Quranic Foundation of Jihad

Allah says in the Quran:
“Indeed, the believers are those who have faith in Allah and His Messenger, never doubt, and strive with their wealth and lives in Allah’s cause. They are the truthful ones.” (Quran 49:15).

Introduction

My respected brothers! The universal teachings of Islam encompass every aspect of life. Islam ordains Jihad to establish peace, enforce justice, restore human rights, and eradicate oppression. In essence, Jihad is the continuous struggle to reform individual, communal, national, and international life in accordance with divine guidance.

Importance of Jihad

The blessed life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is a beacon of guidance in every respect. However, his efforts to elevate the truth through Jihad (or battles, termed Ghazwat) hold immense significance for the political stability and progress of the Muslim Ummah. The early generations of Muslims emphasized Jihad, instilling in their youth tales of sacrifice and valor to prepare them for defending Allah’s cause without hesitation.

Linguistic and Technical Definitions

• Linguistically: Jihad means “to exert utmost effort in confronting and resisting an enemy” (Imam Raghib Al-Isfahani).
• Technically: It refers to “a Muslim’s fight against hostile disbelievers (Harbi Kuffar) purely for Allah’s sake.”

Legal Ruling on Jihad

Allah states:
“Fighting has been made obligatory upon you, though it is disliked by you. Perhaps you dislike something that is good for you, and like something that is bad for you. Allah knows, and you do not know.” (Quran 2:216).

Scholar Mufti Syed Naeemuddin Muradabadi explains:

• Jihad is obligatory (Fard) under specific conditions. If disbelievers invade Muslim lands, it becomes a personal duty (Fard al-Ayn); otherwise, it is a collective duty (Fard al-Kifayah).

Conditions for Obligatory Jihad

1. Collective Duty: If some fulfill it, others are exempt. If all neglect it, all are sinful.
2. Defensive Jihad: If enemies attack, local Muslims must defend. If insufficient, neighboring Muslims must aid them.
3. Exemptions: Children, women, slaves, the disabled, and those with parental disapproval are exempt. Scholars and trustees of others’ wealth may also abstain unless arrangements are made.
4. Capability: Requires weapons, provisions, and confidence in strengthening Muslims.

Virtues of Jihad

The Quran and Hadith extol Jihad’s virtues:

• The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever fights to elevate Allah’s word is in Allah’s cause.” (Bukhari, Muslim).
• “The best Jihad is striving against disbelievers with wealth and life.” (Nasai).
• “One who dies without participating in Jihad or desiring it dies with hypocrisy.” (Muslim).

Historical Context of Jihad

For 13 years in Mecca, Muslims endured persecution for rejecting idolatry and affirming monotheism. After migrating to Medina, they faced continued threats, necessitating defensive battles. Despite numerous conflicts, total casualties in all Prophet-led battles were around 1,140—a stark contrast to modern wars’ devastation.

Pre-Islamic Concepts and Modern Hypocrisy

Pre-Islamic prophets like Moses (AS) also commanded struggles for truth (e.g., liberating Jerusalem). Today, critics of Islamic Jihad overlook the West’s atrocities: nuclear bombings (Hiroshima/Nagasaki), World Wars (millions dead), and ongoing exploitation. Labeling Islamic resistance as “terrorism” while perpetuating violence exposes double standards.

Objectives of Islamic Jihad

Jihad aims not at conquest or bloodshed but to eliminate oppression and establish divine justice:
“Fight them until there is no persecution, and religion is entirely for Allah.” (Quran 8:39). It seeks to free humanity from tyranny and elevate truth.

Misconceptions and Media Bias

Western media wrongly equate Jihad with terrorism. True Jihad is a moral, constructive struggle for justice. Extremist acts distort its essence, requiring Muslims to educate others on its true principles: prohibiting harm to non-combatants, crops, or places of worship.

Dua (Supplication)

O Allah! Grant us the honor of Jihad, both lesser (struggle against oppression) and greater (self-reform). Bless us to sacrifice for faith and nation. Free Kashmir, Palestine, and persecuted Muslims. Protect Pakistan from strife. Guide rulers to serve sincerely. Forgive our sins, and let us live by Quran and Sunnah. Bestow blessings upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his family, and companions. Ameen!

Peace and blessings be upon the best of creation, our Master Muhammad ﷺ, his family, and companions. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds.