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Jihad

INTRODUCTION

Jihad

The literal meaning of Jihad is struggle or effort, and it means much more than holy war. Muslims use the word Jihad to describe three different kinds of struggle:

  • A believer's internal struggle to live out the Muslim faith as well as possible
  • The struggle to build a good Muslim society
  • Holy war: the struggle to defend Islam, with force if necessary
Many modern writers claim that the main meaning of Jihad is the internal spiritual struggle, and this is accepted by many Muslims.
However there are so many references to Jihad as a military struggle in Islamic writings that it is incorrect to claim that the interpretation of Jihad as holy war is wrong.

Jihad and the Prophet

The internal Jihad is the one that the Prophet (pbuh) is said to have called the greater Jihad.
But the quotation in which the Prophet says this is regarded as coming from an unreliable source by some scholars. They regard the use of Jihad to mean holy war as the more important.

The internal Jihad

Learning the Qur'an by heart is considered engaging in Greater Jihad 
The phrase internal Jihad or greater Jihad refers to the efforts of a believer to live their Muslim faith as well as possible.
All religious people want to live their lives in the way that will please their God.
So Muslims make a great effort to live as Allah has instructed them; following the rules of the faith, being devoted to Allah, doing everything they can to help other people.
For most people, living God's way is quite a struggle. God sets high standards, and believers have to fight with their own selfish desires to live up to them, no matter how much they love God.

The five Pillars of Islam as Jihad

The five Pillars of Islam form an exercise of Jihad in this sense, since a Muslim gets closer to Allah by performing them.
Other ways in which a Muslim engages in the 'greater Jihad' could include:

  • Learning the Qur'an by heart, or engage in other religious study.
  • Overcoming things such as anger, greed, hatred, pride, or malice.
  • Giving up smoking.
  • Cleaning the floor of the mosque.
  • Taking part in Muslim community activities.
  • Working for social justice.
  • Forgiving someone who has hurt them.

The Greater Jihad controversy

The Prophet is said to have called the internal Jihad the "greater Jihad".
On his return from a battle, the Prophet said: "We are finished with the lesser jihad; now we are starting the greater jihad." He explained to his followers that fighting against an outer enemy is the lesser jihad and fighting against one's self is the greater jihad (holy war).
This quotation is regarded as unreliable by some scholars. They regard the use of jihad as meaning 'holy war' as the more important.
However the quotation has been very influential among some Muslims, particularly Sufis.

Holy war

When Muslims, or their faith or territory are under attack, Islam permits (some say directs) the believer to wage military war to protect them.
However Islamic (shariah) law sets very strict rules for the conduct of such a war. In recent years the most common meaning of Jihad has been Holy War.And there is a long tradition of Jihad being used to mean a military struggle to benefit Islam.

the overwhelming majority of classical theologians, jurists, and traditionalists [i.e. Hadith experts] ... understood the obligation of jihad in a military sense.

What can justify Jihad?

There are a number of reasons, but the Qur'an is clear that self-defence is always the underlying cause.

  • Self-defence
  • Strengthening Islam
  • Protecting the freedom of Muslims to practise their faith
  • Protecting Muslims against oppression, which could include overthrowing a tyrannical ruler
  • Punishing an enemy who breaks an oath
  • Putting right a wrong

 

What a Jihad is not

A war is not a Jihad if the intention is to:

  • Force people to convert to Islam
  • Conquer other nations to colonise them
  • Take territory for economic gain
  • Settle disputes
  • Demonstrate a leader's power
Although the Prophet engaged in military action on a number of occasions, these were battles to survive, rather than conquest, and took place at a time when fighting between tribes was common.

The rules of Jihad

In recent years the most common meaning of Jihad has been Holy War A military Jihad has to obey very strict rules in order to be legitimate.
  • The opponent must always have started the fighting.
  • It must not be fought to gain territory.
  • It must be launched by a religious leader.
  • It must be fought to bring about good - something that Allah will approve of.
  • Every other way of solving the problem must be tried before resorting to war.
  • Innocent people should not be killed.
  • Women, children, or old people should not be killed or hurt.
  • Women must not be raped.
  • Enemies must be treated with justice.
  • Wounded enemy soldiers must be treated in exactly the same way as one's own soldiers.
  • The war must stop as soon as the enemy asks for peace.
  • Property must not be damaged.
  • Poisoning wells is forbidden. The modern analogy would be chemical or biological warfare.

The Qur'an on Jihad

The Qur'an has many passages about fighting. Some of them advocate peace, while some are very warlike. The Bible, the Jewish and Christian scripture, shows a similar variety of attitudes to war.

Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors.
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.
Therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (Guarantees of) peace, then Allah Hath opened no way for you (to war against them).
But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace, and trust in Allah: for He is One that heareth and knoweth (all things).


