Applicable Translations Indonesia عربي

Book of Jihad

234 - Chapter on the merit of Jihad

Allah Almighty says: {And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous.} [Surat at-Tawbah: 36] He also says: {Battle has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you do not know.} [Surat al-Baqarah: 216] He also says: {Go forth, whether light or heavy, and strive with your wealth and your lives in the cause of Allah.} [Surat at-Tawbah: 41] Allah Almighty also says: {Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their wealth, and in return they will have Paradise; they fight in the cause of Allah and they kill or are killed. This is a true promise, given by Him in the Torah, the Gospel and the Qur’an. Who is more faithful to his promise than Allah? Rejoice then in the transaction you have made with Him; that is the supreme triumph.} [Surat at-Tawbah: 111] He also says: {Not equal are those believers who stay behind – except those forced by necessity – and those who fight in the way of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Allah has given a higher rank to those who fight with their wealth and their lives than those who stay behind. To each Allah has promised a fine reward, but Allah has favored those who fight over those who stay behind with a great reward, degrees [of high position] from Him and forgiveness and mercy, and Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.} [Surat an-Nisā’: 95-96] He also says: {O you who believe, shall I tell you about a trade that will save you from a painful punishment? It is to believe in Allah and His Messenger, and to struggle in the way of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is better for you, if only you knew. He will forgive you your sins and admit you to gardens under which rivers flow, and pleasant dwellings in Gardens of Eternity. That is the supreme triumph. And [He will grant you] another favor that you love: help from Allah and an imminent conquest. Give glad tidings to the believers.} [Surat as-Saff: 10-13] There are many other well-known verses in this regard.

Guidance from the verses:

1) They incite the believers to fight the disbelievers as a whole so as to make Allah’s word supreme and humiliate disbelief and its people.

2) Although the human self is disinclined to Jihad, it serves such great interests that render it good and beneficial for the believers. Indeed, Allah Almighty may predestine, out of His wisdom, something that seems unpleasant to the human self, yet it turns out to have good consequences.

3) The required and commendable Jihad is that conducted with one’s life and wealth for the purpose of elevating the word of Allah, not for show-off or tribal or national affiliation.

4) They demonstrate the profitable transaction of Jihad: Allah is the buyer, the seller is the believers, the sold item is the believers’ lives and wealth, the price is Paradise, and the document recording the deal is the promise of Allah which He makes in His greatest revealed Book. What a great deal! Where are the traders who desire gains?

5) Valid excuses for not participating in Jihad include physical weakness or disability, financial inability, and devotion to studying the religion of Allah. If a person abandons the collective duty of Jihad for the sake of knowledge and Da‘wah, he has chosen a good cause.

6) Jihad is the profitable deal with Allah Almighty by which a person attains all that he desires and avoids everything he apprehends. But only the knowledgeable are aware of this!

A precious benefit:

The scholars (may Allah have mercy upon them) divided Jihad into three categories:

Self-Jihad, Jihad against hypocrites, and Jihad against combatant disbelievers.

Prior amongst them is Jihad against oneself, personal inclinations, and against the devil. If a person achieves this type of Jihad successfully by the grace of Allah, he moves to Jihad against hypocrites and disbelievers on its basis. Yet, if he fails to conduct Jihad against his self, his personal inclinations, and the devil, then he is in greater failure when it comes to other types of Jihad. So, the believer should be keen to struggle against his self, by bringing it to fulfill the obligations and shun the prohibitions. This requires knowledge and insight on his part and then perseverance and struggle. He continues in this course until his self begins to desire goodness and abandon evil. If he proves truthful in this kind of Jihad, Allah will honor him with Jihad against the disbelievers and promise him a great victory. However, if a person fails to attend the congregational prayer, for example, and neglects to respond to the call to "Come to Prayer", how would he respond to the call to "Come to Jihad"!

Hadīths on the merit of Jihad are too many to be counted. They include the following:

1285/1 - Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was asked: “Which deed is the best?” He replied: “Belief in Allah and His Messenger.” It was asked: “Then what?” He said: “Jihad in the cause of Allah.” It was asked: “Then what?” He said: “An accepted Hajj.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

1286/2 - Ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked the Messenger of Allah: “Which deed is the best?” He said: “Offering prayer at its time.” I said: “Then what?” He said: “Kindness to one’s parents.” I said: “Then what?” He said: “Jihad in the cause of Allah.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

1287/3 - Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I said: “O Messenger of Allah, which deed is the best?” He said: “Belief in Allah and Jihad in His cause.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

Guidance from the Hadīths:

1) Jihad in the cause of Allah is one of the dearest and best acts in the sight of our Lord.

2) Acts of worship and piety are varied, and every believer can compete in doing what he is able to do. How perfect this Shariah is!

1288/4 - Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Setting out in the cause of Allah in the morning or at the end of daytime is better than the world and all that is in it.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

Words in the Hadīth:

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Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) Jihad in the cause of Allah is one of the best acts of piety. It is better than the world and all the bliss it contains.

2) It exhorts us to conduct Jihad purely for the sake of Allah, not for tribal affiliation or any other cause related to the pre-Islamic time of ignorance.

1289/5 - Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man came to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and said: “Who are the best among people?” He said: “A believer who conducts Jihad in the cause of Allah with his self and wealth.” He said: “Then who?” He said: “A believer who worships Allah in a mountain pass and keeps people safe from his evil.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) The required Jihad is to be conducted with a person’s life and wealth, which are the dearest of one’s all possessions.

