There are some other ahadith and verses I will add to the response insha'Allah.

I would encourage other members to also add their insight on some of these quotes.

Jihad
(Fighting for the Cause of Allah swt)

According to Quran and Sunnah


The order for Jihad


The Noble Qur'an 2:190-193
190. And fight in the Way of Allâh those who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Truly, Allâh likes not the transgressors. [This Verse is the first one that was revealed in connection with Jihâd, but it was supplemented by another (V.9:36)].

191. And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah is worse than killing. And fight not with them at Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (the sanctuary at Makkah), unless they (first) fight you there. But if they attack you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers.

192. But if they cease, then Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

193. And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and worshipping of others along with Allâh) and (all and every kind of) worship is for Allâh (Alone). But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against Az-Zâlimûn (the polytheists, and wrong-doers, etc.)


The Noble Qur'an 9:36
That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein, and fight against the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh) collectively, as they fight against you collectively.


The Noble Qur'an 8:72-74
72. Verily, those who believed, and emigrated and strove hard and fought with their property and their lives in the Cause of Allâh as well as those who gave (them) asylum and help, - these are (all) allies to one another. And as to those who believed but did not emigrate (to you O Muhammad SAW), you owe no duty of protection to them until they emigrate, but if they seek your help in religion, it is your duty to help them except against a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, and Allâh is the All-Seer of what you do.

73. And those who disbelieve are allies to one another, (and) if you (Muslims of the whole world collectively) do not do so (i.e. become allies, as one united block with one Khalifah - chief Muslim ruler for the whole Muslim world to make victorious Allâh's Religion of Islâmic Monotheism), there will be Fitnah (wars, battles, polytheism, etc.) and oppression on earth, and a great mischief and corruption (appearance of polytheism).

74. And those who believed, and emigrated and strove hard in the Cause of Allâh (Al-Jihâd), as well as those who gave (them) asylum and aid; - these are the believers in truth, for them is forgiveness and Rizqun Karîm (a generous provision i.e. Paradise).


Hadith - Bukhari, Vol. 4, No. 41, Narrated 'Abdullaah bin Mas'uud
I asked Allah's Messenger , "O Allah's Messenger! What is the best deed?" He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early fixed stated times." I asked, "What is next in goodness?" He replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents." I further asked, "What is next in goodness?" He replied, "To participate in Jihad in Allah's Cause." I did not ask Allah's Messenger anymore and if I had asked him more, he would have told me more.


The Noble Qur'an 2:216
Jihâd (holy fighting in Allâh's Cause) is ordained for you (Muslims) though you dislike it, and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allâh knows but you do not know.


Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #3835, Narrated AbuHurayrah
Allah's Messenger said, "If anyone meets Allah with no mark of jihad, he will meet Allah with a flaw in him." [Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah transmitted it]


The Noble Qur'an An-Nisaa' 4:75, 76
75. And what is wrong with you that you fight not in the Cause of Allâh, and for those weak, ill*treated and oppressed among men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from You one who will protect, and raise for us from You one who will help."

76. Those who believe, fight in the Cause of Allâh, and those who disbelieve, fight in the cause of Tâghût (Satan, etc.). So fight you against the friends of Shaitân (Satan); Ever feeble indeed is the plot of Shaitân (Satan).

The Good Deed and Blessings of Jihad


The Noble Qur'an 9:20
Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and emigrated and strove hard and fought in Allâh's Cause with their wealth and their lives are far higher in degree with Allâh. They are the successful.


Hadith - Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 52, Number 41, Narrated Abdullah bin Masud
I asked Allah's Apostle, "O Allah's Apostle! What is the best deed?" He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." I asked, "What is next in goodness?" He replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents." I further asked, what is next in goodness?" He replied, "To participate in Jihad in Allah's Cause." I did not ask Allah's Apostle anymore and if I had asked him more, he would have told me more.


The Noble Qur'an As-Saff 61:10-14
10. O You who believe! Shall I guide you to a commerce that will save you from a painful torment.

11. That you believe in Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW), and that you strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allâh with your wealth and your lives, that will be better for you, if you but know!

12. (If you do so) He will forgive you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow, and pleasant dwelling in Gardens of 'Adn * Eternity ['Adn (Edn) Paradise], that is indeed the great success.