Biographical account of all the wives of the Holy Prophet (pbuh)







Hazrat Khadija:
Hazrat Khadija also known by the name of Tahira was daughter of Khawalid bin Asad and Fatima bint Zaidah. She was twice widowed. She married Holy Prophet (pbuh) in the age of 40and Holy Prophet (pbuh) was 25 years old. She died in the age of 65.
She bore to Holy Prophet (pbuh) 2 sons and 4 daughters. Holy Prophet (pbuh) did not marry as long she was alive. She was first convert to Islam. She suffered hard ships and persecutions. She gave Holy Prophet (pbuh) moral support when Holy Prophet (pbuh) received first revelation and financial support by placing her wealth at his disposal.
She was a pure and pious lady. She used to help poor’s.
Hazrat Sawdah:
She was the second wife of Holy Prophet (pbuh) after Hazrat Khadija. She was once divorced. She needed protection from her family which was against her. Holy Prophet (pbuh) married her to give her protection. She died in the 22 year of hijrat. She was buried in Jannat-ul-Baqi.
She had narrated 5 traditions. She was early converts of Islam. Her dwelling and Hazrat Aisha’s were first the first to be built in the mosque. She loved Holy Prophet (pbuh) so much that at his last illness she did not went for hajj or umrah. She also gave her turn when Holy Prophet (pbuh) met every wife in the favour of Hazrat Aisha.
Holy Prophet referred to her as the most generous and charitable of his wife’s. She was pious and god fearing. She got up before dawn for prayers and indulges in them till sun rise.  
Hazrat Aisha:
She was daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr. Holy prophet married her before migration to Madinah. She was 10 at the marriage but it was solemnized at attaining maturity. They married 10 years after holy prophet received first revelation. At Holy Prophet (pbuh) death she was 25 years old. She spent rest 48 years as a widow.
After the death of Holy Prophet (pbuh) she preached and propagated the message of holy Quran and Hadis. She got more allowance than other wives because of her knowledge. She used to convey decisions on religious matters even during the days of first 3 khalifas. She is ranked amongst prominent companions of Holy Prophet (pbuh). She had memorized 2 thousand, 200 and 10 traditions. Holy Prophet (pbuh) was buried in her apartment. She often used to purchase slaves and free them. She was known by the title of Humaira and Umm e Abdullah.
She was a pious and god fearing lady. She fasted very often and was particular about the pilgrimage.
Hazrat Hafsa:
 Hazrat hafsa was daughter of second Khalifa, Hazrat Umar bin Khattab. She was born 5 year before prophet hood. She was once widowed. Holy prophet married her to strengthen ties with Hazrat Umar and his tribe. Hazrat Hafsa died in the month of Shaban 45 A.H and is buried in jannat-ul-baqi.
She was rank second to Hazrat Aisha for desire for knowledge. She has narrated about 60 traditions. She was the custodian of the original copy of the holy Quran compiled by Zaid bin Sabit.
She was an extremely religious lady, known for her devotion to prayer and fasting. She gave her property to poor and needy.
Hazrat Zainab bint Khuzimah:
She was the daughter of Khuwalid bin Abdullah. She was once divorced and was poor. Many people proposed her but she rejected them. Holy Prophet (pbuh) married her in the month of Ramzan, 3A.H. she died after 3 months and is buried in jannat-ul-baqi. She was 30 year old when she died.
Holy Prophet (pbuh) led her funeral prayers. She used to help poor for which she was called Umm ul Masakin.
She was a very kind lady. No poor returned empty handed from her house. She had no match in benevolence and generosity.
Hazrat Umm e Salmah:
She was the daughter of Hazrat Abu Umayyah. She belonged to house of makzoom a tribe of quraish. Her father was leader of tribe. They were rich and wealthy people. She was once widowed. She was married to Holy Prophet (pbuh) in the end of Shawwal, 4 A.H. She was 84 at the time of her death, and as such she was born 9 years before Nubuwwat. Her funeral was led by Hazrat Abu Hurairah and she was buried in jannat-ul-baqi.
She was the first woman to migrate to Madinah. She was second to Aisha in learning. She narrated 378 Ahadis. Her style of recitation was identical to Holy Prophet (pbuh).
She was modest and generous. She led simple and pious life. She had intense love for Holy Prophet (pbuh).
Hazrat Zainab bint Jash:
She was the Prophet Mohammad’s (pbuh) first cousin. She was daughter of Umaima bint Abdul Muttalib. She was first given in marriage by the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) to his adopted son Hazrat Zaid bin Hazrat. When Hazrat Zaid divorced her, she was married to the Prophet Mohammad by command of Allah, as mentioned in Surah Al Ahzab This took place in 5 A.H., at that time she was 35. She was born 17 years before Nubuwwat. She died in 20 and ‘Umar led the funeral service. She was 53 at the time of her death.
Her house was used for extension for Holy Prophet (pbuh) mosque. She was the first to meet Holy Prophet (pbuh) in heaven.
She was pious and generous lady. She used to help poor’s.
Hazrat Jawariyah bint Haris:
She was a war captive and was distributed to another person but she did not want to go with him and she told this to Holy Prophet (pbuh). So he proposed her to marry him so he could pay ransom to him. Hazrat Jawariyah agreed and they married. As a result many war captives were set free. She died in age of 65 during reign of muawiya and buried in jannat-ul-baqi.
She was a woman of great learning and she quoted many traditions. She was a woman of religious mind and spent most of her time in prayers.
Hazrat Umm-e-Habibah:
She was daughter of Abu Sufyan. She was once widowed. She was married to Holy Prophet (pbuh) to save her from her father who was enemy of Islam. She died in the age of seventy three.
She narrated 65 traditions. She wanted to help besieged people when Hazrat Usman was besieged in 35A.H in his house but she couldn’t. She migrated to another for the sake of Islam and suffered many hardships.
She was a staunch believer in tenets of Islam. She was a devoted and loving wife of Holy Prophet (pbuh).

