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JIHAAD IN QUR'ÂN AND SUNNAH By SHEIKH ABDULLAH BIN MUHAMMAD BIN HUMAID
Praise be to Allah swt Who has ordained Al-Jihaad (the holy fighting in
Allah's Cause): The Prophet (pbuh) used to visit the people in their gatherings during
season days (Hajj and Umrah) and other days (too). He used to go to their
market places, recite the Qur'aan, invite them to Allah swt, the Most
Respectful, the All-Majestic. He used to say, 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-Medina (Al-Munawwarah) 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 Bilaal (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 torment 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 (may Allah be pleased with him) 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-Medina. 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) for {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 swt
wants from His worshippers obedience with all their efforts. As in His
Statement: 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:I9O). Then Allah (swt) revealed in Soorah Tauba (Bara'ah) (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 Islaamic 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- 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) "The fighting", even though by its nature is disliked by the human soul because of the liability, of being killed, or being taken as a captive, or being injured, with the wasting of the wealth, the damaging of the industries, the destruction of the 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 (Jihaad), 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 Sunnah (the Prophet's legal ways, orders etc.) have exhorted greatly for Jihaad 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-Mujahideen are Allah's troops. Allah (swt) will establish His religion (Islaam), with them (Mujahideen). He will repel the might of His enemies, and with them He will protect Islaam and guard the religion safely. And it is they, (Mujahideen) 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 (Mujahideen) partners in reward along with all those who guard Islaam 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: 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-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makka) [and the maintenance of the mosque means to do i'tikaaf in it, the tawaaf (circumambulation) of the Ka'aba, and the offering of Salaah (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 (Mujahideen) 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: Hence Allah (swt) denied the equality between the
Mujahideen (those who
fight in Allah's Cause) and those who maintain the Al-Masjid -al- Haram (at
Makka) along with the various kinds of
worship, in spite of His praising those who maintain the mosques in His
Statement: 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 Jihaad 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 Jihaad-and the Mujahideen (those who fight in Allah's Cause),-Then He mentioned the superiority of the Mujahideen over those (believers) who sit (at home) by a grade and then later on mentioned their (Mujahideen'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 Mujahideen 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 Mohsinoon. (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 Qayyim after mentioning the statement of Ibn Zaid said: True! Indeed the degrees of grades mentioned are reported in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree: (Ahaadeeth No. 48, Vol. 4).Narrated Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) The Prophet (pbuh) said, "Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger (pbuh), performs Iqeemus-Salaah 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 Mujahideen 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."'] Ibn Qayyim 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'aan. 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: And His (Allah's) Statement: 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 Salaah (prayer)], who prostrate themselves, [in Salaah (prayer)], who enjoin (people) for Al-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 Islaam 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
Mujaahid which he will receive) honour and high degrees of grade- along with other things which Allah
(swt) has made clear in the Qur'aan: about the description of the reward of
Mujahideen, their magnificent state, moving of feelings and sentiments, the
demanding of sacrifice in the cause of inviting others to Islaam, 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
Subhaanawata'aala: 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 Zaalimun (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: 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: And so on-there are other similar Verses (in the Qur'aan) -after these. Think deeply, dear brother in Islaam, 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 Salaah (prayers) and Saum (fasting). It is made obvious that Jihad similar to both of them, and all the three (Jihad, Salaah 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 Mujahideen (Martyrs) they will compensated for their worldly life with a mighty compensation and they will not be dealt with unjustly in the very least. Jihaad 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 Jihaad is superior to Hajj and 'Umrah (pilgrimage) and also superior to non-obligatory Salaah (prayer) and Saum (fasting) as mentioned in the Qur'aan and Prophet's Sunnah. It is obvious that the benefits of Jihad for us are extensive and comprehensive, it (Jihaad) 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 (Jihaad) 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
Ahaadeeth). Narrated Abu
Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him): I heard
Allah's Messenger saying, So the Prophet (pbuh), through his ways of life, firmness, his courage, and his patience has deeply encouraged the Mujahideen 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 (pbuh) has put Jihad at the top in Islaam. 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 Mujahideen who fight in His
Cause" It is narrated in the book Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, 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." It is also narrated in the two books (Al-Bukhaaree 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 Salaah
(prayer) from the time the Mujahideen 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 Jihaad. 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. 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: 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'aan after this Verse (that threaten the Muslim nation if they give up Jihaad). And you will not find any organization past or present, religious or non-religious as regards (Jihaad 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'aan and As-Sunnah (the legal ways of Prophet Muhammad pbuh) have clearly given (wonderful explanation for) each and every act concerning 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'aan and As-Sunnah. The Verses of Qur'aan and As-Sunnah 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 swt 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, aero planes (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 obedience, Allah (swt) said: Those who believe say: "Why is not a Soorah (Chapter the Qur'an) sent down (for us)?" But when a decisive Soorah (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
Soorah As-Saff
(Rows or Ranks): 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 dislike ness (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: 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: And He (Allah swt) encouraged the Mujahideen 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 Islaam), 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 Mujahideen) to have confidence, to keep their
composure and to expel (from their minds) all wrong conceptions, weakness
and sadness- as He said: And Allah (swt) informed that He has given a guarantee of victory to
those who will defend Allah's Religion (true Islaam). 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: 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'aan 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: 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 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 false-forged 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 for the 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 (Islaam) and to invite others for it (Islaam). So Allah assisted them with victory, sent down upon them tranquility 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's Religion till it becomes superior over all religions,
and mankind is brought out -- 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 (may Allah be pleased with him) as he consulted his companions regarding sending troops to 'Iraq (for participating in the battle of Nahawand). 'Ali bin Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) 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 Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him) as he came from 'Iraq, a man from the Arab Christians said to Khalid (may Allah be pleased with him) : "How great is the number of Romans and how small is the number of Muslims? Khalid (may Allah be pleased with him) 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 swt 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-Medina)." They used to endanger their lives, used to do wonders and extraordinary deeds being sure of Allah's Help, depending upon His Promise as it happened in the Islamic army under the commandership of Said bin Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) . 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 over flooding (its water became dark) and it overthrew its foam from excessive water in it. Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with him) 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 (may Allah be pleased with him) 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 (may Allah be pleased with him) 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 (may Allah be pleased
with him) saying: (in his letter to the Commander S'ad bin
Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased
with him) , when he sent him for the conquest of Persia): So the Muslim warriors (Al-Mujahideen) kept on clinging to what this Rightly guided caliph ('Umar) (may Allah be pleased with him) mentioned (as above): And they (Mujahideen) 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'aan 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' (may Allah be pleased with him): 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 of the 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 Islaam. 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: 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 Islaam, 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: The Prophet pbuh also said,
"If you: 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 swt 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." 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 themselves 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 (Islaam'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 Islaam 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 judgment than Allah for a people who have firm Faith? (V.5:50). We beseech Allah to make victorious His Religion (Islaam) and to make superior His Words and to lead all the Muslims to that in which His Pleasure is Aameen
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