Jihad Fie Sabiilillah, Its Interpretation and Objectives

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).

And again He says: "To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged;- and verily, Allah is most powerful for their aid;- (They are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right,- (for no cause) except that they say, 'our Lord is Allah..' Did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which the name of Allah is commemorated in abundant measure. Allah will certainly aid those who aid his (cause);- for verily Allah is full of Strength, Exalted in Might, (able to enforce His Will)." (Al-Hajj: 39-40).

3. Protecting the existence of the Muslims, their dignity and honor, as well as helping the weak people (Mustadh'afin), just as what Allah SWT says: "And why should ye not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)?- Men, women, and children, whose cry is: ‘Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise for us from thee one who will help!’" (An-Nisa:75).

4. Humiliating and terrifying the enemies of Allah SWT, simultaneously stopping their cruelty, just as Allah SWT says: "Fight against those who believe not in Allah, nor in the Last Day, nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger Muhammad and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e. Islam) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued." (At-Taubah:29).

And Allah SWT again says: “Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies, of Allah and your enemies, and others besides, whom ye may not know, but whom Allah doth know. Whatever ye shall spend in the cause of Allah, shall be repaid unto you, and ye shall not be treated unjustly.” (Al-Anfal: 60), and Allah SWT further says:

“So fight (O Muhammad), in the cause of Allah: you are not held responsible except for yourself. And encourage the believers (to join you) that perhaps Allah will restrain the (military) might of those who disbelieve. And Allah is greater in might and stronger in punishment.” (An-Nisa: 84)

5. Purifying the hearts of the believers, eliminating the kafirs and selecting the shuhadas. Allah SWT says: “If a wound hath touched you, be sure a similar wound hath touched the others. Such days (of varying fortunes) We give to men and men by turns: that Allah may know those that believe, and that He may take to Himself from your ranks Martyr-witnesses (to Truth). And Allah loveth not those that do wrong. Allah's object also is to purge those that are true in Faith and to deprive of blessing those that resist Faith. Did ye think that ye would enter Heaven without Allah testing those of you who fought hard (In His Cause) and remained steadfast?” (Ali Imran: 140-142),

and Allah SWT again says: “…but (all this was) that Allah might test what is in your breasts and purge what is in your hearts. For Allah knoweth well the secrets of your hearts.” (Ali Imran: 154)

6. For the tamkin (setting up) and implementation of the Islamic shari'ah which is just, for the sake of mankind’s wellbeing, under the shade of the Manhaj of Allah SWT. Allah SWT says: “(They are) those who, if We establish them in the land, establish regular prayer and give regular charity, enjoin the right and forbid wrong: with Allah rests the end (and decision) of (all) affairs.” (Al-Hajj: 41).

In a hadith, it was said: "I was ordered to fight people until they bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger, establish prayer and pay charity, but if they shall do so then they have made their blood prohibited for me and their judgement is with Allah." (Riwayah Bukhari and Muslim)

7. Relieving and removing the fury from hearts of the believers. Allah SWT says: “Fight them, and Allah will punish them by your hands, cover them with shame, help you (to victory) over them, heal the breasts of Believers, And remove the fury in their hearts. For Allah will turn (in mercy) to whom He will; and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” (At-Taubah: 14-15)

8. Other objectives promised by Allah SWT: "And another (favour will He bestow,) which ye do love,- help from Allah and a speedy victory. So give the Glad Tidings to the Believers." (As-Saff: 13)

Wallaahu A'lam Bis-Sowab.

Al-Faqir Wal-Haqir IlaLlaah