practice his religion openly or he is forced to follow the rulings of kufr.” al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah, 4/264

Al-Hassan Ibn Salih (rahimahullah) said:

“Whoever remains in the land of the enemy, will be treated like the disbelievers, so long as he was able to join the Muslims but did not do it. If one of the disbelievers accepts Islam, but still remains with the disbelievers, even though he was able to go to join the Muslims, he is to be treated like them; neither his blood nor his property will be protected.” Al-Jasaas, “Ahkam al-Qur’an“, Vol. 3/216.

Al-Hassan (rahimahullah) said:

“If a Muslim emigrates to the land of the disbelievers, yet does not renounce Islam, he will (still) be an apostate by virtue of his abandonment of ‘Dar ul-Islam.“‘ Al-Jasaas, “Ahkam al-Qur’an“, Vol. 3/216.

The Arabic text of the preceding passage refers to the land of the disbelievers as ‘dar ul-harb‘ and ‘Ard ul-Adu’, that is: the ‘land of the enemy’; this indicates an active military opposition to the Muslims, as if in a state of war.

Imam Ibn Kathir (rahimahullah) commented on the following ayah as follows,

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ تَوَفَّاهُمُ ٱلْمَلاۤئِكَةُ ظَالِمِيۤ أَنْفُسِهِمْ قَالُواْ فِيمَ كُنتُمْ قَالُواْ كُنَّا مُسْتَضْعَفِينَ فِي ٱلأَرْضِ قَالْوۤاْ أَلَمْ تَكُنْ أَرْضُ ٱللَّهِ وَاسِعَةً فَتُهَاجِرُواْ فِيهَا فَأُوْلَـٰئِكَ مَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ وَسَآءَتْ مَصِيراً
When Angels take the souls of those who die in sin against their souls, they ask: “In what (plight) Were ye?” They reply: “Weak and oppressed were we in the earth.” They ask: “Was not the earth of Allah spacious enough for you to move yourselves away (From evil)?” Such men will find their abode in Hell; What an evil refuge! (an Nisa: 97)

“This noble ayah is general for everyone who resides amongst the polytheists while he is able to make Hijrah and he is not able to perform his Deen, and so, he is wronging himself and committing something forbidden by Ijmaa’ and by the explicit evidence of this ayah.” “Tafsir Ibn Kathir“, 2/343, and Ibn Ateeq, “Ad-Difaa “‘, p. 13.

Al Manaawee (rahimahullah) said regarding the hadith,

On the Authority of Samurah ibn Jundub, the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhe wassallam) said, “Whoever joins the Mushrikoon and lives with them, then he is like them.” (Abu Dawood)

Explaining the cause behind his statement: “…then he is like them,” he stated:

“That is because embracement of the enemy of Allah and showing Muwaalaat towards him necessitates one’s turning away from Allah, and whosoever turns away from Allah, then then Shaytan will befriend him and will drag him to disbelief. Al Zamakhsharee said: ‘This is understood because demonstrating Muwaalaat towards someone and demonstrating Muwaalaat towards his enemy is contradictory to each other.” Fayd al Qadeer (6/111)

Ash-Shawkaanee (rahimahullah) said:

“The statement, “…then he is like them,” is evidence for the prohibition of residing with the Kuffar and the obligation of separating oneself from them. Even though the Scholars have discussed the authenticity of this Hadith, the statement of Allah testifies to its authenticity:

وَيُسْتَهْزَأُ بِهَا فَلاَ تَقْعُدُواْ مَعَهُمْ حَتَّىٰ يَخُوضُواْ فِي حَدِيثٍ غَيْرِهِ إِنَّكُمْ إِذاً مِّثْلُهُمْ
“Then sit not with them, until they engage in a talk other than that; (but if you stayed with them) certainly in that case you would be like them.’ (an Nisa: 140) “Nayl al-Awtaar” (8/177)

‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said:

“Whoever settles amongst the disbelievers, celebrates their feasts and joins in their revelry and dies in their midst will likewise be raised to stand with them on the Day of Resurrection.” (Ibn Taymiyyah said in his book: “Iqtidha’ as-Sifat alMustaqeem“, p.200, that the chain of narration of this Hadith is Sahih.)

Abu ‘Abdillah Ahmad ibn Muhammad (rahimahullah), also known as Shaykh ‘Ulaysh (d. 1299H), was asked about dwelling in the midst of the Kuffar if they conquer the lands of the Muslims and abandoning the Hijrah; pay close attention to what he says here as this is the exact situation we are in today. This is what he said within his long response:

“Verily this polytheistic Muwaalaat was no where to be found in the period of Islam’s glory and honor. It did not occur – as it has been said – except after the passing of hundreds of years and after the passing of the Mujtahidoon Imams of Islam, and it is for that reason that none of them delved into its Fiqh rulings. This Christian Muwaalaat did not emerge except in year 500 (Hijri) and afterwards in the time in which the accursed Christians, may Allah demolish them, conquered the Saqliyah peninsula and some of the areas of al-Andalus. Some of the jurists were asked about it so they sought to understand the issue through the means of the Fiqh rulings that are related to the one who does that. So they responded by saying that their rulings are like that of the one who embraces Islam and does not migrate. I say: meaning by that, in Kufr – so they placed those whom the question was asked about and those who were not asked about (the Christians) with respect to their ruling – they declared both equal with respect to the Fiqhi rulings that are related to their wealth and children. And they did not see any difference between the two groups. That is because in Muwaalaat of the enemies, dwelling with them, going out with them, dressing like them, not being different from them, leaving the compulsory Hijrah (in all of this) there are these rulings that are unspoken but included and implied in the question all at once – so they – may Allah be pleased with them – attached the unspoken rulings upon these whom the question was asked about and the rulings that are agreed upon in it [this issue].” “The Exposition regarding the Disbelief of the one that assists the Americans,” pgs. 106-107

This also further confirms the ruling for the one who becomes Muslim in a Kafir country; so if this is what he is saying about dwelling amongst the enemies of Allah, then what would he say about our situation today where we are not only dwelling amongst the enemies of Allah, but we praise their Taghooti regime, participate in strengthening the Taghooti regime through voting, condemn those that show their al Walaa wal Baraa, imitate the Mushrikeen in their land, and make every excuse to not make Hijrah?! And these are only a few of the sins which the Muslim Community commits here!

‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar Abu Sa’eed al-Baydaawee (rahimahullah) (d. 685H) said in his Tafseer regarding the ayah,

وَمَن يَتَوَلَّهُمْ مِّنكُم فَإِنَّهُ مِنْهُمْ
And whoever is an ally to them from amongst you, then indeed he is from amongst them, (al Ma’idah: 51)

“Meaning: Whoever from you are allies with them then verily he is from their general body. This is a strong emphasis on the obligation to avoid them as he (sallallahu ‘alayhe wassallam) said:

‘Their two fires should not be seen’.” Tafseer al-Baydaawee: 2/334

Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) (d. 852H) said in the explanation of the hadith of Ibn ‘Umar that is Marfu’:

“If Allah descends a punishment upon a people, that punishment will strike whoever was amongst them, then they will be resurrected upon their actions.”

He (Ibn Hajar) said:

“From what is derived and benefited from this is the permissibility of fleeing from the Kuffar and the oppressors. This is because dwelling among them is a form of throwing one’s self into destruction. This is if he does not assist them or become pleased with their actions for if he assisted or was pleased, then he is from them.” (Fath al Baari (13/61))

The Publishers of Shaykh Naasir bin Hamad al-Fahd’s book (at-Tibyan), “The Exposition regarding the Disbelief of the one that assists the Americans,” commented on this saying,

“AllahuAkbar! We ask Allah for protection. How often do we hear all of the excuses for remaining in the West and perhaps one of the most oft repeated excuses is: “I cannot leave this country without any provision for I will most certainly put myself in a difficult precarious situation of dire distress.” Here Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) is saying that by remaining there without a valid excuse, we are in fact throwing ourselves into destruction! What a difference in worldview there is between Ibn Hajar and ourselves – wallaahul Musta’aan!”