13. And also (He will give you) another (blessing) which you love, help from Allâh (against your enemies) and a near victory. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad SAW) to the believers.

14. O you who believe! Be you helpers (in the Cause) of Allâh as said 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), to Al*Hawârîeen (the disciples) : "Who are my helpers (in the Cause) of Allâh?" Al*Hawârîeen (the disciples) said: "We are Allâh's helpers" (i.e. we will strive in His Cause!). Then a group of the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. So We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they became the uppermost.



---------------------------------------------------------

Finding Strength for the Battles


The Noble Qur'an An-Nisaa' 4:104
And don't be weak in the pursuit of the enemy; if you are suffering (hardships) then surely, they (too) are suffering (hardships) as you are suffering, but you have a hope from Allâh (for the reward, i.e. Paradise) that for which they hope not, and Allâh is Ever All*Knowing, All*Wise.

See also: The Noble Qur'an 3:139; 3:160; 30:47; 8:15



--------------------------------------------------------------

The Martyr


Abu Dawood 2493, Narrated Abu Malik al-Ash'ari
AbuMalik heard the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) say: He who goes forth in Allah's path and dies or is killed is a martyr, or has his neck broken through being thrown by his horse or by his camel, or is stung by a poisonous creature, or dies on his bed by any kind of death Allah wishes is a martyr and will go to Paradise.

Hadith - Qudsi 6
The first of people against whom judgment will be pronounced on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who died a martyr. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favours and he will recognize them. [ The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I fought for you until I died a martyr. He will say: You have lied - you did but fight that it might be said [of you]: He is courageous. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man who has studied [religious] knowledge and has taught it and who used to recite the Quran. He will be brought and Allah will make known to his His favours and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I studied [religious] knowledge and I taught it and I recited the Quran for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but study [religious] knowledge that it might be said [of you]: He is learned. And you recited the Quran that it might be said [of you]: He is a reciter. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man whom Allah had made rich and to whom He had given all kinds of wealth. He will be brought and Allah will make known to his His favours and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I left no path [untrodden] in which You like money to be spent without spending in it for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but do so that it might be said [of you]: He is open-handed. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire.



---------------------------------------------------------------

What is the Muslimah's role in Jihad?


Hadith - Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 52, Number 43, Narrated 'Aisha
(That she said), "O Allah's Apostle! We consider Jihad as the best deed. Should we not fight in Allah's cause?" He said, "The best Jihad (for women) is Hajj-mabrur (i.e. Hajj which is done according to the Prophet's tradition and is accepted by Allah)."


Following is an example of a woman given permission to participate in jihad, but note her fatal outcome. Also note that her role was that of accompanying her husband in HIS jihad. So, it's not like she had a jihad task vastly seperate from her husband, as though a woman would be sent to fight a battle of jihad in one part of the country while her husband was tied up in a separate jihad.


Hadith - Sahih Bukhari, Narrated Anas bin Malik
Um Haram said, "Once the Prophet slept in my house near to me and got up smiling. I said, 'What makes you smile?' He replied, 'Some of my followers who (i.e. in a dream) were presented to me sailing on this green sea like kings on thrones.' I said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Invoke Allah to make me one of them.' " So the Prophet invoked Allah for her and went to sleep again. He did the same (i.e. got up and told his dream) and Um Haram repeated her question and he gave the same reply. She said, "Invoke Allah to make me one of them."

He said, "You are among the first batch." Later on it happened that she went out in the company of her husband 'Ubada bin As-Samit who went for Jihad and it was the first time the Muslims undertook a naval expedition led by Mu'awiya. When the expedition came to an end and they were returning to Sham, a riding animal was presented to her to ride, but the animal let her fall and thus she died.


Another example of women in jihad other than the jihad of Hajj......

Hadith - Sahih Muslim, Narrated Anas
On the day (of the battle) of Uhad when (some) people retreated and left the Prophet, I saw 'Aisha bint Abu Bakr and Um Sulaim, with their robes tucked up so that the bangles around their ankles were visible hurrying with their water skins (in another narration it is said, "carrying the water skins on their backs"). Then they would pour the water in the mouths of the people, and return to fill the water skins again and came back again to pour water in the mouths of the people.