2) It is better for a person to seclude himself at times of temptations, trials, and fear of committing sins than to mix with people.

1290/6 - Sahl ibn Sa‘d (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Observing Ribāt (guarding the Muslims’ frontiers) for one day in the cause of Allah is better than the world and everything therein. A place in Paradise as small as that occupied by the whip of one of you is better than the world and everything therein. A morning’s or an evening’s journey that one travels in the cause of Allah is better than the world and everything therein.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) It shows a great merit for observing Ribāt and conducting Jihad in the cause of Allah Almighty.

2) The world and all that it contains is worthless in the sight of Allah and there is no good in it, except for something that draws us close to our Lord. So, the least amount of Jihad is better than the whole world.

3) The reason for refraining from Jihad is deep attachment to worldly life and strong inclination to it. Do we now know why we have abandoned Jihad?!

1291/7 - Salmān (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) say: “Observing Ribāt for a day and a night is better than fasting and standing for night prayer for a whole month. If a person dies in it, he will receive the reward for his righteous deeds perpetually, will receive his provision, and will be saved from the trials of the grave.” [Narrated by Muslim]

1292/8 - Fadālah ibn ‘Ubayd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The actions of every dead person come to a halt except the one who is garrisoned on the frontier in the way of Allah. His deeds will keep growing till the Day of Judgment, and he will be secure from the trial in the grave.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd and Al-Tirmidhi, who classified it as Hasan Sahīh (sound and authentic)]

Words in the Hadīth:

The trial in the grave refers to the questioning by the two angels about the dead person’s deity, religion, and prophet.

Guidance from the Hadīths:

1) They show a special merit for those garrisoned on the frontiers in the cause of Allah, as their good deeds are increased and never come to an end. This makes the believers’ souls long for Jihad in the cause of Allah.

2) They establish the trial of the grave and inform that a person who observes Ribāt will be saved from it.

1293/9 - ‘Uthmān (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) say: “Observing Ribāt in the cause of Allah for one day is better than a thousand days in any other activity.” [Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi; he classified it as Hasan Sahīh (sound and authentic)]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) It points out that rewards are multiplied for those who observe Ribāt in the cause of Allah, which stems from the honor and merit of Jihad.

2) The fortunate believer is one whom Allah enables to occupy one of the ranks of Jihad in the cause of Allah Almighty.

1294/10 - Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah guarantees for the one who sets out to fight in His way, ‘going out solely for Jihad in My way, belief in Me, and belief in My Messengers, then I guarantee that I will admit Him to Paradise,’ or He will send Him back to his home from where he set out with what he earned of reward or share of booty. By Him in Whose hand Muhammad’s soul is, if a person is wounded in the cause of Allah, he will come on the Day of Resurrection with his wound in the same condition as it was on the day when he sustained it; its color will be the color of blood but its smell will be the smell of musk. By Him in Whose hand Muhammad’s soul is, were it not to be too hard upon the Muslims, I would not lag behind any expedition to fight in the cause of Allah, but I have neither abundant means to provide them riding mounts nor other Muslims have it, and it will be hard on them to remain behind when I go forth. By Him in Whose hand Muhammad’s soul is, I would love to fight in the way of Allah and get killed, then to fight again and get killed, then to fight again and get killed.” [Narrated by Muslim; partially narrated by Al-Bukhāri]

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Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) Having sincerity while conducting Jihad is something great and required for winning the promised reward.

2) A fighter in the cause of Allah gets either of two prizes: martyrdom or return to his family safe and victorious.

3) The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) wished to die as a martyr in the cause of Allah because of what he knows about the high rank of martyrs in the sight of Allah.

4) It is permissible to swear saying “by the One in Whose hand my soul is”, for it is a form of swearing by Allah. But it is prohibited to swear by other than Allah and His names, attributes, and speech. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever has to take an oath should swear by Allah or remain silent.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri]

1295/11 - He also reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “No one is wounded in the way of Allah except that he comes on the Day of Judgment with his wound bleeding; the color is that of blood, and the smell is that of musk.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

1296/12 - Mu‘ādh (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Paradise is guaranteed for any Muslim man who fights in the cause of Allah for the length of time between two milkings of a camel. If anyone is wounded or suffers any injury in the cause of Allah, this will come on the Day of Judgment bleeding the most it ever bled, with its color like saffron and its fragrance like musk.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd and Al-Tirmidhi, who classified it as Hasan Sahīh (sound and authentic)]

Words in the Hadīth:

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The length of time between two milkings of a camel means: Even if he conducts little Jihad.

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Guidance from the Hadīths:

1) As a martyr has already confirmed that the religion of Allah is dearer to him than his own soul, his body parts will attest to his truthfulness. So, he will be resurrected with his wounds bleeding; the color is that of blood, and the smell is that of musk. Indeed, recompense for a deed is of the same kind of the deed.

2) Whatever wound or injury that befalls a martyr will bring him reward and testify in his favor.