Imam an Nawawi (rahimahullah) commented on the following Hadith as follows,

Abu Hurairah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhe wassallam) said, “The best life is that of the man who holds his horse’s rein in Allah’s way and flies on its back to the places from whence he hears a war cry or the clatter of arms, seeking martyrdom or slaughter on the battlefield; or that of a person who goes to stay on the top of the hill or in a valley, and there he performs Salat (prayer), pays the Zakat and worships his Rabb till death overtakes him. He has no concern with the affairs of anyone except the doing of good.” (Sahih Muslim)

“Besides highlighting the distinction of the Mujahid, this Hadith mentions the excellence of that person who leaves the cities when they are plagued with mischief and retreats to the valleys or hills and protects his Faith by flock-keeping and devotes himself to the obedience of Allah, adherence to His Commands and His worship. One of his outstanding qualities is that he does what is beneficial to the people and he does nothing which causes harm to anyone.” Riyadh as Saliheen, ch.234 no.1299

So what is the condition of the Muslim that doesn’t intend on making Hijrah from the West and is able to? From these Dalaa’il and others, my personal opinion - and Allah knows best - is that the Muslim becomes an Apostate since his condition is like the condition of the Muslims who didn’t make the obligatory Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah; and when they were killed in battle by the Muslim Army, they were killed as Apostates and Allah ‘Azza wa Jall revealed Surah an-Nisa, ayah 97 confirming this. Let’s look at the Tafseer of Ibn Katheer (rahimahullah) regarding this ayah:



Al-Bukhari recorded that Muhammad bin `Abdur-Rahman, Abu Al-Aswad, said, “The people of Al-Madinah were forced to prepare an army (to fight against the people of Ash-Sham during the Khilafah of Abdullah bin Az-Zubayir at Makkah), and I was enlisted in it. Then I met `Ikrimah, the freed slave of Ibn `Abbas, and informed him (about it), and he forbade me strongly from doing so (i.e., to enlist in that army), and then he said to me, `Ibn `Abbas told me that some Muslims used to go out with the idolators increasing the size of their army against the Messenger of Allah. Then, an arrow would hit one of them and kill him, or he would be struck on his neck (with a sword) and killed, and Allah sent down the Ayah,

﴿إِنَّ الَّذِينَ تَوَفَّـهُمُ الْمَلَـئِكَةُ ظَـلِمِى أَنفُسِهِمْ﴾

(Verily, as for those whom the angels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves).” Ad-Dahhak stated that this Ayah was revealed about some hypocrites who did not join the Messenger of Allah but remained in Makkah and went out with the idolators for the battle of Badr. They were killed among those who were killed. Thus, this honorable Ayah was revealed about those who reside among the idolators, while able to perform Hijrah and unable to practice the faith. Such people will be committing injustice against themselves and falling into a prohibition according to the consensus and also according to this Ayah,

﴿إِنَّ الَّذِينَ تَوَفَّـهُمُ الْمَلَـئِكَةُ ظَـلِمِى أَنفُسِهِمْ﴾

(Verily, as for those whom the angels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves,) by refraining from Hijrah,

﴿قَالُواْ فِيمَ كُنتُمْ﴾

(They (angels) say (to them): “In what (condition) were you”) meaning, why did you remain here and not perform Hijrah

﴿قَالُواْ كُنَّا مُسْتَضْعَفِينَ فِى الاٌّرْضِ﴾

(They reply: “We were weak and oppressed on the earth.”) meaning, we are unable to leave the land or move about in the earth,

﴿قَالْواْ أَلَمْ تَكُنْ أَرْضُ اللَّهِ وَسِعَةً﴾

(They (angels) say: “Was not the earth of Allah spacious enough for you). Abu Dawud recorded that Samurah bin Jundub said that the Messenger of Allah said,

«مَنْ جَامَعَ الْمُشْرِكَ وَسَكَنَ مَعَهُ فَإِنَّهُ مِثْلُه»

(Whoever mingles with the idolator and resides with him, he is just like him.) Allah’s statement,

﴿إِلاَّ الْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ﴾

(Except the weak) until the end of the Ayah, is an excuse that Allah gives for this type of people not to emigrate, because they are unable to free themselves from the idolators. And even if they did, they would not know which way to go. This is why Allah said,

﴿لاَ يَسْتَطِيعُونَ حِيلَةً وَلاَ يَهْتَدُونَ سَبِيلاً﴾

(Who cannot devise a plan, nor are they able to direct their way), meaning, they do not find the way to emigrate, as Mujahid, `Ikrimah and As-Suddi stated. Allah’s statement,

﴿فَأُوْلَـئِكَ عَسَى اللَّهُ أَن يَعْفُوَ عَنْهُمْ﴾

(These are they whom Allah is likely to forgive them,) means, pardon them for not migrating, and here, `likely’ means He shall

Jihad in the Qur'an and Sunnah

Prophet Peace Be Upon Him said in his Hadith Narrated Anas:

“Allah's Apostle said, "Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one. People asked, "O Allah's Apostle! It is all right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?" The Prophet said, "By preventing him from oppressing others.”

Jihad in the Qur'an and Sunnah

by 'Abdullâh bin Muhammad bin Humaid

Prologue

After the testimony of Oneness of Allah swt and the Messengership of Muhammad (pbuh), with firm belief and True Faith, one has to perform the acts of worship as ordained by Islam. Among the obligatory acts of worship are offering the Salat (prayers), observing the Saum (fasts), paying the Zakat and performing the Hajj (pilgrimage to Makka). Besides these acts of worship, a Muslim is directed to abstain from evil deeds and to perform good deeds, so that he may achieve success in the Hereafter, as well as, in the life of this world.

But, as regards the reward and blessing, there is one deed which is very great in comparison to all the acts of worship and all the good deeds-and that is Jihad !

Jihad is regarded as the best thing, one can offer voluntarily. It is superior to non-obligatory prayers, fasting, Zakat, Umra and Hajj as mentioned in the Qur'an and the Ahadith of the Prophet(pbuh). The benefits of Jihad are of great extent and large in scope, while its effects are far-reaching and wide-spreading as regards Islam and the Muslims. For an individual Muslim, Jihad includes all acts of worship and all aspects of belief- thus bringing him greatest reward and vast blessings; and for the Muslim nation, Jihad provides all kinds of successes in respect of prosperity and dignity, victory and glory-thus bringing magnificence and splendour.

In this article, Sheikh 'Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Humaid, ex-Chief Justice of Saudi Arabia, has presented Jihad in the light of Qur'an and Sunna. Never before such an article was seen, describing Jihad in its true colours-so heart evoking and encouraging! May Allah bless him with all His Blessings for all times.

Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan, the translator of the Noble Qur'an and the Sahih Al-Bukhari, has translated this article from Arabic to the English language with all its fervor and feelings. May Allah reward him with best of His Rewards.

We are publishing this article and recommend every Muslim not only to read it himself but to offer every other Muslim brother within his read.

May Allah shower His Blessings on everyone of us- Ameen !

Abdul Malik Mujahid
General Manager
Publishers Note

Section One

Praise be to Allah swt Who has ordained Al-Jihad (the holy fighting in Allah's Cause):

1. With the heart (intentions or 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 (swt) Alone and He has no partners (with Him). I (also) testify that Muhammad (pbuh) is His slave and His Messenger, the one sent by Allah Law as a mercy for the 'Alameen (mankind and jinns); the one commanded by Allah (swt) to fight against Al-Mushrikun [l] (and all those who ascribe partners with 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, and honoured him, helped him and followed the light (the Qur'an) and his .As-Sunna (the legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements, etc.) which was revealed to him...those who emigrated and fought in the Cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives, they were the supreme conquerors and the masters. [l Al-Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah and in His Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) ] It is well known how the Messenger (pbuh) was fighting against Al-Mushrikun (and all those who ascribe partners with Allah (swt) since Allah, the Most Respectful, the All-Majestic sent him and honoured him with the Messengership till Allah caused him to die and selected for him what was with Him (Paradise and all that is good).

The Prophet (pbuh) used to visit the people in their gatherings during season days (Hajj and Umra) and other days (too). He used to go to their market places, recite the Qur'an, 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."


But he would not find anyone to support him or to give him a safe shelter.

He (Prophet Muhammad pbuh ) carried on his mission of inviting people to Allah Ta'ala- (Islamic Religion) and persisted in (this) invitation for 13 years inspite 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) (V. 17:15).


The people continued in their transgression, they did not take guidance from the manifest proof. The Quraish (people) oppressed and harmed all those who followed him (Muhammad pbuh) from his tribe, put them to trials and afflictions in order to keep them away from their religion (Islam), even to the extent that they exiled them from their homeland, some of them fled to Ethiopia, some went to Al-Madina (Al-Munawwara) and some remained patient ( at Makka ) in spite of the harm they received; by being imprisoned, made to suffer from hunger and thirst and by being beaten (in a horrible manner)... so much so that some of them were not able to sit straight from the severity (of the injuries) of the beatings.

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 Makka .... And as to what Yasir's family suffered from the torrnent was beyond what a normal human being can endure.