These are proofs to show that a woman's role in jihad is different from men, yet much needed, and designed to keep her more distant from the direct line of battle for her safety. A woman's jihad besides Hajj, is to support the men of the community in their jihad. The best way to do that, insha'Allah, like anything, is to ASK how you can be of benefit, not to assume a role and hope that's what's helpful

Another related point. Gender segregation is very important in Islam. But please note, that when necessary, such as times of battle, giving water to the soldiers, and other jobs in our lives that put us near men out of necessity, are part of jihad, insha'Allah, that is, IF we are doing it solely for the sake of Allah, swt, and not just "for the money" and its pleasures, to get recognition of the men, to pass the boredom, to puff the ego, increase our status in the eyes of people, or anything else. All that work you do can be nullified if done for the wrong reason, and Allah alone knows which deeds will actually be accepted on Judgement Day.

It is important that women, including single women, who desire to participate in jihad outside the home, find ways to support the jihad of the males in the community, separating herself from their conversations, let them do the planning, the masjid building, etc., but doing the work needed when she can, insha'Allah. Of course she should start with her husband and children, then father and other mahram men to support in their jihad. If she doesn't know how to cook and the men meet in the masajid for regular meetings, perhaps she and another sister should get together and ask if they'd like meals sometimes, and if so, find a way to do that.

Just like women like men to fix things around the house, there are men who don't know how at the beginning of the marriage and eventually teach themselves out of necessity, to do so. So, not knowing HOW to do something, like cooking for large groups of people, or whatever, doesn't mean we shouldn't learn what is necessary and "get to it", insha'Allah! Just like when a person says shahada and doesn't know how to do salah, this doesn't give them an excuse not to start learning how.

So, let's start learning how we can do the things that support the brothers on the front line in jihad, if this type of jihad beyond hajj is something, thru dua to Allah, swt, we believe we should be doing, and Allah the Majestic, the Most Great knows the conditions of all persons. OIf you are physically unable, perhaps you are financially able and willing to contribute through sadaqa to jihad efforts.

Those who have the time and inclination, please join Muttaqun Foundation for opportunities of jihad, and this starts with spreading the daw'ah to the straying Muslims first, to build up the Muslim communities so we can best be prepared to bring in the new Muslims as they are coming in, and they surely are coming in, masha'Allah. It STARTS with the daw'ah in its many forms, but its "END" or more appropriately, "down the road", comes many tests and trials. Before you commit yourself to such jihad, remember the sister above who fell off the riding animal and died.

Nobody said the path would be easy; wearing niqab alone can become jihad in an oppressive land. This jihad spoken of can involve sacrifices, but most importantly it involves OBEDIENCE. Allah, subhana wa tala, says He does not need our sacrifice but desires our obedience. Obedience in the salah, obedience and submission to the husband, obedience in guarding our tongue.

And women can't do this path alone without men, for surely women were created with the need of the leadership and guidance of men on the Sunnah, as they were created with the need for women to support and encouragement to stay on the sirataal mustaqeem.

To the Muslims who have read thus far, may Allah swt bless your sincerity with strength, and your knowledge with the ability to apply that knowledge wisely. Amin.

Jihaad. it has become a frequently heard term in the news and media. We hear it all the time and we may wonder at the meaning of the term. We see it connected with all sorts of activites on TV. What is Jihaad?

Today, Jihaad is probably one of the most misunderstood terms. The incorrect usage of the term by the media only makes the matter worse.

In an effort to understand the true concept of Jihaad we will examine the connotations of the term as provided in the Qur'an and Sunnah, which are the two supreme sources on Islam.

First of all, it would be important to mention that Jihaad does not refer to 'Holy War'. The term Holy War is a term alien to Islamic teachings as it was coined by the Crusaders a thousand years ago when they massacred both Muslims and Jews in palestine.

The term Jihaad literally means a struggle. Within an Islamic context it refers to a struggle for the sake of God. As we can see from examples in the Qur'an, this struggle may be of many sorts, and it does not necessarily refer to military Jihaad.

Here is an example:
29:8 We have enjoined on man kindness to parents: but if either of them strive (JAHADAKA) to force thee to join with Me (in worship) anything of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not. Ye have (all) to return to me, and I will tell you (the truth) of all that ye did.

As seen in the above verse, here the non-muslim parents are striving to convert their child back to their religion. This is an example of the usage of the word Jihaad as provided in the Qur'an.

