24 February 2010

By Al-Ikhwah Al-Mujahidun

Verily, all praise belongs to Allah, we praise Him, we beg for His help and we beg for His protection from the wickedness of our selves and from the ugliness of our deeds. Whoever Allah gives hidayah, none can misguide. Whoever Allah misguides, none can give hidayah. And I bear witness that there is no Ilah (God) except Allah, the One and Only God, He has no partner. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

From the context of Lughah (Language), Jihad originates from the root word: "Jahada", meaning: Badzluth Thaaqah Wal-Wus'I, Au Huwa Al-Mashaqqah (Lisanul Arab 4/107, Taajul Arus 2/329, Asasul Balaghah 1/144 and Badaa-I' ush Shanaa-'I, Alkisani 7/97)

Whereas, from the context of shar'ie, Jihad is as illustrated in this hadith:

“A man asked Rasulullah SAW: What is Jihad? Rasulullah SAW answered: ‘Namely, you fight the kafir when you meet them’”

The above words is a piece of saheeh hadith narrated by Ahmad with a sanad, and its Rijal is “al-Rijaalus Saheeh” (saheeh narrator).

Jumhur Fuqaha (majority of the Fiqh experts) argues that the kalimah "Al-Jihad", if interpreted unconditionally, means Al-Qital (war) and mobilizing every capacity with that war for the sake of establishing the kalimah (words) of Allah SWT.

An explanation that is quite comprehensive is as mentioned by Hanafiyyin:

"Mobilizing every effort and strength by conducting war in the cause of Allah Azza Wa-Jalla, with life, property and words and so on" (Badaa-I' ush Shanaa-'I, Alkisani 7/97)

As for the meaning of "Fie Sabiilillah", if interpreted unconditionally, it will it point to the interpretation that is required by the interpretation of Al-Jihad, i.e. it means Al-Qital (war in the cause of Allah) (Ats-Tsamratul Jiyaad Fii Masaa-ili Fiqhil Jihaad; 8). That is the reason why many authors inserted the hadith by Bukhari, "Whoever performs sawm one day in the cause of Allah, Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) fire for (a distance covered by a journey of) 70 years," into the chapter of Jihad. This could be referenced in the book At-Targhib wat-tarhiib by Al-Mundziry, Saheeh Bukhari and others."

Attention:

That, understanding the meaning of Jihad according to the interpretation of shar'ie is very important. In the same manner as the ibaadah of Solat and Sawm which have their unique rules and etiquettes as well as sunnahs, the same applies to Jihad.

For example, Sawm originally means “restraining and preventing.” Whereas, Solat means "praying and submitting wholeheartedly.” However, after Allah SWT has perfected His Dien (religion), it is not valid that one who simply restrains himself from talking improperly or from eating and drinking at anytime he likes is said to be having performed sawm. Likewise, one who merely prays and submit himself wholeheartedly could not be said as already having established solat.

The same thing goes for Jihad, this obligation is not automatically nullified when one already carried out da’wah or spent his wealth. Not even one from amongst the ummah, be it the salaf or khalaf (earlier and later Muslims) who understand the verse: “Go ye forth, (whether equipped) lightly or heavily,” (At-Taubah: 41) or “..when ye are asked to go forth in the cause of Allah..” (At-Taubah: 38) as: “Go out for thalabul 'ilmi (seeking knowledge),” or understanding it as, “Go out to do invite (da’wah) to goodness.” Therefore, it remains that if a word is interpreted in the context of shar’ie, then it is interpreted in a meaning that is specific and limited, it cannot be twisted to other interpretations unless there is a daleel (evidence) of comparison that can twist it otherwise.

So, know that if Jihad Fie Sabiilillah is interpreted unconditionally, whether we like it or not, it would mean conducting jihad against the kafir with the swords (weapons), until they become Muslims or pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued (Muqaddimah Ibnu Rushd 1/369).

Without understanding an issue using a mizan (barometer) of shar’ie, the affair would become chaotic and mazy, misconceptions would arise, the shar’ie wish and objective would disappear and become unaccomplished. We beg for safety and afiat (strength) from Allah SWT, in this dunya and akhira. O Rabb, do not let us be astray after You have given us hidayah, and grant us mercy from You, verily You are the Great Bestower of favours.

The Shar’ie Objectives of Jihad Implementation:

1. Destroying the obstructing walls that hinder the spreading of the Dien (religion) to every corner of the world, like what is mentioned by Allah SWT: "And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere;" (Al-Anfal: 39).

2. Preventing and removing tyranny while simultaneously establishing the pure Truth for the sake of wiping out evil and corruptions, Allah SWT says: "And did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief: But Allah is full of bounty to all the worlds." (Al-Baqarah: 251).