The Quraish (people) harmed Allah's Messenger (Muhammad pbuh) (too), they besieged him in AshShi'b, once 'Uqbah bin Abi Mu'ait tried to strangle him and he kept on squeezing the Prophet's clothes round his neck till the eyes of the Prophet pbuh bulged out, and Abu-Bakr rushed at 'Uqbah and released the Prophet pbuh from him and said,
"Would you kill a man because he says: My Lord is Allah Ta'ala?"


Abu Jahl also tried to kill the Messenger (pbuh) while the latter was in prostration praying in the Al-Masjid-al-Haram, he carried a huge stone to throw it on the Prophet's (pbuh) head. But when he (Abu Jahl) tried to throw it he turned on his heels full of fear and fright saying:

"I am being prevented (going near) from Muhammad by a huge stallion camel intending to swallow me."


And when Allah, The Most Exalted, wanted to reveal His religion (Islam) and to fulfill His Promise and to make victorious His Prophet (pbuh) Allah, the Most High ordered him to emigrate to Al-Madina. So he stayed there and Allah supported him with His Victory and with His slaves, the faithful believers-the Islamic army unit composed of different sorts of people (black, white, and red). They strove hard for him with all their efforts, and preferred his love to the love of (their) fathers, offspring and wives.

Muhammad, upon him be peace, was closer to them (believers) than their own selves. The (pagan) Arabs and Jews had formed a united front against them (Muhammad pbuh and his followers) and had put up all their efforts of enmity, standing and fighting against them... and (in fact) they shouted against them from every corner. Then, at that time Allah permitted them (Muhammad pbuh and his followers) the (Jihad) fighting but He did not make it obligatory. He said:

Permission to fight is given to those (i.e. believers against disbelievers) who are fighting them (and) because they (believers) have been wronged, and surely Allah is Able to give them (believers) victory. Those who have been expelled from their homes unjustly only because they said:"Our Lord is Allah." (V.22:39,40).


The above Verses clearly state that He (Allah) is Able to give victory to His worshippers (the believers) without fighting, but Allah wants from His worshippers obedience with all their efforts. As in His Statement:

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 whatbenefits Islam), until the war lays down its burden. Thus [you are ordered by Allah to continue in carrying out Jihad againstthe disbelievers till they embrace Islam (i.e. are saved from the punishment in the Hellfire) orat leastcome under your protection] but if it had been Allah's Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight) in orderto test you, some with others. But those who are killed in the Way of Allah, He will never let their deeds be lost. He will guide them and set right their state. And admit them to Paradise which He has made known to them (i.e. they will know their places in Paradise more than they used to know their houses in this world). (V.47:4, 5,6).


Then after that He made (Jihad) "fighting" obligatory against all those who fight you (Muslims); not against those who didn't fight you. So Allah ordered:

And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you... (V.2:190).


Then Allah (swt) revealed in Surah Tauba (Bara 'a) (Repentance, IX) the order to discard (all) the obligations (covenants, etc.) and commanded the Muslims to fight against all the Mushrikun as well as against the people of the Scriptures (Jews and Christians) if they do not embrace Islam, till they pay the Jizya (a tax levied on the non-Muslims who do not embrace Islam and are under the protection of an lslamic government) with willing submission and feel themselves subdued (as it is revealed in the Verse 9:29). So they (Muslims) were not permitted to abandon "the fighting" against them (Pagans, Jews and Christians) and to reconcile with them and to suspend hostilities against them for an unlimited period while they are strong and are able to fight against them (non Muslims).

As it is now obvious, at first "the fighting" was forbidden, then it was permitted and after that it was made obligatory- ( I ) against them who start "the fighting" against you (Muslims)... (2) and against all those who worship others along with Allah... as mentioned in Surah AI-Baqara Sl (II), Al-lmran (III) and Tauba (IX)... and other Surah (Chapters of the Qur'an). Allah (swt) made "the fighting' (Jihad) obligatory for the Muslims and gave importance to the subject-matter of Jihad in all the Surah (Chapters of the Qur'an) which were revealed (at Al-Madina) as in Allah's Statement:

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. (V.9:41).


And He (Allah) said:

Jihad (holy fighting in Allah's Cause) is ordained for you (Muslims) though you dislike it, and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know. (V.2:216)


Section Two

"The fighting", even though by its nature is disliked by the human soul because of the liability, of being killed, orbeing taken as a captive, or being injured, with the wasting ofthe wealth, the damaging of the industries, the destruction ofthe country, the spreading of fear and awe in the souls and the (possibility) of being exiled from one's homeland, Allah had made ready an immensely good reward that cannot be imagined by a human soul.

'Ikrima (a religious scholar) said: At first Muslims disliked it (Jihad), but later they loved it and said: "We listen and obey." And that is because the submission to the order to fight means hardship, but if the reward is made known it becomes to compare the hardship involved and its reward.

The Verses of the Qur'an and the Sunna (the Prophet's legal ways, orders etc.) have exhorted greatly for Jihad and have made quite clear its rewards, and praised greatly those who perform Jihad (the holy fighting in Allah's Cause) and explained to them various kinds of honours which they will receive from their Lord (Allah swt). This is because they-Mudahidin are Allah's troops. Allah (swt) will establish His religion (Islam), with them (Mujahidin). He will repel the might of His enemies, and with them He will protect Islam and guard the religion safely.

And it is they, (Mujahidin) who fight against the enemies of Allah in order that the worship should be all for Allah (Alone and not for any other deity) and that the Word of Allah (swt) (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (swt) and His religion Islam) should be superior. Allah has made them (Mujahidin) partners in reward along with all those who guard Islam with their weapons, along with their good deeds which they performed even if they sleep in their homes.

And the Legislator (Allah) put the one who brings about a thing to happen equal in rank to its doer, both in reward (for the good deed) and in punishment (for a crime). So the inviter to a good deed and the inviter to an evil deed both will have a reward (good or bad) equal to the reward of the one who has done that deed. And sufficient is Allah's Statement in this matter:

O you who believe! Shall I guide you to a commerce that will save you from a painful torment? (V.61: 10)


After this Verse was revealed the souls became filled with the yearning for this profitable commerce which Allah (swt), the Lord of 'Alameen (mankind, jinns and all that exists), the All-Knower, the All-Wise Himself directed the people towards. Allah (swt) said:

That you believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad pbuh) and that you strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah (swt) with your wealth and your lives... (V.61:11 )


Allah (swt) further said:
That will be better for you if you but know (V.61:11 )


i.e. Jihad (holy fighting in Allah's Cause) is better for you than your staying (back at home). Regarding the reward Allah said:
(If you do so) He will forgive you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow and pleasant dwellings in Gardens of Eternity ( 'Adn Paradise)-that is indeed the great success. (V.6 1 :12).


So it was as if they (the souls) said (as regards the above Verse): This is for us in the Hereafter and there is nothing for us in this world. Then Allah saw said:

And also (He will give you) another (blessing) which you love,-help from Allah (against your enemies) and a near victory. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad A, saws ) to the believers. (V.61: 13).


Good gracious (indeed)! how nice are these (Allah's) Words and how they appeal to the human hearts. How great is the attraction for them and how they lead one towards one's Lord (Allah swt). How soothing are they for the hearts of every lover of good. How great is the contentment of the heart and a happy life when one understands their meaning. We supplicate Allah Ta'ala to bestow upon us His Blessings.

And Allah said:

Do you consider the providing of drinking water to pilgrims and the maintenance of Al-MasMid-al-Haram (at Makka) as equal to the worth of those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah? They are not equal before Allfih! And Allah guides not those people who are the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers). (V.9:19).

Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah-Islamic Monotheism) and emigrated and strove hard and fought in Allah's Cause with their wealth and their lives are far higher in degree with Allah. They are the successful. (V.9:20).

Their Lord gives them glad tidings of a Mercy from Him and that He is pleased (with them) and of Gardens (Paradise) for them wherein are everlasting delights. (V.9:21).

They will dwell therein for ever. Verily, with Allah is a great reward. (V.9:22).


In the above Verses Allah (swt) the Most High, be He glorified above all that they ascribe to Him, informs that those who maintain Al-MasMidal-Haram (at Makka) [and the maintenance of the mosque means to do i'tikaf in it, the tawaf (circumambulation) of the Ka'ba, and the offering of Salat (prayers) in it, etc.] mentioned in the above said Verse-and those who provide drinking water to the pilgrims are not equal to those who did Jihad in Allah's Cause. Allah (swt) informed that the believers who fight in Allah's Cause (Mujdhidln) are far superior in grades before Him and it is they who will be successful.

And they are the ones who have received the glad tidings of: (1) His Mercy, (2) His being pleased with them, (3) and Gardens (Paradise).