So the understanding of Jihaad in Islam, is striving for the pleasure of the One God. There are many ways to strive for the pleasure of God as outlined in the Qur'an and Sunnah, as we shall see, insha'Allah.

The first example is striving to live under the way of Islam. This includes restraining one's desires and sacrificng their personal wants for the sake of living in the path of the Creator.
The Qur'an guides those muslims with regards to making Jihad by sacrificing one's personal desires for the sake of God:

9:23 O ye who believe! take not for protectors your fathers and your brothers if they love infidelity above Faith: if any of you do so, they do wrong.

9:24 Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your mates, or your kindred; the wealth that ye have gained; the commerce in which ye fear a decline: or the dwellings in which ye delight - are dearer to you than Allah, or His Messenger, or the STRIVING in His cause;- then wait until Allah brings about His decision: and Allah guides not the rebellious.

As we can clearly see form the above verse, Allah asks the believers to perform Jihaad by holding tight to the path of Islam.

As we know, during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), many of the companions were being persecuted solely for the reason that they were muslim. Their families placed heavy pressure on them to leave Islam. It was even worse for the slaves. Khabab ibn al-Arat was a slave who worked as a blacksmith. After He accepted Islam, his master ordered for him to have burning hot coal from the furnace pressed against his head and back.

Allah answered Khabab's prayers for help and allowed him to migrate with the other muslims to Madinah. (Ironically, before Khabab left, his master got a disease, for which the only known cure was cauterization.)

These early muslims sacrificed everything for Islam. They gave up their wealth, their homes and their families, sall for the purpose of practicing the path of submission ordained by the one and only God. This was a Jihad. It was a Jihad of sacrifice, not a military expedition of any sort.

Proof of this lies in the saying of another companion, Ali ibn Abi Talib. He said, "May Allah grant mercy to Khabab, for he entered Islam willingly, migrated obediently, and lived making Jihad".

This saying shows us that the true nature of Jihad is one of a continuous struggle to uphold turth, justice, freedom and equality. A true muslim "lives" making Jihad.

Those who suffer such persecution are advised to make Jihad by through migration.

4:97 Lo! As for those whom the angels take (in death) while they wronged themselves, (the angels) will ask: 'In what you were engaged?' They will way: 'We were oppressed in the land.' (The angels) will say: 'Was not Allah's earth spacious that you could have migrated therein?'

2:218 Lo! Those who believe, and those who emigrate (to escape persecution) and STRIVE (JAHADU) in the way of Allah, these have hope of Allah's mercy...

So we see a Jihad in bearing persecution, and in leaving behind one's wealth, family, and home through migration.

This message is again emphasized in the Qur'an:
25:52 Therefore listen not to the Unbelievers, but STRIVE against them with the utmost strenuousness, with the (Qur'an).

The word jihad is used again above, and from the story I have related, the context becomes clear that it is not a Holy War, but a struggle to uphold righteousness.

Jihad may be as great as bearing persecution (as seen in the lives of the companions) or it may be simply restraining one's desires in an attempt to follow the laws of God.

22:78 And STRIVE (JADIHU) for Allah with the endeavor (JIHADIHI) which is His right. He has chosen you and has not laid upon you in the DEEN (religion) any hardship...

29:6 And whosoever STRIVES (JAHADA), STRIVES (YUJAHIDU) only for himself, for lo! Allah is altogether independent of the universe."

A Muslim should be steadfast in following the laws of Islam and should not allow personal desires to get in his path. For example, a muslim is encouraged to forgive others who have harmed them and to restrain their anger:

41:34 Nor can goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: Then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate!

We also find in the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad pbuh:

"A man said to the Prophet (pbuh): Counsel me. He (i.e. the Prophet) said: Do not become angry. The man repeated [his request] several times, and he (i.e. the Prophet) said: Do not become angry." (Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, number 137)

So restraining one's anger and returning good for evil are both examples of a common Jihaad muslims are asked to make.

Besides only abstaining from doing wrong, Muslims also do Jihad by striving to do good.

29:69 As for those who STRIVE (JAHADU) in Us (the cause of Allah), We surely guide them to Our paths, and lo! Allah is with the good doers.

Here Allah is encouraging believers to do good deeds by informing them that He will surely guide them and be with them as they serve humanity through compassion and love.