1297/13 - Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man from the Prophet’s Companions came upon a valley containing a rivulet of fresh water and was delighted by it. He reflected: “I wish to withdraw from people and settle in this valley; but I won’t do so without the Prophet’s permission.” When he mentioned this to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), he said: “Do not do that, for when any of you remains in the cause of Allah, this is better for him than performing prayer in his house for seventy years. Do you not wish that Allah forgives you and admits you to Paradise? Fight in the cause of Allah, for he who fights in the cause of Allah as little as the time of rest between two milkings of a camel will surely be admitted to Paradise.” [Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi; and he classified it as Hasan (sound)]

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Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) It points out the high status of Jihad, for its benefit extends to individuals and the whole Ummah. Other acts of worship, on the other hand, mostly benefit individuals only.

2) Fighting for the purpose of elevating the word of Allah, if done with sincere intention, is a reason for entering Paradise.

3) It shows the merit of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), as they would not engage in any religious act without the Prophet’s permission.

1298/14 - He also reported: It was asked: “O Messenger of Allah, what is equal to Jihad in the cause of Allah?” He replied: “You do not have the strength to do it.” The question was repeated twice or thrice, and every time he answered: “You do not have the strength to do it.” Then he said: “One who goes out for Jihad in the cause of Allah is comparable to a person who keeps fasting, praying, and reciting the verses of Allah unfailingly until the one performing Jihad in the cause of Allah returns.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim; this is the wording of Muslim]

In another version narrated by Al-Bukhāri: A man came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and said: “O Messenger of Allah, tell me of a deed that is equal to Jihad.” He said: “I do not find one.”

Then, he said: “As soon as a Mujāhid (a person who performs Jihad) sets out, can you enter your mosque and stand in prayer and never rest and fast and never break your fast?” He replied: “Who can do that?!”

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) A Mujāhid in the cause of Allah gets a reward similar to one who is totally and continually engaged in worship.

2) Virtuous deeds are favors from Allah Almighty upon those He wills among His servants. Indeed, a person does not reach a high rank by virtue of his knowledge and deeds only, but through the mercy and grace of his Lord.

1299/15 - He also reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Among the people who live the best life is the man who holds the reins of his horse (ever ready to march) in the way of Allah, flies on its back whenever he hears the war cry or the command to face the enemy; he flies to it seeking to be killed or to die at places where it is expected. Or a man who lives with some sheep at a hill-top or in a valley, performs prayer regularly, gives Zakah, and worships his Lord until death comes to him. He does not mix with people except for a good cause.” [Narrated by Muslim]

Words in the Hadīth:

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Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) One of the best goals is to seek and expect martyrdom in the cause of Allah Almighty.

2) Retirement from people when corruption is rife must be associated with fulfillment of religious obligations. It should not be used as a reason not to perform acts of worship, as some people do, abandoning Friday prayer and congregational prayers on the grounds of prevalent corruption.

1300/16 - He also reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “In Paradise, there are one hundred degrees that Allah prepared for those who make jihad in the cause of Allah. The distance between each two degrees is like the distance between the heaven and earth.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri]

1301/17 - Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever is pleased with Allah as his Lord, with Islam as his religion, and with Muhammad as his Messenger, Paradise is guaranteed for him.” Abu Sa‘īd was delighted by this statement and asked the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) to repeat it, which he did and then said: “There is another (deed) by which Allah elevates a person’s position in Paradise by one hundred degrees. And the distance between every two degrees is equal to the distance between heaven and earth.” He said: “What is it, O Messenger of Allah?” He said: “Jihad in the cause of Allah; Jihad in the cause of Allah.” [Narrated by Muslim]

Guidance from the Hadīths:

1) They show the vastness of Paradise and the various types of bliss and the highest ranks therein for the people of Jihad.

2) The dwellers of Paradise differ in rank according to the difference in their level of faith and righteous deeds. Fortunate and blissful are those who occupy the highest rank of servitude to Allah while in this worldly life, so that they will attain the highest ranks in Paradise. {Those will be awarded the Chamber for what they patiently endured, and they will be received therein with greetings and [words of] peace.}

1302/18 - Abu Bakr ibn Abi Mūsa al-Ash‘ari reported that he heard his father say in the presence of the enemy: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The gates of Paradise are under the shades of swords.” A man with a shaggy appearance got up and said: “O Abu Mūsa, did you hear the Messenger of Allah say that?” Abu Mūsa replied: “Yes,” so he returned to his companions and said: “I bid you farewell.” Then, he broke the scabbard of his sword and threw it away. He rushed towards the enemy with his sword and fought with it till he was killed. [Narrated by Muslim]

Words in the Hadīth:

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Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) It points out the merit of the Companions, as they used to couple knowledge with application. They conducted Jihad in knowledge and action.

2) It is necessary to verify the authenticity of statements reported from the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).

3) It is permissible to display bravery, fortitude, and pride in battlefields.

1303/19 - Abi ‘Abs ‘Abdur-Rahmān ibn Jabr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Anyone whose feet get covered with dust in the cause of Allah will not be touched by Hellfire.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri]

1304/20 - Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “One who weeps out of fear of Allah will not enter Hellfire till milk turns back in the udder; and the dust raised on account of fighting in the way of Allah and the smoke of Hellfire cannot come together.” [Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi; he classified it as Hasan Sahīh (sound and authentic)]

1305/21 - Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported: I heard the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) say: “Two eyes will not be touched by Hellfire: an eye which wept out of fear of Allah, and an eye which spent the night guarding in the cause of Allah.” [Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi; and he classified it as Hasan (sound)]

Words in the Hadīth:

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“Till milk turns back in the udder” means: This is impossible. Just as milk can never return to the udder, a person who weeps out of fear from Allah will never enter Hellfire.