Hence Allah (swt) denied the equality between the Mujahidin (those who fight in Allah's Cause) and those who maintain the Al-Masdidal-Haram (at Makka) along with the various kinds of worship, in spite of His praising those who maintain the mosques in His Statement:

The Mosques of Allah shall be maintained only by those who believe in Allah Raw and the Last Day, perform Iqamat-as-Salat, and give Zakat and fear none but Allah. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance. (V.9:18).


So it is they (above said people) who are called by Allah (swt) "the maintainers of the mosques"-And in spite of all this, still the people who do Jihad are far superior in grade than them (maintainers of the mosques) before Allah (swt).

Allah (swt) said:

Not equal are those of the believers who sit (at home) except those who are disabled (by injury, or are blind, or lame, etc.) and those who strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Allah (swt) has preferred in grades those who strive hard and fight with their wealth and lives above those who sit (at home). Unto each Allah has promised good (Paradise), but Allah has preferred those who strive hard and fight, above those who sit (at home) by a huge reward. (V.4:95).

Degrees of (higher) grades from Him, and Forgiveness and Mercy. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (V.4:96).


Allah (the All-Mighty) denied the equality between the believers who sit (at home) and join not in Jihad-and the Mujahidin (those who fight in Allah's Cause),-Then He mentioned the superiority of the Mujahidin over those (believers) who sit (at home) by a grade and then later on mentioned their (Mudahidin's) superiority over them (believers who sit at home) by degrees of grades. Ibn Zaid (a religious scholar) said: The degrees of grades with which Allah (swt) preferred the Mujahidin over those (believers) who sit (at home) are seven and these Allah mentioned in His Statement:

... That is because they suffer neither thirst, nor fatigue, nor hunger in the Cause of Allah (swt), nor they take any step to raise the anger of disbelievers nor inflict any injury upon an enemy, but is written to their credit as a deed of righteousness. Surely Allah loses not the reward of the Muhsinun. (V.9: 120).


These are five-then Allah said:

Nor do they spend anything (in Allah's Cause)-small or great,-nor cross a valley, but is written to their credit... (V.9:121).


So these are two bringing the total to seven.

Ibn Qaiyyam after mentioning the statement of Ibn Zaid said: True! Indeed the degrees of grades mentioned are reported in Sahih AlBukha^ri:

Narrated Abu Huraira (raa) The Prophet (pbuh) said,

"Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger (pbuh), performs Iqamat-as-Salat and observes Saum (fasts in 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 lane where he is born." The people said, "O Allah" Messenger! Shall we inform the people of this good news?" He (pbuh) said, "Paradise has one hundred grades which Allah has reserved for the Mujahidin who fight in His Cause, and the distance between each of the two grades is like the distance between the heaven and the earth. So, when you ask Allah (for something), ask for Al-Firdaus which is the middle (best) and highest part of Paradise." [The sub narrator added, "I think the Prophet (pbuh) also said, 'Above it (i.e. Al-Firdaus) is the Throne of the Beneficent (i.e. Allah), and from it originate the rivers of Paradise."'] (Hadlth No. 48, Vol. 4).


Ibn Qaiyyam said as regards the Statement of Allah (swt)

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 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. (V.9:111).


So Allah (swt) has put Paradise as the price of the believers and their properties, so if they sacrifice their lives and properties for His Cause, then they deserve the prize (Paradise) and the bargain which they concluded with Him. He reassured them with a number of assurances:
Allah informed them (believers) with a wording: "Surely."

In wording of past tense as it had happened, and was confirmed and it remained as it was.

Moreover, He took upon Himself the responsibility of this convenant as He Himself bought the deal.

He informed that He has promised to give this price (Paradise) and shall neither break His Promise, nor shall neglect it.

It has come in wording of obligation and as information for His worshippers that it is a binding on Him.

He confirmed that it is indeed a binding on Him.

He has informed that it (this bargain) is written in the Best Books revealed from the heavens (i.e. the Torah, the Gospel, the Qur'an).

He informed them (His worshippers) in a wording of inquiry and denial that there is none Truer to his convenant than Him (Allah).

He the Glorified, the Most High ordered them to receive the glad tidings of this contract (bargain) and give the good news to one another (those) who concluded this contract (bargain) and stood firm on it [as they accepted no other alternative to it or committed anything that will cancel it (the deal)].

He informed them of a truly sure news that there is a supreme success in the bargain (contract) which the have concluded. And bargain here means that the thing which they shall receive with this price (their lives and properties) is Paradise.
And His (Allah's) Statement:

Bargain which you have concluded. (V.9:111)


i.e. the price with which you have exchanged the deal, then Allah, the Glorified mentioned the kinds of people who have concluded this contract (deal) and not any other (as mentioned in His Statement):

(The believers whose lives Allah has purchased are) those who repent to Allah (from polytheism and hypocrisy, etc.), who worship Him, who praise Him, who observe Saum (fast) (or go out in Allah's Cause), who bow down [in Salat (prayer)], who prostrate themselves, [in Salat (prayer)], who enjoin (people) forAI-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism of all kinds and all that Islam has forbidden) and who observe the limits set by Allah (do all that Allah has ordained and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allah has forbidden). And give glad tidings to the believers. (V.9:112)


And sufficient is this excellence-(for a Mujahid which he will receive) honour and high degrees of grade- along with other things which Allah (swt) has made clear in the Qur'an: about the description of the reward of Mujahidin,their magnificent state, moving of feelings and sentiments, the demanding of sacrifice in the cause of inviting others to Islam, to put strength and courage in the souls and to urge them to go forward and be stable and firm, and Allah (swt) will grant them victory and support them with the angels, as it is evident from the Statement of Allah:

Remember when you (Muhammad pbuh) said to the believers, "Is it not enough for you that your Lord (Allah) should help you with three thousand angels sent down?" Yes, if you hold on to patience and piety and the enemy comes rushing at you; your Lord will help you with five thousand angels having marks (of distinction). Allah made it not but as a message of good news for you and as an assurance to your hearts, and there is no victory except from Allah the AllMighty, the All-Wise. (V.3:124, 125, 126).

So do not become weak (against your enemy), nor be sad and you will be superior (in victory) if you are indeed (true) believers. If a wound (and killing) has touched you, be sure a similar wound (and killing) has touched the others. And so are the days (good and not so good). We give to men by turns, that Allah may test those who believe, and that He may take martyrs from among you. And Allah likes not the Zalimun (polytheists and wrongdoers). And that Allah may test (or purify) the believers (from sins) and destroy the disbelievers. Do you think that you will enter Paradise before Allah test those of you who fought (in His Cause) and (also) test those who are patient? (V.3:139,140,141,142).


And Allah informed about those who are martyred in His Way. They are alive and that they are with their Lord Allah (swt) finding what they wish of provisions and their faces are delighted with glad tidings. As Allah said:

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.

They rejoice in a Grace and a Bounty from Allah and that Allah will not waste the reward of the believers.

Those who answered (the Call of) Allah and the Messenger (Muhammad pbuh) after being wounded; for those of them who did good deeds and feared Allah, there is a great reward. (V.3:169-172)


And He (Allah swt) said:

Those who believe, fight in the Cause of Allah, and those who disbelieve, fight in the cause of Taghut (Satan etc.). So fight you against the friends of Satan; ever feeble indeed is the plot of Satan.(V.4:76).

Then fight, (O Muhammad pbuh), in the Cause of Allah, you are not tasked (held responsible) except for yourself, and incite the believers (to fight along with you), it may be that Allah will restrain the evil might of the disbelievers. And Allah is Stronger in might and Stronger in punishing. (V.4:84).


And He (Allah swt) said:
Let those (believers) who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter, fight in the Cause of Allah; and whoso fights in the Cause of Allah and is killed orgets victory, We shall bestow on him a great reward. (V.4:74).


And so on-there are other similar Verses (in the Qur'an) -after these.

Think deeply, dear brother in Islam, how Allah (swt) encourages the spirit to make His Word superior and to protect the weak, and to rescue the oppressed ones. Also think deeply how Jihad is connected with Salat (prayers) and Saum (fasting). It is made obvious that Jihad similar to both of them, and all the three (Jihad, Salat and Saum) are ordained (by Allah) for the believers. See how Allah has encouraged the cowardly men to plunge themselves into the battles, to face death with an open heart and to run madly for it (Jihad) with great encouragement showing clearly to them that death will certainly overtake them and in case they die as Mujahidin (Martyrs) they will compensated for their worldly life with a mighty compensation and they will not be dealt with unjustly in the very least.

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 that one 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 Salat (prayer) and Saum (fasting) as mentioned in the Qur'anand Prophet's Sunna. 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 (swt) 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 (swt) 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 Hadlth). Narrated Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): I heard Allah's Messenger saying,

"By Him in Whose Hands my soul is! Were it not for some man 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).