Perfoming righteous acts has always been considered a Jihad in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad pbuh has described righteous deeds as a jihad in many narrations.

Aisha, wife of the Prophet (pbuh) asked, 'O Messenger of Allah, we see jihad as the best of deeds, so shouldn't we join it?' He replied, 'But the best of jihad is a perfect Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah).' (Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 26, Number 595)

At another occasion, a man asked the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh):

"'Should I join the jihad?' He asked, 'Do you have parents?' The man said, 'Yes!' The Prophet (S) said, 'Then strive by serving them!'" (Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 3)

What better proof can we ask for from the Sunnah that performing righteousness, deeds of compassion and love are amongst the best forms of Jihaad?

Islam encourages us to treat our parents, family and relatives, and neighbors with love. This is a Jihaad!

As the Prophet Muhammad pbuh said:

None of you truly believes until you love for your brother what you love for yourself (Nawawi #13)

Yet another man asked the Messenger of Allah (pbuh):

"'What kind of jihad is better?' He replied, 'A word of truth in front of an oppressive ruler!'" (Sunan Al-Nasa'i #4209)

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: "...the MUJAHID (one who carries out jihad) is he who STRIVES against himself for the sake of Allah, and the MUHAJIR (one who emigrates) is he who abandons evil deeds and sin." - Ibn Hibban #4862)

As we can clearly see, jihaad has never been considered as 'Holy War' in Islam. Jihaad is merely the continuous struggle to uphold good for the pleasure of God. Jihaad can take many forms as we have seen and it is all about sacrifice. Sacrificing what you have for the sake of God. This may mean the sacrifice of desires or wealth. But obviously the greatest sacrifice is when one risks their life for the sake of justice, peace and truth.

This is where the concept of physical Jihaad comes in. Often we see that people become oppressed under tyrannical rule or they are being attacked by an invading force. Islam commands muslims to deffend the rights of others. It is the duty of muslims to establish justice and this may require the use of force to save lives. Every human being has the right to defend themselves, at it is obligatory to help another who is being attacked or oppressed.
Force is often necessary to defend against evil. An important point to note in the struggle for peace and justice is that without one the other cannot exist. Without justice, peace is meaningless. We cannot sit back and watch as the rights of others are discarded.

So a decisive use of force can often spare many lives and suffering. Islam recognizes that and gives human beings their right to defend themselves. There is no blame on a person who defends himself in the face of oppression and aggression. You do not have to allow yourselves to be persecuted and anihilated.

As the Qur'an says:
42:41 And whoso defendeth himself after he hath suffered wrong - for such, there is no way (of blame) against them.

42:42 The way (of blame) is only against those who oppress mankind, and wrongfully rebel in the earth. For such there is a painful doom.

42:43 And verily whoso is patient and forgiveth - lo! that, verily, is (of) the steadfast heart of things.

So the forgiving face of peace is favoured in Islam, but as we all know, peace cannot survive without justice. For example, during the reign of Hitler and the Nazis, the world could not stand by while millions of Jews were being massacred. It was imperative for humanity not to give in to the demands of evil and rush to liberate those people who were being oppressed by the Nazis. If a similar situation occurred today, it would be our duty to defend others from oppression. This is a duty upon every muslim and an example of a practical application of physical Jihaad.

We can also see a practical use of force to defend and implement justice in the life of Prophet Muhammad pbuh. After the muslims were expelled from Makkah through the persecution, all the wealth they left behind was seized by the Makkans and sold. The muslims were left with nothing but the brotherly love of the new muslims of Madinah who took those who fled from persecution into their homes and took care of them. Now they were able to establish an Islamic state and defend themselves from the attacks of the Makkans. Here fighting was necessary because had the muslims not stood up against the aggression they would have been completely eradicated.


2:190 Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loveth not transgressors.

As seen in the above verse, muslims only fight in defense against those who initiate the aggression and oppression. Thus Islam allows the use of force only to defend humanity from oppression and to establish justice. Those muslims who risk their lives seeking justice are rewarded with paradise, as this is the greatest manifestation of Jihaad- sacrificing one's life for the cause of truth, peace, and justice. We can see the practicality of the use of force in order to establish justice in law enforcement agencies. So while Islam commands peace as the rule, if a neighbor is being oppressed it is the duty of a muslim to defend them.