Hazrat Safiyah:
She was born in madinah and belonged to a Jewish tribe of banu nazir. She was divorced woman. She was captive of Khyber war. This made a great impact on the Jews, with the result that many accepted Islam. Safiyah died in 50 A.H, in the age of 60 and was buried in Jannat-ul-Baqi.
She wanted to help besieged people when Hazrat Usman was besieged in 35A.H in his house but she couldn’t. She has quoted a number of traditions.
She was a wise and intelligent woman. She was generous and kind hearted.

Hazrat Maimunah bint Haris:
She belonged to the tribe of Quraish. She was sister-in-law of Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib. She was once divorced and widowed. She married Holy Prophet (pbuh) in 7A.H. She died in 51A.H at the age of 73 and was buried in Jannat-ul-Baqi.
She was found of freeing slaves and of advising Muslim women. Holy Prophet (pbuh) called her a “symbol of goodness”. 46 traditions are quoted from her.
She was very pious and humble. She was also very learned.

Hazrat Maria Qibtia:
She came from a respectable and wealthy family. She was a present from the Chief of Egypt. She embraced Islam before reaching Madinah. Later Holy Prophet (pbuh) married her. She passed away 5 years after her son passed away and is buried in Jannat-ul –Baqi.
She gave birth to the Holy Prophet’s son, Ibrahim by which she rose in esteem and position among other wives. She was second lady after Hazrat Khadija to have son. She was respected by first two Khalifas of Islam and got pension.
She was pious and religious minded. She was a kindhearted and charitable woman.


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           The Significance of Miraj


'Miraj' is the direct proof of 'Tawhid' as well as the expression of 'Shan-e-Resalat'. One's distrust in Miraj means his distrust not only in 'Resalat' but also in 'Tawhid'.

Miraj is the staying of the Prophet with Allah, which is distance-less of place and time as well as beyond one's imagination. It is theexpression of the nearest combination in endless situation with Allah's Noor and the proof to the Prophet to be the source of all sorts of lights as well as knowledge and beauty for creatures.

Miraj is the supreme sign to know and realise Allah and His favourite Prophet. Without realising the significance of Miraj, it is impossible for one to realise 'Kalema', even one's life as well.

Miraj, on one hand, is an announcement of deliverance from material slavery i.e. false materialistic life and nationality, creating violence, jealousy and disaster and of firm commitment to the Resalat-centred, enlightened life of the true independence, humanity, right as well as peace for all, on the other.

Miraj proves that the very Resalat is the supreme address of humankind, the very love to the Prophet is the only way to reach Allah, and it is a must to be on the basis of 'Tawhid' and 'Resalat'.

It also proves that our dear Prophet is the 'Noor' of Allah, the source of creatures as well as the highest. The relation of the Prophet with Allah is direct, and all types of relations and gifts are through our dear Prophet.

Miraj also proves that our dear Prophet is beyond place and time; even also prevailing beyond the material world, as well as the supreme unseen. Allah Ta'la is seen to our dear Prophet. So for everything- seen-unseen, first-last- our dear Prophet remains present and witnessed.

Miraj is, for humankind, as a whole, the direction to the truth as well as the light of life. Iman and Miraj are undivided. To forget Miraj means to remain soul and life into darkness.

Miraj, after Eid-e-Azam, is the highest pleasure and reward for the believers. Be included in the significant pleasure of Miraj. Also be united with the aim at forming the Resalat-centred life, society, state and globe-system according to the instructions of holy 'Miraj'.