So the Prophet (pbuh), through his ways of life, firmness, his courage, and his patience has deeply encouraged the Mujahidin for Allah's Cause.


He (pbuh) informed them of Jihad 's advanced and delayed reward that is for them, and how different kinds of evils Allah (swt) repels with it; and what a great honour, power, dignity and high grade is obtained through it and he He (pbuh) has put Jihad at the top in Islam. The Prophet (pbuh) said:

"Paradise has one hundred grades, the distance between each of the two grades is like the distance between the heaven and the earth, and these grades Allah (swt) has reserved for the Mudahidin who fight in His Cause" [as mentioned in the two authentic Books (AlBukhari and Muslim)]. [See Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol 4, Hadlth No. 48].


It is narrated in the book Sahih Al-Bukhari, Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said:

"Anyone whose both feet get covered with dust in Allah's Cause will not be touched by the Hell-fire." (Vol. 4, Hadlth No. 66).


It is also narrated in the two books (Al-Bukha^ri and Muslim):

A man said: "O Allah s Messenger (pbuh)! Inform me of a thing that is equal to Jihad (in Allah's Cause)!" Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said, "You cannot (do that). The man said: "Inform me of that. Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: "Can you observe Saum (fast) continuously without eating or drinking (at all) and stand continuously in Salat (prayer) from the time the Mujahidin go out for Jihad (till the time they return back home)? The man replied, "No." Allah's Messenger said: "That is (the thing) which is equal to Jihad.


Likewise Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said:

The souls of the martyrs are in the green birds dwelling in Paradise wherever they like.

That all their sins and faults are forgiven.

That he can intercede with Allah (swt) for seventy (70) of his family members.

That he will come secure on the Day of Resurrection from the great terror.

That he will not feel the agonies and distress of death.

That he will not be horrified by the (great) Gathering (on the Day of Resurrection).

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 is better than a fasting or standing (praying) person not 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.
Section Three

If one has understood (all) that, then Allah (swt) has reproached those who remained behind from Allah's Messenger (pbuh) during the battle of Tabuk (i.e. they did not join in it)- they who cling heavily to the luxuries of this world- they who lagged behind from hastening onwards to march forth (for the battle of Tabuk)-As Allah said:

O you who believe! What is the matter with you,that when you are asked to march forth in the Cause of Allah (i.e. go for Jihad), you cling heavily to the earth? Are you pleased with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But little is the enjoyment of the life of this world as compared with the Hereafter. (V.9:38).


Similarly Allah (swt) 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 swt) accused them with the most ugly descriptions, rebuked them for their cowardice and spoke against them (about their weakness and their remaining behind) as He said:

If you march not forth, He will punish you with a painful torment and will replace you by another people and you cannot harm Him at all, and Allah is Able to do all things (V.9:39).


And there are many Verses of the Qur'an after this Verse (that threaten the Muslim nation if they give up Jihad).

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. none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), as you will find in the Islamic Religion and its teachings.

The Qur'an and As-Sunna (the legal ways of Prophet Muhammad pbuh) have clearly given (wonderful explanation for) each and every act concering Jihad. The Book has distributed its different actions and its great number of responsibilities on its special units, a most accurate distribution that excels above all the modern organizations and the military teachings. And in fact these modern organizations and military teachings are only a small portion (drop) of the military laws of the Qur'an and As-Sunna.

The Verses of Qur'an and As-Sunna of Allah's Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) are both flooded with these high meanings, calling with eloquent phrases in a crystal clear way.

The Muslims were ordered to take all precautions against the enemies of Allah and to get ready against them with all they can of power-because that is the first step for Jihad (fighting) and the supreme way for the defence. To get ready (for Jihad includes various kinds of preparations and weapons [ missiles, artillery, aeroplanes (air force), naval ships (navy and the training of the soldiers in these weapons] are included under (the meaning) of the word "force (i.e land, navy and air-force)." And to look after (take care of permanent forces as well as the stationed forces similar to looking after the mobile forces. And to take care of the army in peace-time as well as during war-time.

The foundation of the military spirit as they say: obedience and military discipline. Allah (swt) has gathered these foundations in the Verses of His Book (The Qur'an).

As to the obdience, Allah (swt) said:

Those who believe say: "Why is not a Surah (Chapter the Qur'an) sent down (for us)?" But when a decisive Surah (explaining and ordering things) is sent down, and fighting (Jihad-holy fighting in Allah's Cause) is mentioned (i.e. ordained) therein, you will see those in whose hearts there 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 to obey Him). Obedience (to Allah) and good words (were better for them) (V.47:20,21).


And as to the military discipline: Allah (swt) said in Surah As-Saff (Rows or Ranks):

Verily! Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in rows (ranks) as if they were a solid structure. (V.61:4).


Similarly the Islamic armed forces are exhorted to give their Bai'a (pledge) for; to listen and obey, in hard times and in ease, and in likeness (i.e. to listen and obey while one is active) and in dislikeness (i.e. listen and obey when one is tired). Allah (swt) said:

Verily, those who give the Bai'a (pledge) to you (O Muhammad), they are (in fact) giving the Bai'a (pledge) to Allah. (V.48: 10).


And Allah (swt) praised those who are true to (their) covenant and who fulfill their covenant, by His Statement:

Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah, [i.e. they have gone out for Jihad (holy fighting), and showed not their backs to the disbelievers], of them some have fulfilled their obligations, (i.e. have been martyred) and some still are waiting, but they have never changed [i.e. they never proved treacherous to their covenant which they concluded with Allah] in the least. (V.33:23).


And He ordered the believers to take a firm stand against the enemy when you (believers) meet their force, and to remember Allah go(much) at the time of horror, as He said:

O you who believe! When you meet (an enemy) for take a firm stand against them and remember the Name of Allah much (both with tongue and mind), so that you may be successful (V.8:45).


And He (Allah swt) encouraged the Mujahidin in His Cause to take a firm stand without any(kind)of fear and to display true bravery (against the enemy) from the start of the battle to the end- as He said:

So when you meet (in fight-Jihad in Allah's Cause) those who disbelieve, smite at their necks till 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 for) either generosity (i.e. free them without ransom) or ransom (according to what benefits Islam), until war lays down its burdens... (V.47:4)

And don't be weak in the pursuit of the enemy; if you are suffering (hardships) then surely they (too) are suffering (hardships) as you are suffering, but you have a hope from Allah (for the Reward i.e. Paradise) that for which they hope not. (V.4:104).

And many a Prophet (i e many from amongst the Prophets) fought (in Allah's Cause) and along with them (fought) large bands of religious learned men. But they never lost heart for that which did befall them in Allah's Way, nor did they weaken, nor degrade themselves. And Allah loves the patient ones. (V.3: 146).


Similarly, He ordered (the Mujahidun)to have confidence, to keep their composure and to expel (from their minds) all wrong conceptions, weakness and sadness- as He said:

So do not become weak (against your enemy), nor be sad, and you will be superior (in victory), if you are indeed (true) believers (V.3:139).


And Allah (swt) informed that He has given a guarantee of victory to those who will defend Allah's Religion (true Islam). And there is no consideration for the number of men or for the equipment with weapons but (the most important thing) is: The true faith in Allah (swt) and that the victory is (always) from Allah (swt), as Allah (swt) said:

If Allah helps you, none can overcome you, and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in Allah (Alone) let believers put their trust. (V.3: 1 60).

l How often a small group overcame a mighty host by Allah's leave? And Allah is with the patient. (V.2:249).

O you who believe! If you help (in the cause of) Allah, He will help you and make your foothold firm. (V.47:7)

And, verily Our Word has gone forth of old for Our slaves, - Messengers, that they verily would be made triumphant. And that Our hosts, they verily would be victors (V.37:171-173).

... And (as for) the believers it was incumbent upon Us to help (them). (V.30:47).


Similarly Qur'an points out the well-known fact that the battle (is) by turns, (one) day (victory) is for you-(the other) day (victory) is for others-as Allah (swt) said:

If a wound (and killing) has touched you, be sure a similar wound (and killing) has touched the others. And so are the days (good and not so good), We give to men by turns... (V.3:140).


And He made "the mutual consultation" as one of the legal foundations in order to make an exact decision, particularly in important makers like Jihad and dealing with enemies, etc. and He praised His believers- slaves for this quality by His Statement:

And who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultaion (V.42:38).


And in spite of the perfection of the intelligence of Allah's Messenger (pbuh) and along with his being helped by Divine Inspiration still Allah ordered him (saying):

... And consult them in the affairs... (V.3:159)


So that his followers may follow his example after him.