4:75 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!"

As this verse illustrates, the only purpose of the Muslims engaging in physical Jihaad is to defend the rights of others and to protect humanity from injustice.

Nevertheless, even when it comes to using force to establish justice, Islam has laid out specific laws and regulations to ensure that no injustice is done.

Muslims are forbidden from attacking those who are not fighting:

5:32...if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people

Jihad can only be declared when the people are being attacked or oppressed. And even in the event of war, muslims should always be prepared to accept peace and cease fighting if the enemy offers peace:

8:61 But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace, and trust in God: for He is One that heareth and knoweth (all things).

And if any peace treaty has been made it must be honored:

4:90 Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty (of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If God had pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you: Therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (Guarantees of) peace, then God Hath opened no way for you (to war against them)

9:7 How can there be a league, before God and His Apostle, with the Pagans, except those with whom ye made a treaty near the sacred Mosque? As long as these stand true to you, stand ye true to them: for God doth love the righteous

A Muslim can only perform physical jihaad for the establishment of justice and to liberate others from oppression. If there is an oppressed group or the threat of an attack, then the Muslims may use force to defend themselves and others. And in the event of a physical conflict, a muslim must obey the laws of Islam and be prepared to offer peace.

There are many specific regulations, which Muslims must follow during combat. These narrations from the Prophet Muhammad pbub outline some of them:

"Do not kill any old person, any child or any woman" (Abu Dawud).

"Do not kill the monks in monasteries" or "Do not kill the people who are sitting in places of worship" (Musnad of Ibn Hanbal).

"Do not cut off ears and noses and other parts of the body. Do not kill women and children, the elderly, and men of religion in their places of worship. Do not cut down date and other trees, and do not tear down buildings."(Bukhari)


Muhammad pbuh was also known to have forbidden the killing of captives and those tied up. These points are reinforced by other sayings of Prophet Muhammad collected in The Book of Jihad and Expedition (Kitab Al-Jihad wa'l-Siyar).


It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah said: Do not desire an encounter with the enemy; but when you encounter them, be firm. (Muslim Book 019, Number 4313)

It is narrated by Ibn 'Umar that a woman was found killed in one of these battles; so the Messenger of Allah forbade the killing of women and children. (Muslim Book 019, Number 4320)

Muslims also believe that non-combatants are not to be harmed during or after the war.

One of the greatest companions of Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr, gave a detailed set of instructions to the muslim army:

Stop, O people, that I may give you ten rules for your guidance in the battlefield. Do not commit treachery or deviate from the right path. You must not mutilate dead bodies. Neither kill a child, nor a woman, nor an aged man. Bring no harm to the trees, nor burn them with fire, especially those which are fruitful. Slay not any of the enemy's flock, save for your food. You are likely to pass by people who have devoted their lives to monastic services; leave them alone (Al-Muwatta, Volume 21, Hadith 10)

Based on the above mentioned principles, Muslims Scholars have established a list of guidelines during war:

1. War is to be waged only with those who encourage and engage in it.

2. Priests in churches, children, women, and the elderly must never be harmed.

3. Sown fields must not be damaged.

4. Treaties and agreements must not be broken.

5. Animals must not be harmed.

6. There must be no cruelty and torture.

7. Towns must not be destroyed

So as we can see, Islam allows the use of force as a last resort, and only to defend the rights of others from oppression. And even in battle, Islam has laid out clear regulations. Jihaad is the struggle to uphold good for the sake of God and as we have seen it can take many forms. Hopefully this article will help enlighten people about the truth of Islam and clarify the misconceptions being circulated about Jihaad.

And Allah knows best!

Your brother Ansar Al-'Adl

The Persecution Suffered by Prophet Muhammad

Al-Bukhari, on the authority of Ibn Mas‘ud, narrated that once when the Prophet [pbuh] was prostrating himself while praying in Al-Ka‘bah, Abu Jahl asked his companions to bring the dirty foetus of a she-camel and place it on his back. ‘Uqbah bin Abi Mu‘ait was the unfortunate man who hastened to do this ignoble act. A peal of laughter rose amongst the infidels. In the meanwhile, Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet [pbuh], happened to pass that way. She removed the filth from her father’s back.