Guidance from the Hadīths:

1) They point out the merit of guarding and fighting in the cause of Allah. Blissful and blessed are those who perform the duty of defending the Muslim frontiers and sanctities.

2) They highlight the merit of weeping out of fear of Allah Almighty, which can only be beneficial if happens with sincere faith and adherence to the Prophet’s Sunnah and guidance.

1306/22 - Zayd ibn Khālid (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever equips a fighter in the cause of Allah has indeed taken part in the fight himself; and whoever looks after the dependents of a fighter in his absence properly has indeed taken part in the fight himself.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

1307/23 - Abu Umāmah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The best charity is providing the shade of a tent in the cause of Allah, or providing a servant for one who strives in the cause of Allah, or providing a young she-camel for one striving in the cause of Allah.” [Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi; he classified it as Hasan Sahīh (sound and authentic)]

1308/24 - Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that a young man from Aslam tribe said: “O Messenger of Allah, I wish to engage in battle but I don’t have anything to equip myself with.” The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Go to so-and-so, for he had equipped himself but fell ill.” So, he went to him and said: “The Messenger of Allah sends you his greetings and ask you to give me the equipage that you had prepared for yourself.” The man said: “O so-and-so (female), give him the equipage I had prepared for myself and do not withhold anything from him, for, by Allah, if you withhold anything from him, it may not be blessed for you.” [Narrated by Muslim]

1309/25 - Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) prepared a detachment to send to Banu Lahyān tribe and said: “Let one of every two men get ready to go forth, and both will earn the same reward.” [Narrated by Muslim]

In another version also narrated by Muslim: “Let one of every two men set out.” Then, he said to those who stayed behind: “If anyone of you looks after the family and property of one of those who set out, he will receive half of the reward of the one who set out.”

Words in the Hadīth:

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Guidance from the Hadīths:

1) Muslims are required to cooperate with one another in equipping the armies for Jihad. He who equips a fighter shall get the same reward as him.

2) The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) managed his Companions properly. He instructed that those who could not join battles should be replaced by others who had the ability to do so.

3) Taking care of the families of fighters in the cause of Allah is one of the greatest acts of piety, which is equal in reward to Jihad.

1310/26 - Al-Barā’ (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man equipped with armor came to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and asked: “O Messenger of Allah, should I go and fight and then embrace Islam?” He said: “Embrace Islam and then fight.” He embraced Islam and then fought and got killed. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “He did a little but was greatly rewarded.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim; this is the wording of Al-Bukhāri]

Words in the Hadīth:

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Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) Being a Muslim is a requirement for the validity of any act of worship.

2) It is prohibited to seek help from disbelievers in any battle whatsoever, even if it is against disbelievers. Far worse is to seek help from disbelievers to fight fellow Muslims!

3) A small deed which is done with sincerity entails a great reward.

1311/27 - Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “No one who enters Paradise would love to return to the life of this world, even if he would be given everything that the world contains, except for the martyr; he will wish to return to the world and be killed ten more times on account of the honor that he finds.”

In another version: “on account of the merit of martyrdom that he finds.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) The great reward which the martyr initially sees makes him forget the bitter taste of getting killed.

2) Heedlessness of Allah Almighty’s reward turns people away from worship and sublime endeavors.

3) If a person knew the reward awaiting for him with Allah, he would rush to Paradise and seek it at all costs.

1312/28 - ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Ās (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah forgives everything for the martyr except debt.” [Narrated by Muslim]

In another version: “Getting killed in the cause of Allah expiates everything except (unpaid) debt.”

1313/29 - Abu Qatādah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) stood up among his Companions and said: “Jihad in the cause of Allah and faith in Allah are the most virtuous of deeds.” A man stood up and said: “O Messenger of Allah, what if I am killed in the cause of Allah, will my sins be expiated?” The Messenger of Allah said: “Yes, if you are killed in the cause of Allah while you are patient, hopeful of the reward, and advancing forward, not fleeing.” Then, he said: “What was your question?” The man said: “What if I am killed in the cause of Allah, will my sins be expiated?” The Messenger of Allah said: “Yes, while you are patient, hopeful of the reward, and advancing forward, not fleeing, except (unpaid) debt. Jibrīl (Archangel Gabriel) told me so.” [Narrated by Muslim]

Words in the Hadīth:

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Guidance from the Hadīths:

1) The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) warned the Ummah regarding debts. A debtor will not enter Paradise until his debt is repaid.

2) Martyrdom in the way of Allah expiates all of a person’s sins, provided he remains patient and seeks the reward from his Lord.

1314/30 - Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man said: “O Messenger of Allah, where will I be if I get killed?” He replied: “In Paradise.” Thereupon, he threw a few dates that he had in his hand and fought until he got killed. [Narrated by Muslim]

1315/31 - Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) set out with his Companions and reached Badr ahead of the polytheists. When the polytheists came, the Prophet said to his Companions: “Let none of you advance ahead of me.” As the polytheists got near, he said: “Now proceed towards a Paradise that is as wide as the heavens and the earth.” ‘Umayr ibn al-Humām al-Ansāri asked: “O Messenger of Allah, a Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth?” The Messenger of Allah replied: “Yes.” Thereupon, ‘Umayr remarked: “Excellent, excellent!” The Messenger of Allah asked him: “What makes you say ‘excellent, excellent’?” He replied: “Nothing, O Messenger of Allah, but hope that I might become one of its inhabitants.” The Messenger of Allah said: “You are one of them.” Upon that, ‘Umayr took some dates out of his quiver and began to eat them, but after a short time, he said: “If I survive till I eat my dates, it will mean a long life.” So, he threw the dates which he had with him away and then fought the enemy till he was killed. [Narrated by Muslim]

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Words in the Hadīth:

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Guidance from the Hadīths:

1) If a person seeks martyrdom sincerely, Allah will make him reach the status of martyrs. “Indeed, a person attains according to the sincerity of his intention.”