Similarly the Qur'an warned (the believers) from committing sins (both in open and in secret) small sins or great sins... and He informed them that Allah's Help does not descend upon the disobedient sinners:

Those of you who turned back on the day the two hosts met (i.e. battle of Uhud), it was Satan who caused them to backslide (run away from the battlefield) because of some (sins) they had earned... (V.3:155).


Allah has absolutely forbidden any dispute on any matter concerning the fighting (battle) and to be always in complete agreement (about it), and informed them that the dispute is the reason for the failure and the losing of the strength and kingdom:
... And do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength depart, and be patient. Surely Allah is with those who are patient (V.8:46).


And to beware of fleeing from the enemy during the (battle), and it is one of the biggest sins and its committers (the defeated ones) are threatened with crushing punishments:
O you who believe! When you meet those who disbelieve in a battlefield, never turn your backs to them. (V.8:15).

And whosoever turns his back to them on such a day, unless it be a stratagem of war, or to retreat to a troop (of his own) -he indeed has drawn upon himself the wrath from Allah. And his abode is Hell, worst indeed is that destination! (V.8:16).


Allah (swt) forbade Al-Ghulul (stealing from the war booty before its distribution) i.e. the taking (a part) of war booty illegally, and warned the Muslims with an extreme warning. And that person who takes it, shall bring it forth (on the day of Resurrection) carrying it over his back and neck, being tortured by its heavy burden and weight, terrified with its voice, rebuked for his dishonesty in front of all the witnesses (mankind and the present ones):

It is not for any Prophet to take illegally a part of booty (Ghulul), 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. (V.3:161).


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 clamour (noise) of nationalism and for falseforged slogans. Whenever the Messenger (pbuh) appointed a Commander-in-Chief for an army unit, he used to advise him specially to be afraid and dutiful to Allah, and to be good to those Muslims who were accompanying him. He then used to say (to that Commander):

"Invade in the Name of Allah (swt) and forthe Cause of Allah (swt) and kill those who disbelieve in Allah (swt).

Invade and do not press heavily by exceeding the limits, and do not betray, and do not kill children...."


And he (the Prophet pbuh) used to say to his companions when they intended invasion:
"Proceed in the Name of Allah (swt) and for Allah (swt) upon the Religion of Allah's Messenger (pbuh). Do not kill the very old or a child or a woman and do not press heavily by exceeding the limits. Collect the (war) booty, reconcile, and do good as Allah loves the good-doers."


For that, the Messenger (pbuh) and those who believed in him were tried with pleasant trials (martyrdom or mighty reward) to make victorious this religion (Islam) and to invite others for it (Islam). So Allah assisted them with victory, sent down upon them tranquillity and helped them with angels and united their hearts and cast terror into the hearts of their enemies.

So they fought in the Cause of Allah (for) Islamic faith (worshipping none but Allah Alone) and sincerely (for Allah's sake) and to make victorious Allah'sReligion till it becomes superior over all religions, and mankind is brought out -- (1) from the darkness into the light, (2) from the worshipping of the slaves (created false gods) to the worshipping of AIIah Alone (the only true God), (3) from the distress of the world to its wideness (ease) and (4) from the injustices of the religions to the justice of Islam. They knew well that Allah has guaranteed them victory and promised them that they will be the conquerors. So they were sure of Allah's Support, and of His Messenger's promise and considered the matter easy with a small or great (number) and thought little of the fears and dangers. They remembered the Statement of Allah Law:

If Allah helps you, none can overcome you ... (V.3: 160)


And that they are troops of Allah (swt), and that they are fighting in Allah's Cause, and surely Allah (swt) will help and support them and will defeat their enemies, as their enemies fight for the cause of Satan.

Here is the example of Umar bin Al-Khattab (raa) as he consulted his companions regarding sending troops to 'Iraq (for participating in the battle of Nahawand). 'Ali bin Abi Talib (raa) said to him ('Umar):

"O Chief of the believers! This matter cannot be "victory or defeat" because of a great number, or a small number but it is His (Allah's) Religion which He has made superior and His troops which he has honoured and supported (them) with the angels till it reached (far) what it has reached. We have been promised (victory) by Allah, and Allah fulfills His Promise and supports His troops."


And here is the example of Khalid bin Walid as he came from 'Iraq, a man from the Arab Christians said to Khalid:

"How great is the number of Romans and how small is the number of Muslims? Khalid replied: Woe to you! Do you make me afraid of the Romans?... But the greatness of the troops are with victory and the smallness of the troops are with defeat, not with the number of men, by Allah I wish if the red ones (i.e. the camels and the horses) are cured from their journey hurts, I will proceed to attack them (Romans) even if their number is doubled. (The hoofs of his horse had chafed and received injuries during its return form 'Iraq to Al-Madina)."


They used to endanger their lives, used to do wonders and extraordinary deeds being sure of Allah's Help, depending upon Hls Promise as it happened in the Islamic army under the commandership of Said bin Abi Waqqas. He stood in front of the town of Al-Midian and could not find any ship or boat (it became completely impossible for him to find anything of that sort) and the water of the river Tigris ('Iraq) increased tremendously with overflooding (its water became dark) and it overthrew its foam from excessive water in it. Sa'd addressed the people (troops) over its bank (saying):

"I have resolved to cross this sea (great river) in order to assault them (the enemy)." They (the people) replied: "May Allah direct us and you to follow the right path. So please do it." Then he (Sa'd) rushed heedlessly into the (river) Tigris with his horse and all the people (his troops) too rushed heedlessly into it (Tigris) and not a single man remained behind from him; so they marched over it as if they were marching over the surface of the earth, till they filled it (the space) between its two banks and one could not see the water surface from the cavalry and the foot-soldiers. The people spoke to one another over the surface of water as they used to speak to one another over the surface of earth. So when the Persians (army) saw them they said: Diwana... Diwana, i.e. mad people... mad people). By Allah! You are not fighting against human beings, but against jinns." On that Sa'd (raa) started saying: "Allah is Sufficient for us and He is the Best Disposer (for our affairs); by Allah! Surely Allah (swt) will give victory to His friends; verily, Allah will make superior His Religion, and verily Allah will defeat (over power) His enemy, as long as there are neither adulterers nor committers of those (similar evil) sins in the army (Sa'd's troops), then the good deeds will overcome the evil."


Yes! They (the Muslims) used to be afraid: (1) of their sins and (2) from the disobedience of Allah (swt), more than they used to be afraid of their enemy or their enemy's great number and mighty weapons, as we find 'Umar bin Al-Khattab (raa) saying: (in his letter to the Commander S'ad bin Abi Waqqas, when he sent him for the conquest of Persia):

"...Then after, I order you and all that troops that are along with you to be obedient to Allah in all circumstances as this (being obedient to Allah swt) is better than the weapons against the enemy and a strong stratagem (device) in the war. I order you and the soldiers who are with you to be more cautious and afraid of your own crimes and sins (and not to commit them) than your enemy, as the crimes and sins of the soldiers are more dangerous to them than their enemy. The Muslims are victorious only because their enemies are disobedient to Allah, and had it not been so, we have no power over them, because neither our number is equal to their number, nor our weapons are like theirs. If we commit crimes and sins as they do, then they (our enemies) will have superiority over us in power.

And if we will not gain victory over them by our merits, we do not overpower them by our strength. And you should also know that in this marching of yours (for Allah's Cause) there are guards (angels) upon you from Allah (swt) (to watch you), and they know all what you do. So be shy from them and do not commit Allah's disobedience (crimes and sins) while you are going in Allah's Cause and do not say: 'Our enemy is worse than us, so they will not overpower us.' Perhaps some people who are worse than the others may overpower the others as the (disbelievers) Magians overpowered the Children of Israel when they (the latter) involved themselves with Allah's disobedience (crimes and sins). So they (disbelievers, Magians) entered the very innermost parts of their homes and it was a promise (completely) fulfilled. And ask Allah (swt) the assistance over your ownselves, (to save you from crimes and sins) just as you ask Allah for the victory over your enemies... I ask Allah (swt) for that, both for you and for us."


So the Muslim warriors (Al-Mujahidin) kept on clinging to what this rightly guided caliph ('Umar) mentioned (as above): And they (Mujahidin) were as they were described by a Roman to a Roman Chief; (he said): I have come to you from the men, very precise in their manners; they ride swift race-horses, during the night they worship (Allah Alone) in seclusion,during the day they are cavaliers, if you speak to your companions something, your friend will not understand anything from you because of the high tone of their voices reciting the Qur'an and the mentioning much of Allah." So he (the Roman Chief) looked at his companions and said: "It has come to you from them that for which you have no power."