Scandal-mongering and backbiting were also amongst the means of oppression that the chiefs of Makkah, in general, and Omaiyah bin Khalaf, in particular, resorted to in their overall process of evil-doing. In this regard, Allâh says: "Woe to every slanderer and backbiter." [Al-Qur'an 104:1]

‘Uqbah bin Al-Mu‘ait once attended an audience of the Prophet [pbuh] and listened to him preaching Islam. A close friend of his, Ubai bin Khalaf, heard of this. He could not tolerate any act of this sort, so he reproached ‘Uqbah and ordered him to spit in the Prophet’s holy face, and he shamelessly did it.

Ubai did not spare any thinkable way to malign the Prophet [pbuh] ; he even ground old decomposed bones and blew the powder on him.

The Tyrants’ Decision to kill the Prophet [pbuh]
Now that all the schemes and conspiracies of Quraysh had failed, they resorted to their old practices of persecution and inflicting tortures on the Muslims in a more serious and brutal manner than ever before. They also began to nurse the idea of killing the Prophet [pbuh].

‘Utaibah bin Abi Lahab once approached the Prophet [pbuh] and most defiantly and brazenly shouted at him, "I disbelieve in: "By the star when it goes down." [53:1] and in "Then he (Gabriel) approached and came closer." [53:8] In other words: "I do not believe in any of the Qur’ân." He then started to deal highhandedly with Muhammad [pbuh] and laid violent hand on him, tore his shirt and spat into his face but his saliva missed the Holy face of the Prophet [pbuh]. Thereupon, the Prophet [pbuh] invoked Allâh’s wrath on ‘Utaibah and supplicated: "O Allâh! Set one of Your dogs on him." Allâh responded positively to Muhammad’s supplication, and it happened in the following manner: Once ‘Utaibah with some of his compatriots from Quraysh set out for Syria and took accommodation in Az-Zarqa’. There a lion approached the group to the great fear of ‘Utbah, who at once recalled Muhammad’s words in supplication, and said: "Woe to my brother! This lion will surely devour me just as Muhammad [pbuh] supplicated. He has really killed me in Syria while he is in Makkah." The lion did really rush like lightning, snatched ‘Utbah from amongst his people and crushed his head. [Tafheem-ul-Qur'an 6/522; Quoted from Al-Isti'ab, Al-Isaba, Dala'il An-Nubuwwah, etc]

It is also reported that a wretched idolater from Quraysh, named ‘Uqbah bin ‘Abi Mu‘ait once trod on the Prophet’s neck while he was prostrating himself in prayer until his eyes protruded. [Mukhtasar Seerat Ar-Rasool p.113]...

‘Urwa bin Az-Zubair narrated: I asked Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As to tell me of the worst thing that the pagans did to the Prophet [pbuh] . He said: "While the Prophet [pbuh] was praying in Al-Hijr of Al-Ka‘bah, ‘Uqbah bin Al-Mu‘ait came and put his garment around the Prophet’s neck and throttled him violently. Abu Bakr came and caught him by his shoulder and pushed him away from the Prophet [pbuh] and said: "Do you want to kill a man just because he says, My Lord is Allâh?" [Bukhari 1/544] (Al-Mubarakpuri, Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum; Riyadh-Saudi Arabia, Dar-us-Salam Publications, 1996; pp. 94 & 105-108

The other day I was searching in google, and I typed in "misquoted verses" and I was amazed to see my article come up as the first link. I tried "misquoted narrations" and the same thing happened.

I re-read my article and decided there were some modifications that I should make to it. In the article I only provided my personal explanation of the verses, but I would like to add quotes from the tafsirs.

So insha'Allah, I will prepare version 2, of "Commonly Misquoted verses and narrations".

I'll just update everyone on the work I've been doing here over the past week. I have doubled the amount of verse explanations in this new version of the article, and I have added quotes from scholars and other authentic sources of which I had none in the previous version. The article has now increased from 16 pages to 40 pages and I still have to fix up the second half of the article on misquoted hadith. Much of the article has been re-phrased as well, making it a much better read.

I feel that, Insha'Allah, this article will serve as a decisive refutation to all allegations of Islam supporting violence. May Allah swt accept my humble effort here and guide us on the straight path.

please read the article and give me your feedback. JazakAllah khair.

Assalamu 'alaikum

Jazakallah khair !

MashaAllah this has proved to be most useful to me