2) They show the merit of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) as they were keen to do good and compete in it. Where are those who would follow their example?

3) It is commendable to incite the believers to fight and seek martyrdom.

4) A true leader would be at the forefront of the army, urging his warriors to fight.

1316/32 - He also reported: Some people came to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and said: “Send with us some men to teach us the Qur’an and the Sunnah.” So he sent to them seventy men from the Ansār who were called Al-Qurrā’ (the reciters); among them was my maternal uncle, Harām. They used to recite the Qur’an and collectively study it and discuss its meaning at night. During the day, they used to bring water and pour it into containers in the mosque, and they would collect firewood to sell it. With the sale proceeds of the wood, they would buy food for the people of Suffah and the needy. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) sent these reciters with the people who asked for them, but they treacherously attacked them and killed them before they reached their destination. (While dying), they supplicated: “O Allah, convey to our Prophet on our behalf that we have met You while we are pleased with You and You are pleased with us.” A man attacked Harām, Anas’s maternal uncle, from behind and stabbed him with a spear, piercing him; whereupon Harām said: “By the Lord of the Ka‘bah, I have won!” Then, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Your brothers have been slain, and they said: ‘O Allah, convey to our Prophet on our behalf that we have met You while we are pleased with You and You are pleased with us.’” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim; this is the wording of Muslim]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) A martyr enjoys a blissful life in the period between his death and attaining the bliss in the Hereafter. {Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.}

2) “By the Lord of the Ka‘bah, I have won” are words of faith that came out of a heart that tasted the sweetness of faith. That is why they regarded getting killed in defense of Allah’s religion as a great win. May Allah be pleased with the Prophet’s Companions!

1317/33 - He also reported: My paternal uncle Anas ibn al-Nadr was absent from the battle of Badr, and he said: “O Messenger of Allah, I was absent from the first battle you fought against the pagans, and if Allah let me participate in a battle against the pagans, Allah will see what I do.” When it was the battle of Uhud, and Muslims left their positions and were defeated, he said: “O Allah, excuse these people for what they have done, and I am free from what the pagans have done.” Then, he went forward with his sword and met Sa‘d ibn Mu‘ādh (who was turning back) and said to him: “O Sa‘d ibn Mu‘ādh, it is Paradise, by the Lord of Al-Nadr! I can smell its fragrance closer than Mount Uhud.” Sa‘d said: “O Messenger of Allah, what he did was beyond my power.” We saw over eighty wounds on his body caused by the strikes of swords, the stabs of spears, and the piercing of arrows. We found him killed and mutilated by the polytheists. Nobody was able to recognize him except his sister who recognized him by the tip of his finger. We believed that this verse was revealed regarding him and the like of him: {Among the believers are men who were true to what they promised Allah; among them is he who has fulfilled his vow [to the death]...} [Surat al-Ahzāb: 23] [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim] It was previously cited in the chapter on struggle.

Words in the Hadīth:

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Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) One of the wonders and honorable things which Allah bestows upon those whom He wills from His servants is smelling the fragrance of Paradise, which is in the heavens, while he is still on earth.

2) Venturing and wading into the ranks of the disbelievers to kill many of them is an act of faith-based heroism and bravery.

3) It shows the merit of the Companions whose belief was sincere and true. This gives a clear indication that Allah Almighty chose for His Prophet the best people in virtue and character after the prophets. There were never and there will be never the likes of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them.

1318/34 - Samurah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Last night, two men came to me (in a dream) and made me ascend a tree and then admitted me into a superior house better than which I have never seen. They said: ‘This house is the house of martyrs.’” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri] This is part of a long Hadīth involving the types of knowledge. It will be cited in its entirety in the chapter on the prohibition of lying, Allah willing.

1319/35 - Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: Um Al-Rubay‘ bint al-Barā’, mother of Hārithah ibn Surāqah, came to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and said: “O Messenger of Allah, will you not tell me about Hārithah (who was killed in the battle of Badr)? If he is in Paradise, I shall be patient; otherwise, I shall exert myself weeping over him.” He said: “O mother of Hārithah, there are many ranks in the gardens of Paradise, and your son has attained Al-Firdaws al-A‘la (the highest rank).” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri]

1320/36 - Jābir ibn ‘Abdillāh (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported: “My father’s mutilated body was brought to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and placed in front of him. I went to uncover his face but my people stopped me. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) then said: “The angels continue to shade him with their wings.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

Guidance from the Hadīths:

1) Learning about the various forms of bliss Allah has prepared in Paradise for martyrs makes the grief of the believers over the death of loved ones more tolerable.

2) There is a special merit for ‘Abdullāh, the father of Jābir, which is that the angels shaded him with their wings.

3) It is permissible to weep over the death of someone, without wailing or loud crying - only sadness within the heart and tears in the eyes, along with contentment with the fate decreed by Allah Almighty and submission to it.