And here is the story of 'Uqbah bin Nafi': He ('Uqbah) intended to take a place (town) in Africa, so as to be a place for the Muslim army and to protect their families and properties from revolt against them by the natives ofthe country. So he betook himself to the place of Al-Qirwan, and it was a muddy place, full of every kind of beasts of prey (lions, tigers, leopards, etc.) and snakes and others, etc. So he ('Uqbah) invoked Allah (swt) and Allah answered to his invocation, he then said:

"O snakes and wild beasts of prey! We are the companions of Allah's Messenger (Muhammad pbuh) go away from us as we are landing here, and afterwards if we found any (of you wild beasts and snakes) we will kill you."


So the people saw that day, the (wild) animals and snakes carrying their offspring, shifting from that place... And a great number of natives (Al-Bar-Bar) saw (all) that and embraced Islam.

And when the term (time limit) was prolonged for the Muslims and their hearts were hardened and they forgot their religion and became ignorant of the fact (that for what purpose Allah (swt) has sent and chosen them from among the great number of mankind and from the great number of nations of the earth. Allah (swt) said:

You [true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his Sunna (legal ways, etc.)] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind, you enjoin Al-Ma 'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid what is Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allah (V.3:1 10)


So (today) they (Muslims) are leading a life of the one who knows not any Prophet, nor believes in any Divine Message or Divine Inspiration, nor expects any reckoning nor is afraid of the Hereafter. They (Muslims) resemble the pre-Islamic ignorant nations, against whom they used to fight in the past. They have turned on their heels (back) as apostates from Islam, they have imitated them (ignorant nations) in their civilization, in their social affairs, in their political affairs, in their character and in the pleasures of their lives.

They (Muslims) also imitated them in many other things because of which Allah (swt) hated and forsook them. He (Allah) put them (Muslims) into trials under the effects of (1) Western civilization (2) and the Eastern Communist propaganda. So their land became "a free wealth" with no protector, their kingdom became a victim for every beast of prey and a food (nourishment) for every eater, and the meaning of the statement of the Prophet (Muhammad pbuh ) became apparent:

"It is expected that the nations will call other nations to share them against you (Muslims) as the eaters
call each other to eat from the food in front of them in a large wooden plate." A person asked the Prophet (pbuh) will that happen because of our small number on that day? The Prophet said: "Nay! Your number (will be great, but you will be rubbish like the rubbish of flood-water. And certainly Allah will remove from the hearts of your enemies 'the fear from you' and surely He (Allah) will throw Wahn in your hearts." A person asked: What is 'Wahn', O Allah's Messenger? The Prophet (pbuh) said, 'Wahn' is to love (this) world and to hate the death."


The Prophet pbuh also said,

"If you: (1) practiced Bai'a Al- 'Aina (i.e. selling goods to a person for a certain price and then buying them back from him for a far less price), (2) and followed the tails of the cows (i.e. indulged in agriculture and became contented with it) (3) and deserted the Jihad (holy fighting) in Allah's Cause, Allah will cover you with humiliation and it will not be removed till you return back to your religion (Abu Daud).


And now they (Muslims) have deserted the Jihad and asked help from (their) enemies and protection from the disbelievers, begging them; turning towards them, expecting good from them. So they (Muslims) have become mean, despised before Allah in spite of their Islamic names and in spite of the presence of righteous pious persons amongst them and in spite of the fact that some of the religious laws, signs and ceremonies are practiced in their countries.

One of the orientalists said:

"When the Muslims turned away from their religious teachings and became ignorant of its wisdom and its laws, and deviated towards the contradictory (man-made) laws taken from the opinions of men, there spread in them immorality of character, falsehood, hypocrisy, ill-will and hatefulness increased in them. Their unity disintegrated and they became ignorant of their present and future state and became unaware of what will harm them or will benefit them. They have become contented with the life in which they eat, drink, sleep and compete not with others, in superiority."


AII this is a visible fact, which every true believer feels, and which every enthusiastic person (about his religion) palpates in every community (nation) that gives up Al-Jihad and dips itself; (1) in a luxurious life, (2) in the worshipping of wealth and (3) in the love of this world.

History informs us: What the most wretched (Al-Maghool and At-Tatar) did to the Muslims? That which will sorrow the hearts and to be as if on the fire and will make the eyes shed tears...

Ibn Al-Athir said:

"I remained for many years, avoiding the mentioning of this accident because of its great magnitude, disliking to speak about it, so that I put a foot forward and go another backward and thought deeply, who is there who can write the wailing and crying of the Muslims and who is there on whom it is easy to mention that ...wish that my mother had not delivered (brought) me... would that I had been dead before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight... This job (work) includes the mentioning of the great event and the severe calamity which made the days and the nights extremely hard and bitter (barren) that no similar calamity will happen and that did befall (cover) the mankind and particularly the Muslims."


Ibn Al-Athlr then mentioned the weaknesses of the Muslims and the empowering of their enemies over them...he said:

"A woman from (the Tatars) entered a house and killed a group from its dwellers and they thought her to be a man... one of them (the Tatars) entered a street in which there were one hundred men, he went on killing them one by one, till he killed them all, and not even a single man (out of the hundred) raised his hand against him (the Tatar) to harm him and humiliation was put over the men so they did not defend themsleves neither little nor more. We take refuge with Allah (swt) from being defeated (by the enemy)." Ibn Al-Athir further said: "One of the Tatar got hold of a man and he (Tatar) could not find any (weapon) to kill him, so he told the man: "Put your head over this stone and do not move (keep it on)"... and so the man put his head over the stone and remained there till the same man came with a sword and killed him... and there were many similar incidents"...


So it is absolutely obligatory upon the Islamic nation, and particularly upon the religious scholars and the rulers from them to be obedient to Allah (swt) and to be dutiful to Him and to settle the matters of differences amongst themselves and to propagate "The invitation to this religion (Islam) to others specially the off-springs, publish its good aspects, and instruct (teach) the people its (Islam's) laws and wisdom as did the Muslim nobles of early days." They (Muslim nobles of early days) strove hard in Allah's Cause as they ought to have striven with sincerity and with all their efforts that His (Allah's) Name should be superior... They stood... inviting people to Allah's Religion (Islam), explained to them the good aspects and the excellence of Islam and that was the reason their kingdom was extended and their countries expanded, and they subjected others to its (Islam's) teachings.

It was not long before their descendants deviated from the Right Path, tore themselves into pieces after they had one united entity, they doubted the Truth, so, for them the path was separated and they became as groups (and sects) having different (views and) opinions opposing each other in their aims... So how can they be elevated?... How can there be any progress or priority possible for them while they are following the disbelieving nations, they drag along behind them, pursue their ways and footsteps and imitate their actions, small or great.

They judge their people with the contradictory (man-made) laws which conflict and clash with the Islamic laws, which were the origin of their honour and pride and in which was their peace and steadfastness. Allah (swt) said:

Do they then seek the judgment of (the Days of) Ignorance. And who is better in judgement than Allah for a people who have firm Faith? (V.5:50).


We beseech Allah to make victorious His Religion (Islam) and to make superior His Words and to lead all the Muslims to that in which His Pleasure is-Amin.

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The Backbone that Never Breaks

The Backbone that Never Breaks

{“And from the people is he who worships Allah as if he were on an edge. If good befalls him, he is content with it. And if a trial befalls him, he turns back on his face. He loses both this world and the Hereafter. That is the clear loss.”} [al-Hajj; 11]

Commenting on this verse, Ibn Kathir said in ‘Tafsir al-Qur’an al-’Adhim’ (3/279):

“This means that he enters the religion on an edge. So, if he finds what he likes, he sticks with it. Otherwise, he retreats. al-Bukhari reported…that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “A man would come to Madinah. If his wife gave birth to a son and his mare gave birth to foals, he would say: “This is a good religion.” If his wife didn’t give birth and his mare didn’t either, he would say: “This is a terrible religion.”" And Ibn Abi Hatim reported…that Ibn ‘Abbas said: “Some bedouins would come to the Prophet and become Muslims and then they’d return to their homelands. If they returned to a year of rain, produce, and good children being born, they would say: “This religion of ours is good. So, stick to it.” If they came back to a year of hunger, bad children being born, and drought, they would say: “There is no good in this religion of ours.” So, Allah revealed this verse.”

…And ‘Abd ar-Rahman bin Zayd bin Aslam said: “This is in regards to the hypocrite. If everything is going well for him in his life, he is consistent in his worship. If things change and go bad for him, he goes back and wavers in his worship except when things are going good. So, if a trial, hardship, test, or inconvenience befalls him, he abandons his religion and returns to kufr.”"

