(Dr. Saba Ghizali, Karachi)
The word "Ghaza" means "The Strong City," and its history is marked by sacrifices and struggles that exemplify its resilience. The people of Ghaza endure hardships with steadfast faith in Allah and the Day of Judgment, facing challenges we can hardly imagine. When a Muslim country is subjected to oppression by non-Muslims, Jihad becomes a duty for every Muslim man. However, the persons with different abilities and women can play their role as per their capacity, by tracing historical facts it is evident that women and people with different abilities used to participate actively in many of the battles fought during the era of our last Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Let’s begin by exploring the idea of Jihad First:
Jihad, occupies a profound and significant place within Islamic doctrine. It refers to the enthusiasm of fighting for the sake of Allah’s Cause “Islam”. Jihad, originating from the Arabic root "Jahada," signifies striving or struggling in the path of Allah. It encompasses a broad spectrum of efforts, including personal struggles against sin, endeavors to improve society, and defense against external aggression. The multifaceted nature of Jihad is evident in the Quranic verses and Hadiths that address various forms and contexts of this struggle.
Unfortunately, it is often misunderstood and misrepresented. It is essential for Muslims to revisit and comprehend the true nature of Jihad by examining Quranic teachings and authentic Hadiths. This article endeavors to elucidate the obligatory nature of Jihad, drawing on Quranic verses & Hadiths; in the light of Islamic teachings, we will shed light upon the responsibility of Muslims in the era of tranquility.
Jihad & Quran
The Quran provides extensive guidance on Jihad, addressing its various aspects through different verses.
"And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty." (Quran 22:78)
This verse underscores the necessity of moral and spiritual efforts required to adhere to Islamic teachings, signifying that true striving in the path of Allah involves overcoming personal weaknesses and adhering to righteousness.
"Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors." (Al-Quran, 2:190)
This verse delineates the principle of self-defense, explicitly forbidding aggression and emphasizing justice. The defensive nature of Jihad is aimed at protecting the Muslim community from external threats while maintaining ethical boundaries.
The Quran also speaks about the collective responsibility of Muslims to fight against oppression:
"And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, 'Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper?'" (Al-Quran, 4:75)
This verse calls upon Muslims to defend the oppressed and combat injustice, emphasizing the collective duty to uphold justice and protect vulnerable members of society.
Jihad In The Light of Hadiths
As the prophet of Allah had given us the clear direction that the Muslims have only two ways for guidance, the first is Holy Quran and another way of getting guidance is the action taught by the beloved prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). So, after understanding the nature of Jihad from the Quran, let us explore some of the Hadiths which help us develop an understanding with regard to the phenomenon:
"The best Jihad is (by) the one who strives against his own self for Allah, The Mighty and Majestic." (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4261)
This Hadith highlights the significance of personal effort in overcoming one's desires and striving for spiritual purity, which is considered the highest form of Jihad.
"Whoever is killed while protecting his wealth is a martyr. Whoever is killed while defending his family is a martyr. Whoever is killed while defending his religion is a martyr." (Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 4772)
"A man asked the Prophet (peace be upon him), 'A man fights for war booty; another fights for fame and a third fights for showing off; which of them fights in Allah's Cause?' The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'He who fights that Allah's Word (Islam) should be superior, fights in Allah's Cause.'" (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 52, Hadith 65)
"The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'There is no Hijra (migration) after the Conquest (of Makkah), but Jihad and good intention remain; and if you are called (by the Muslim ruler) for fighting, go forth immediately.'" (Sahih Muslim, Book 20, Hadith 4597)
"The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'The person who participates in (Holy battles) in Allah's cause and nothing compels him to do so except belief in Allah and His Apostles, will be recompensed by Allah either with a reward, or booty (if he survives) or will be admitted to Paradise (if he is killed in the battle as a martyr).'" (Sahih Muslim, Book 20, Hadith 4684)
These Hadiths encourage us to safeguard family, property, and faith, highlighting that defense is a legitimate and noble endeavor. While Islam fundamentally advocates for peace and strives to prevent conflict, the protection of the Ummah in the cause of Allah, particularly in the defense of Islam, becomes a paramount duty for every Muslim. This responsibility transcends personal interests, calling upon individuals to uphold and defend the collective well-being and integrity of the Muslim community. Islam teach us peace with the obligation to protect and preserve the faith, ensuring that the principles of justice, compassion, and communal solidarity are upheld in the face of adversity.
The Responsibility of Muslims to Save Ghaza:
After a comprehensive examination of Quranic verses and Hadiths, it is a hard fact that the situation in Ghaza has reached a point where Jihad has become obligatory for all Muslims. This stark reality, as described by Allah and His Prophet, cannot be ignored, whether we choose to admit it or not. Each passing day serves as a wake-up call, with constant reports of injuries, martyrdoms, bombings, and gunfire, yet we remain indifferent, having forgotten the Hadith, "You see the believers as regards their being merciful among themselves and showing love among themselves and being kind, resembling one body, so that, if any part of the body is not well then the whole body shares the sleeplessness (insomnia) and fever with it" (Sahih al-Bukhari 6011 - Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab).
Our selective approach to religion is evident; we embrace what is convenient and ignore those instructions which seem difficult and challenging, offering feeble excuses to our acts. As Muslims, we are in a state of profound slumber, awaiting divine intervention from angels, Imam Mehdi, and Prophet Isa, without realizing that during the battles of Badr and Uhud, divine assistance was granted only after the Muslims had exerted their utmost effort. Allah's help was a facilitation and support, but it came in response to the Muslims' active striving. How can we expect divine intervention without making any effort ourselves? Do we not bear any responsibility?
Our current state raises critical questions about our responsibilities and the way we are raising our future generations. Are we truly instilling Islamic values and culture in them, or are we allowing them to be influenced by a materialistic and passive mindset? The gravity of our inaction will lead us astray, as the instructions from Allah are unequivocal: Jihad is a duty upon us. If we fail to fulfill this obligation, Allah will choose others to carry out His will. The decision lies with us—whether to take proactive steps or remain passive observers.
Our condition is a reflection of our collective negligence and complacency. The suffering in Ghaza is not just a distant tragedy; it is a part of our collective body, and its pain should resonate deeply within us. We must awaken from this destructive slumber and rise to our responsibilities, both as individuals and as a community. The consequences of our inaction are dire, and the time to act is now. We must embody the principles of mercy, love, and kindness as taught by our Prophet and respond to the call of Jihad with sincerity and determination. Only then can we hope for Allah's support and achieve success in this world and the hereafter.