1321/37 - Sahl ibn Hunayf (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever sincerely asks Allah Almighty for martyrdom, Allah will make him reach the status of martyrs even if he dies on his bed.” [Narrated by Muslim]

1322/38 - Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever sincerely asks for martyrdom, it will be granted to him, even if he is not killed.” [Narrated by Muslim]

Guidance from the Hadīths:

1) The sincere intention of a believer entails the same reward for the deed itself – if he is kept from doing it for some reason – as if he actually did that deed.

2) One of the commendable supplications to be made by a believer is to sincerely ask Allah Almighty for martyrdom.

1323/39 - Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The martyr feels nothing from the agony of death except as one of you feels from the sting of an ant.” [Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi; he classified it as Hasan Sahīh (sound and authentic)]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) To honor the martyr and give him prompt glad tidings, Allah Almighty makes it easy for him to endure killing.

2) As the soul of a martyr receives glad tidings of the pleasure of Allah, it becomes easy for it to depart his body.

1324/40 - ‘Abdullāh ibn Awfa (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: On one occasion as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was in a battle against the enemy, he waited till the sun declined, then he stood up to address the people and said: “O people, do not wish to encounter the enemy. Pray to Allah to grant you safety; but when you encounter them, show patience, and know that Paradise lies under the shades of the swords.” Then, he said: “O Allah, Revealer of the Book, Disperser of the clouds, Defeater of the Confederates, defeat them and support us against them!” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) Paradise lies under the shades of the swords. The shortcut to Paradise is to obtain martyrdom with sincere intention.

2) Asking for safety and steadfastness at the time of death is among the best supplications a person can make to His Lord.

3) Turning to Allah with supplication at the time of distress is proof of a person’s sound religious knowledge and his adherence to the guidance of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).

1325/41 - Sahl ibn Sa‘d (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Two supplications are never rejected, or are rarely rejected: supplication made upon hearing the Adhān and during battle when the two armies are heavily engaged in fighting.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd, with an authentic Isnād]

Words in the Hadīth:

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Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) Among the situations in which supplications are readily answered are during battle and when the call to prayer is made.

2) It points out that some times and situations are better than others in terms of answering supplications. These include the time of distress and the time of intense fighting.

1326/42 - Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) went to battle, he would say: “Allahumma anta ‘adudi wa nasīri, bika ahūl, wa bika asūl, wa bika uqātil (O Allah, You are my Supporter and my Helper. With Your help I get strength, and with Your help I pounce upon the enemy, and with Your help I fight).” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd and Al-Tirmidhi, who classified it as Hasan (sound)]

1327/43 - Abu Mūsa (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that whenever the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) feared any people, he would say: “Allahumma innā naj‘aluka fī nuhūrihim wa na‘ūdhu bika min shurūrihim (O Allah, we ask You to ward them off (from their throats), and we seek Your protection against their evil.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd, with an authentic Isnād]

Words in the Hadīth:

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Guidance from the Hadīths:

1) It is part of the Prophet’s guidance to persistently implore Allah and seek His refuge, both at good and hard times.

2) It is a great means of salvation to entrust all affairs to Allah Almighty. Indeed, He never disappoints a servant Who turns to Him and relies upon Him.

1328/44 - Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Goodness is tied to the forelocks of horses until the Day of Resurrection.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

1329/45 - ‘Urwah al-Bāriqi (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Goodness is tied to the forelocks of horses until the Day of Resurrection: reward and attainment.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

Words in the Hadīth:

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Guidance from the Hadīths:

1) Goodness lies in horses as a whole and in the horses used for Jihad in particular until the Hour comes.

2) Jihad will continue till the Day of Judgment, given that the goodness that stems from it, which is reward and attainment, is not achievable except with Jihad in the cause of Allah.

3) They give glad tidings to the believers that the glory and great status of this religion will endure till the Day of Judgment.

1330/46 - Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever keeps a horse solely in the cause of Allah, out of faith in Allah and believing in His promise, then its food, water, droppings, and urine will be added to his scale on the Day of Resurrection.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri]

Words in the Hadīth:

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Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) It highlights the great reward given to those who keep horses for the sole purpose of Jihad in the cause of Allah Almighty.

2) A well-intentioned believer is rewarded for his pious acts and the good effects and consequences resulting therefrom.

1331/47 - Abu Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man brought a bridled she-camel to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and said: “This is for the sake of Allah.” So the Prophet said: “You will receive seven hundred she-camels in return for it on the Day of Resurrection, all bridled.” [Narrated by Muslim]

Words in the Hadīth:

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Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) Allah multiplies the reward for good deeds to seven hundred fold. That is a favor from Him which He gives to whomever He wills.

2) Recompense is of the same type of the deed. So, Allah multiplies the reward for spending on Jihad because of its great benefit for the Ummah.

1332/48 - ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Āmir al-Juhani (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) say while he was on the pulpit: “Prepare for them as much strength as you can. Verily, strength is in shooting (arrows); verily, strength is in shooting; verily, strength is in shooting.” [Narrated by Muslim]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) Shooting arrows (archery) is one of the means of strength the believers are required to prepare for the purpose of intimidating the disbelievers and oppressors. This is a basic rule in Jihad education.

2) Shooting differs from time to time. Today, we should keep up with the advanced modern means of shooting. We are thus instructed by the noble Qur’an, according to the age and place we live in.