In ‘Fi Dhilal al-Qur’an’ (4/2412), Sayyid Qutb commented on this verse by saying:

“Even if this addresses the Islamic call back then, it is an example that is repeated in every generation – this person who weighs his belief using the scales of profit and loss, thinking that he is engaged in some sort of business deal…

Belief is the firm backbone in the life of the believer. The world crashes around him, and he remains firm on this support column. The events going on and the pressures existing around him push down on him, and he remains holding firmly to this rock that cannot be shaken. The crutches fall from under him, and he leans on this foundation that cannot be moved from its place or swept away.

This is the value of belief in the life of the believer. Therefore, it is a must for him to stand up straight on it, be sure of it, confident in it, not shaky in it, and not waiting for any reward for it, as it in itself is a reward. This is because it is the protective force that he turns to and the supporting column that he leans on. Yes, it is itself a reward for one opening his heart up to the light and going after guidance. As a result, Allah grants him this belief and faith for him to turn to for support and assurance. It is itself a reward whose value the believer realizes when he sees the confused, distraught people around him blown about and thrown around by the wind, engulfed in anxiety – while his belief keeps his heart tranquil, his feet firm, his mood calm, and his connection to Allah. He is confident as a result of this connection.

As for the type of person mentioned in this verse, he turns his belief into a business deal: {“…If good befalls him, he is content with it.…”} Here, he says that it is good to have faith. He is gaining some benefit, things look good, he is picking his crops, he is profiting from his deal, and he can stand up to the wind. {“… And if a trial befalls him, he turns back on his face. He loses both this world and the Hereafter…”} He loses this world through the trial that he was afflicted with and was unable to exercise patience and hold himself together in the face of, and did not turn to Allah during. He loses the Hereafter due to his reversing course and his abandonment of his beliefs and the guidance that was made so easily available for him.

And the Qur’an depicts such a person as worshipping Allah “on an edge,” shaky in his beliefs, shaky in his worship. It depicts this state as the impending physical movement of one who is prone to collapse at the first hint of pressure. This person reverses course when he is simply touched with trouble, and his standing on the edge is simply a prelude to him going back from what he was upon and collapsing.

The measurement of profit and loss is something that belongs in business, not your beliefs. ‘Aqidah is a truth that should be adopted simply on account of what it is – the reaction of the heart that has opened itself up to light and guidance that has no choice but to react with whatever it encounters. So, this belief carries its reward in its nature, due to the confidence, tranquility, and pleasure it contains. So, it doesn’t look for reward from anything other than itself.

The believer worships his Lord out of gratitude for being guided, for the confidence that comes along with being close to Him. If any reward were to come, this would be from the favor of Allah due to this person’s faith and worship!

The believer doesn’t test his Lord. From the start, he accepts whatever He Decrees for him, surrenders from the start to whatever he will experience, is pleased from the start with whatever ease or hardship comes his way. It is not a business deal between a buyer and seller. Rather, it is the submission of the Creation to the Creator – the One who runs his affairs and was the reason for his existence in the first place.

The one who reverses course when he is touched with trouble endures a loss in which there is no doubt: {“…That is the clear loss…”} He loses the tranquility and confidence and calmness and pleasure, in addition to losing his money, family, health, or any of the other material possessions that Allah tests people through – He tests their confidence in Him, their patience in the face of these tests He brings, their own sincerity to Him, and their willingness to accept His Decree. This person also loses the Hereafter and the pleasures and closeness to Allah it contains…what a loss!”

He continues:

“…And Allah presents for the believers something better than whatever this life can give you, even if you lose whatever it gives you during the course of your trials and tribulations:

{“Truly, Allah will admit those who believe and do good deeds to gardens underneath which rivers flow. Indeed, Allah does what He Wills.”}

So, whoever is touched by any type of trouble or test, he should stay strong and not become shaky. He should manifest his confidence in the Mercy and help of Allah and His ability to remove all hardships and compensate and reward for them…”

Issues Regarding Takfir - Aiding the Kuffar:

Issues Regarding Takfir - Aiding the Kuffar:

1) For takfir to be declared, the nullifiers of Islam must be known. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:

"Allah does not lead a people astray after His guidance has been given until He makes clear to them wherein error lies." 9: 115 Interpretation of Meaning


Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahab - Rahimahullah - gathered ten actions that negate one's Islam (Nawaqid ul-Ashr), the eighth one of which states: "Assisting the disbelievers (against the believers) (Mudhaharatul Mushrikeen) and supporting them against the believers is one of the actions that negates of one's Islam..." Thus, it is generally and widely known that one of these nullifiers of one's Islam is supporting, aiding or allying with the kuffar against the Muslims. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:

"Obey, follow and give allegiance only to that brought to you from your Sustainer, and do not obey, nor follow nor give allegiance to those who are Awliya' besides Him." 7:3 Interpretation of Meaning

"You will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making friendship with and loving those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam), even if they are their fathers or their sons or their kindred..." 58:22 Interpretation of the meaning

In addition, as Sheikh Abdullah ibn Humaid said:

"Whoever expresses Tawalli towards the disbelievers (Tawalli Kuffar) and supports and helps them against the believers, then such constitutes apostasy by one's (proceeding) actions. It is obligatory to apply the rules of apostasy upon such a person as is proved by The Book, the Sunnah and the consensus of the scholars." Ad-Durrar 15/479


Furthermore, Sheikh Abdul Latif bin Abdur Rahman bin Hassan Aal-Sheikh said:

"Whomsoever helps the disbelievers or brings them to the country of Ahl Al-Islam, then that person is clearly an apostate." Ad-Durrar 8/326


Also, as Sheikh Safar bin 'Abdir-Rahmaan al-Hawaali said:

"Aiding the Non-Muslims over Muslims - no matter which form of aid or co-operation it be, even if it is merely in speech - this is clear Kufr and sheer hypocrisy. The one who does this has perpetrated one of the actions which negates Islam, as has been specifically stated by the Imams of the Dawah and others, and such a person is not a believer in the Aqeedah of al-Wala and al-Bara."


Thus, we should be in no doubt that if a Muslim chooses to aid, ally themselves with, the kuffar against the Muslims then they have negated their Islam.


2) Since we judge someone by what is apparent, it is apparent that if a Muslim joins the Armed Forces or the Police of the kuffar, and wears the uniform of the kuffar, then they have sworn allegiance to the kuffar and/or to some Taghut of the kuffar - such as a President, some nation-State, or some kaffir leader - since such allegiance is a necessary part of joining and belonging to such kaffir organizations. In addition, a Muslim pledges thereby to uphold the fallible manufactured laws of the kuffar and to obey the kuffar.

Thus, by doing such things the person in question has made a knowing and willing choice, for they know and accept that such kaffir organizations have aided and do aid the kuffar over and above Muslims; that they place and value kaffir manufactured laws above Shariah, and have imprisoned Muslims, invaded and occupied Muslim lands; killed and tortured and humiliated Muslims. Furthermore, for a Muslim, allegiance, submission and obedience can only be to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, for that is Eeman, which is manifest by:

"Those who believe in Allah and His Messenger, who are steadfast, and who strive with their wealth and their lives for the Way of Allah." 49:15 Interpretation of Meaning

However, instead of only striving for the Way of Allah, to raise the Word of Allah, those individuals who ally themselves with the kuffar are striving in the way of the kuffar, for the Taghut of the kuffar, in order to establish the Taghut of the kuffar - such as "democracy" and the nation-State and the implementation of manufactured kaffir laws in place of Shariah. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:

"Allah is the Wali of those who believe: from darkness, He leads them into the light, while those do not believe have, as their Wali, their Taghut so that they are led from light into darkness. For them, there is the Fire, where they shall dwell forever." 2: 257 Interpretation of Meaning

"Those who believe, fight in the Cause of Allah, and those who disbelieve, fight in the cause of Taghut. So therefore fight against those friends of Shaitaan." 4: 76 Interpretation of Meaning

"Their way is to refer matters to a Taghut. " 4:60 Interpretation of Meaning


3) Thus, we can state that takfir can - and should - be made upon those who have given their allegiance to the organizations of the kuffar, for these organizations are based upon Tawagheet and are striving through force, or persuasion, or both, to have people submit to such Tawagheet, just as such organizations demand loyalty to such Tawagheet, judge by such Tawagheet, and just as they are striving against Deen Al-Islam and Muslims who, in obedience to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, refuse to bow down to and accept such Tawagheet.

"The words of your Rabb are complete, perfect - manifesting truth, justice, and nothing shall ever abrogate them." 6:115 Interpretation of Meaning


May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala protect us from all forms of Al-asabiyyah Al-Jahiliyyah, forgive us for our mistakes, and guide us to and keep us on the Right Path.


Abdul-Aziz ibn Myatt
1 Safar 1428