1333/49 - He also reported: I heard the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) say: “Lands will be laid open for you, and Allah will spare you the fight. So, let none of you fail to play with his arrows.” [Narrated by Muslim]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) Jihad in the cause of Allah is one of the best means by which the believers can be self-sufficient in terms of their livelihood and provisions, for the sustenance of this Ummah is laid down under the shades of spears. When the Ummah failed to conduct Jihad, Allah Almighty subjected them to humiliation and poverty. Would Muslims today understand why they are constantly living in financial straits?

2) Islam urges its followers to be constantly equipped and prepared. Even after victory, we should not lay down our arms and indulge in our worldly life.

1334/50 - He also reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever was taught shooting and then abandoned it does not belong to us - or has disobeyed.” [Narrated by Muslim]

1335/51 - And he reported: I heard the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) say: “Indeed, Allah admits three people into Paradise on account of one arrow; its maker who has a good motive in making it, the one who shoots it, and the one who hands it over for shooting. So shoot and ride, but I prefer your shooting over your riding. He who gives up shooting after becoming adept in it for lack of interest, neglects this blessing.” Or he said: “is ungrateful for this blessing.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd] [4]

[4] The Hadīth has a weak Isnād.

Words in the Hadīth:

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Guidance from the Hadīths:

1) We are instructed to learn the arts of fighting and marksmanship, which are very effective means of strength we are required to possess against the disbelievers.

2) Abandoning marksmanship is a sin, for it constitutes slackness and weakness.

3) The believers are encouraged to cooperate in piety and righteousness. One single arrow may cause three persons to enter Paradise.

1336/52 - Salamah ibn al-Akwa‘ (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) once passed by a group of people who were having a shooting match, so he said: “Shoot, O children of Ismā‘īl (Ishmael), for your father was an archer.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri]

Words in the Hadīth:

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Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) urged the group of Companions to learn target shooting and praised them for that, given the strength it involves.

2) It is recommended to emulate the good traits in our forefathers.

1337/53 - ‘Amr ibn ‘Abasah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) say: “Whoever shoots an arrow in the cause of Allah will receive the same reward of freeing a slave.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd and Al-Tirmidhi, who classified it as Hasan Sahīh (sound and authentic)]

1338/54 - Abu Yahya Khuraym ibn Fātik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever spends something in the cause of Allah, it will be recorded for him as much as seven hundred times.” [Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi; and he classified it as Hasan (sound)]

Words in the Hadīth:

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Guidance from the Hadīths:

1) The reward for Jihad in the cause of Allah is diversified and multiplied, which is a great motive for the believers.

2) Spending in the cause of Jihad gets multiplied up to seven hundred fold.

1339/55 - Abu Sa‘īd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts a day in the cause of Allah, Allah will certainly keep his face away from Hellfire by virtue of that day for seventy years.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

1340/56 - Abu Umāmah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts a day in the cause of Allah, Allah will place between him and Hellfire a trench as wide as the distance between the heavens and earth.” [Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi; he classified it as Hasan Sahīh (sound and authentic)]

Words in the Hadīth:

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Guidance from the Hadīths:

1) A person who fasts a day during Jihad shall attain a great reward, provided this does not undermine his physical strength and vigor in fighting.

2) Performing acts of piety at times of hardship and psychological stress is a cause for multiplication of reward and distancing from Hellfire.

1341/57 - Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever dies without having fought or having thought of going out to fight will die while having one of the qualities of hypocrisy.” [Narrated by Muslim]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) When a person abandons Jihad in all its different forms and does not think of undertaking it, this causes the disease of hypocrisy within his heart and leads him to a bad end.

2) The sincere intention of a believer suffices in place of action, in case of inability.

1342/58 - Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were with the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) on a military expedition, and he said: “Verily, there are men in Madīnah who are with you whenever you cover a distance or cross a valley; they have been detained by illness.”

In another version: “They have been detained by some excuse.” And in another version: “They will share the reward with you.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri as reported by Anas, and by Muslim as reported by Jābir. This is the wording of Muslim’s narration]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) If a person strives to perform a certain good deed and then is kept from doing it due to some valid excuse, Allah will record for him the full reward, by virtue of his sincere intention.

2) It shows how Allah is merciful towards the believers, as He regards the sincere intention for an action sufficient in place of the action itself.

1343/59 - Abu Mūsa (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that a Bedouin came to the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) and said: “O Messenger of Allah, one man fights for booty, another fights to win fame, and the third fights for show-off.”

In another version: “One fights out of bravery, and another fights out of his family pride.”

In another version: “and another fights out of anger. Which of them is fighting in the cause of Allah?” The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) replied: “He who fights to make the word of Allah supreme is fighting in the cause of Allah.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) Jihad for the purpose of elevating the word of Allah is the legitimate Jihad. Other forms are nothing but fighting for the sake of Satan, personal inclinations, and the affiliations of the time of pre-Islamic ignorance.

2) A person will not be rewarded for a deed he performs, albeit with great effort, unless he does it sincerely for the sake of Allah Almighty and in accordance with the Prophet’s Sunnah; otherwise, he has tired himself uselessly and there is no reward for him.

1344/60 - ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Ās (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “No invading group or detachment sets out to fight in the cause of Allah and gets its share of the booty and returns safe and sound except that it has been given two-thirds of its reward in this world. On the other hand, no invading group or detachment returns defeated and injured except that it will receive its full reward in the Hereafter.” [Narrated by Muslim]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) The booty taken by Mujāhids is part of their reward for Jihad.

2) If a person is wounded in the cause of Allah or returns safe but without booty, he will receive his reward in full.

1345/61 - Abu Umāmah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that a man said: “O Messenger of Allah, allow me to travel in the land.” The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “For my Ummah, traveling in the land is to perform Jihad in the cause of Allah Almighty.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd, with a good Isnād]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) If Muslims travel in the land, they should do so in defense of this religion and its sanctuary and to make it dominant over all else.

2) Islam corrects wrong concepts in people’s lives and prompts them to develop the best habits and manners. Traveling aimlessly in the land is an act of dispraised diversion and play.

1346/62 - ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Ās (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Returning from battle is like going to battle (in terms of reward).” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd, with a good Isnād]

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Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) When a person engages in an act of worship, he gets a reward as he sets out and as he returns. This is a favor from Allah towards His believing servants.

2) Any consequence of a good deed is included in the reward for that deed.

1347/63 - Al-Sā’ib ibn Yazīd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “When the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) returned from the battle of Tabūk, the people received him, and I received him along with the children at Thaniyyat al-Wadā‘.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd, with an authentic Isnād]

Another version by Al-Bukhāri reads: “We went out along with the children to receive the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) at Thaniyyat al-Wadā‘.”

Words in the Hadīth:

Thaniyyat al-Wadā‘: a place to the north of Madīnah. It is called 'Wadā‘', which means 'farewell' in Arabic, because when anyone set out to travel north, he would bid farewell there.

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) It is recommended to receive the Mujāhids upon their return from Jihad, to honor them and share with them the joy of the victory granted by Allah.

2) It describes the faith-based life of the Muslim society during the Prophet’s time. Everyone was chiefly concerned about supporting the religion of Allah and achieving victory for it. Even women and children would rejoice upon hearing the news of Jihad and the victory of Muslims. What are the concerns of our women and children today?

Note:

A particular song became common among people in connection with the Hijrah. It is claimed that when the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) came to Madīnah, women and children went out to meet him, singing and beating the tambourines. The anthem begins with “the full moon has risen above us, from Thaniyyat al-Wadā‘...”.

This story, however, has no authentic Isnād (chain of narration) in the books of Sīrah (Prophet’s biography) or Hadīth.

Moreover, it is incorrect from a reality perspective, as the Hadīth at hand refutes it. Thaniyyat al-Wadā‘ lies outside Madīnah in the direction of the Levant. A traveler from Makkah to Madīnah, the route of the Prophet’s Hijrah, would not pass by it except if he took the route to the Levant (which he did not). So, how would the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) have passed it by when he came from the direction of Makkah?!

1348/64 - Abu Umāmah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “If anyone does not fight in the cause of Allah, or equip a warrior in the cause of Allah, or look after a warrior’s family in his absence, Allah shall afflict him with a calamity before the Day of Judgment.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd, with an authentic Isnād]

Words in the Hadīth:

A calamity: a disaster; and it may refer to the meaning included in the previous Hadīth: “he will die while having one of the qualities of hypocrisy.”

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) The Muslim society collectively cooperates in piety and righteousness. So, those who do not take part in Jihad protect the honor of the families of the Mujāhids. They are all like a well-built structure, whose parts cement one another.

2) It gives a stern warning to the Ummah that they will be hit with a painful punishment if they fail to conduct Jihad. Allah Almighty says: {If you do not go forth, He will punish you with a painful punishment.}

1349/65 - Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Conduct Jihad against the polytheists with your wealth, lives, and tongues.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd, with an authentic Isnād]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) Jihad has a variety of forms: Jihad with wealth, life, and tongue. This stems from Allah’s mercy towards His servants, as He allows each one to conduct Jihad with whatever he can.

2) Defending Islam and supporting the religion, even if only with a truthful word and good opinion, is a type of Jihad in the cause of Allah, especially as many loudmouth people nowadays oppose Islam and its people and fabricate slanderous lies against them.

3) If a person possesses a proper understanding of Jihad, he will know that conveying the Sunnah to all people is no less than shooting arrows at the combatant disbelievers.

1350/66 - Al-Nu‘mān ibn Muqarrin (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “I witnessed (battles with) the Messenger of Allah, and if he did not start fighting at the early part of the day, he would delay the fighting till the sun passed the meridian and the wind blew, and victory descended.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd and Al-Tirmidhi, who classified it as Hasan Sahīh (sound and authentic)]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) It is recommended to choose the appropriate times for fighting, when fighters will be most active and vigorous.

2) It was part of the Prophet’s guidance to fight at the early part of the day, which would make the attack more effective; otherwise, he would delay fighting till the sun had passed the meridian.

1351/67 - Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Do not wish to encounter the enemy. Pray to Allah to grant you safety; but when you encounter them, be patient.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) The believers are exhorted not to wish to face afflictions; rather, they should ask Allah Almighty for safety.

2) If Muslims encounter the enemies of Allah, they are required to show steadfastness, patience, and perseverance.

3) Safety along with faith is the best thing a person can ever be given.

1352/68 - He and Jābir (may Allah be pleased with both of them) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “War is a stratagem.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) We are advised to deceive the disbelievers during wars, set traps for them, and attack them unexpectedly.

2) Islam is a religion of tolerance and mercy, and it is also a religion of power and fight. For every situation is the appropriate aspect.