Confused: Jihad and other questions

[Serinity]

What are you confused about?

Jihad, al wala wal bara, befriending kuffar, living with them, and something like that. And some more.

Islam is a Merciful religion, and says to be compassionate etc. But I am confused cuz we have to show al wara wal bara, (hate and love for Allah SWT)

What is allowed, etc. Some ayats, and 2 fatwas that make me go "what?" One fatwa seems to express "no contact with kuffar!" the other "show compassion, etc. Islam is merciful," etc.

[Kiro]

and so it continues!

[~ Sabr ~]

You need to stick with 1 school of thought, not jump from places to places Go to a scholar.

[noraina]

Assalamu alaykum

That term, al wala wal bara, loving and hating for the sake of Allah swt, is an extremely broad term. It applies to practically everything, we should hold fast to all that that is pleasing to Allah swt, and withdrawing from all that which is displeasing to Him.

In terms of jihad, if you read through the conditions of jihad which are closely regulated by Shariah law, then we are only allowed to attack others when we are being attacked or in fear of it. Islam is an extremely merciful religion, to kill anyone for no reason is a grave sin, however it is also a practical deen so pacifism wouldn't do, so we are only allowed to take part in war through self-defence. And even then, we are forbidden from killing non-combatants, or monks, or women, children and the elderly...there are so many strict guidelines regarding jihad subhanAllah.

As for how we should be with non-Muslims, the Qur'an uses the term awliya when cautioning us, this word has many levels of meanings and in this context I read some scholars say means a very, very close friend or teacher or guardian, whom we would take spiritual advice from - which should obviously only be from a Muslim. The Prophet (pbuh) was very polite and merciful when with non-Muslims - if we had no contact with them then how on earth would we be able to give dawah for our beautiful religion?

The Qur'anic ayats need to be taken into context - context is very important. Islam is a religion of mercy and compassion, we must be compassionate to even birds and creatures let alone other humans, unfortunately it is portrayed often as a religion of jihad and warfare. We should be focusing more in the greater Jihad inshaAllah, any desires and flaws we see within ourselves.

I'm not a scholar obviously, just a lay person, but I remember reading an article on this - inshaAllah I'll try and find it to give a more scholarly review.

[EgyptPrincess]

"Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly." [60:8]

"Allah only forbids you from those who fight you because of religion and expel you from your homes and aid in your expulsion - [forbids] that you make allies of them. And whoever makes allies of them, then it is those who are the wrongdoers." [60:9]


The shelf stacker in Tesco, the poll booth attendant, the commercial pilot, the corrupt bankers and the journalists should not be considered legitimate targets as they are not doing anything to harm the believers.

Scholars the world over have answered this question multiple times. Wasn't the prophet Muhammad's s.a.w uncle a non believer and even died a non believer? Muhammed s.a.w did not treat him unjust.

Of course don't be best buddies with the non believers but it would make no sense to actively hunt them down. The prophet Muahmmad s.a.w did not do this.

[Serinity]

But I have a kafir as my class teacher etc. And you said spiritual advice? So it is forbidden to take them as close friends, and take SPIRITUAL Advice from them.

And we are only allowed to attack in self defence?(and restrain ourselves as best as possible)

In Islam, killing innocents, is highly condemned and sinful, yeah? Can non combatants (whom we are not allowed to kill) include healthy men without arms?

you said that the Quran said we can't take the non muslims as allies or protectors (Awliyah) but I live in a darul kufr, where I am under protection from a kafir state.

But I also remember reading the Prophet SAW taking refuge in a Christian Country (With the Christian King, Negus, afaik, pls correct if wrong)

you said that Islam is a Merciful religion, which I agree, but there are verses which are probably taken out of context. But whenever I read authentic hadiths, and ayats from the Quran to be kind, and stuff like that, but not kind with those who attack us. I also see ayats saying to be harsh and ruthless with the kuffar.

To be kind and merciful towards those who don't attack
Not kind and mercy - to those who attack.
Be ruthless to the kuffar

Yet, in some hadiths it is stated to show forbearance with the enemy.

Yet I see hadiths where it is stated to be patient with the enemy, etc. And to not wish for an encounter on the battlefield.. How do I prevent such conflicting thoughts?

Are all kafirs enemies of Allah SWT? Cuz I was ignorant once, and I don't think I'd come to Islam if the one who gave dawah thought of me as an enemy.

I also know that Jihad against the kafirs on the battlefield, is the lesser Jihad, while fighting your nafs is the greater Jihad.
I guess I've read too much ISIS stuff.

[muslimah_B]

“…if any one killed a person, it would be as if he killed the whole of mankind; and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole of mankind…” - (5:32).

"They desire that you should disbelieve as they have disbelieved, so that you might be (all) alike; therefore take not from among them friends until they fly (their homes) in Allah’s way; but if they turn back, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them, and take not from among them a friend or a helper.[4.89]
"Except those who reach a people between whom and you there is an alliance, or who come to you, their hearts shrinking from fighting you or fighting their own people; and if Allah had pleased, He would have given them power over you, so that they should have certainly fought you; therefore if they withdraw from you and do not fight you and offer you peace, then Allah has not given you a way against them." [4.90]**
"You will find others who desire that they should be safe from you and secure from their own people; as often as they are sent back to the mischief they get thrown into it headlong; therefore if they do not withdraw from you, and (do not) offer you peace and restrain their hands, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them; and against these We have given. you a clear authority" [4.91]

"Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just." [60:8]

"Fight against those who fight against you in the way of Allah, but do not transgress, for Allah does not love transgressors." [2.190]





Before engaging in battle, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) instructed his soldiers:

1. “Do not kill any child, any woman, or any elder or sick person.” (Sunan*Abu Dawud)

2. “Do not practice treachery or mutilation.(Al-Muwatta)

3. Do not uproot or burn palms or cut down fruitful trees.(Al-Muwatta)

4. Do not slaughter a sheep or a cow or a camel, except for food.” (Al-Muwatta)

5. “If one fights his brother, [he must] avoid striking the face, for God created him in the image of Adam.” (Sahih Bukhari,*Sahih Muslim)

6. “Do not kill the monks in monasteries, and do not kill those sitting in places of worship. (Musnad*Ahmad Ibn Hanbal)

7. “Do not destroy the villages and towns, do not spoil the cultivated fields and gardens, and do not slaughter the cattle.” (Sahih Bukhari; Sunan*Abu Dawud)

8. “Do not wish for an encounter with the enemy; pray to God to grant you security; but when you [are forced to] encounter them, exercise patience.” (Sahih Muslim)

9. “No one may punish with fire except the Lord of Fire.” (Sunan*Abu Dawud).

10. “Accustom yourselves to do good if people do good, and to not do wrong even if they*commit*evil.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

Only the scholars or knowledgeable people can call for jihad, not the laymen people,
Those who wish to do jihad must be of a sane mind, joining out of their own free will (not forced), have their families permisssion, and must not be young under puberty (as for the minimum age im not sure)

Living among kuff, we must treat them kindly with respects and manners and be friendly with them just like you would treat any of your brothers,
You just dont take them as clise friends as it could impact on your deen and emaan....just because they do not believe does not make them devils or our enemies, maybe be your kind character people want to find out about islam and revert.. your actions and how you treat people play a big role on this matter.
Ofcourse its better to be in muslim lands but we are in the west and it is our duty to call people to islam in the most kind & inviting manner showing them the beauty of islam through our charecter of dealing with them

Jihad is for fighting those who come into your lands and try to fight/kill you i.e kuffar, but all the rules i posted above must be adhered to, no matter what happens or you could have the wrath of Allah upon you for trangressing the limits put upon you.
Like i said only a schloar or person of knowledge can make the call for jihad

[Serinity]

I may be a bit bold, but it is because I want to take out all the things that has been bothering me for almost 1 year.

I know I should not take Jihad under my own hand. But if someone insults Islam at school, I am not allowed to kill, (but he attacks, by insulting??)

Sorry for my boldness, I just want to understand. I feel soo inhumane.

What about ayats like these (probably taken out of context) - cause The Prophet SAW was merciful with the kuffar in giving dawah, and instead of asking for the wrath of Allah SWT upon them, he SAW asked for their guidance. And The Prophet SAW knew of some hypocrites yet did not kill them? Idk

O you who have believed, fight those adjacent to you of the disbelievers and let them find in you harshness. And know that Allah is with the righteous. 9:123

[EgyptPrincess]

But I have a kafir as my class teacher etc. And you said spiritual advice? So it is forbidden to take them as close friends, and take SPIRITUAL Advice from them.

And we are only allowed to attack in self defence?(and restrain ourselves as best as possible)

In Islam, killing innocents, is highly condemned and sinful, yeah? Can non combatants (whom we are not allowed to kill) include healthy men without arms?

you said that the Quran said we can't take the non muslims as allies or protectors (Awliyah) but I live in a darul kufr, where I am under protection from a kafir state.

But I also remember reading the Prophet SAW taking refuge in a Christian Country (With the Christian King, Negus, afaik, pls correct if wrong)

you said that Islam is a Merciful religion, which I agree, but there are verses which are probably taken out of context. But whenever I read authentic hadiths, and ayats from the Quran to be kind, and stuff like that, but not kind with those who attack us. I also see ayats saying to be harsh and ruthless with the kuffar.

To be kind and merciful towards those who don't attack
Not kind and mercy - to those who attack.
Be ruthless to the kuffar

Yet, in some hadiths it is stated to show forbearance with the enemy.

Yet I see hadiths where it is stated to be patient with the enemy, etc. And to not wish for an encounter on the battlefield.. How do I prevent such conflicting thoughts?

Are all kafirs enemies of Allah SWT? Cuz I was ignorant once, and I don't think I'd come to Islam if the one who gave dawah thought of me as an enemy.

I also know that Jihad against the kafirs on the battlefield, is the lesser Jihad, while fighting your nafs is the greater Jihad.
I guess I've read too much ISIS stuff.

Brother, I know we don't see eye to eye on many things and you think low of me but ask your local imam what he thinks, go to conferences in your country where highly qualified scholars talk. The Quran and hadiths are not easy to understand and we have to know the context of the verse.

An internet forum is simply not equipped with the knowledge. For everyday issues it's fine but deep topics in Islam require professional knowledge which scholars are able to provide you with.

Inshallah you find the correct guidance.

[Yahya.]

We should be focusing more in the greater Jihad

The greatest Jihad is Jihad by the sword, and for some scholars Jihad by your wealth. There are many hadiths indicating this, but its also logically accepted. How can we focus on Jihad against ourselves and our desires when our lands are invaded and our people killed?

[EgyptPrincess]

The greatest Jihad is Jihad by the sword, and for some scholars Jihad by your wealth. There are many hadiths indicating this, but its also logically accepted. How can we focus on Jihad against ourselves and our desires when our lands are invaded and our people killed?

Jihad by the sword, or AK-47 now... but defensive, or offensive?

Defend the Syria people from Assad = Jihad.
Invade Jordan and capture the land = Jihad? I'm not so sure.

[muslimah_B]

I know I should not take Jihad under my own hand. But if someone insults Islam at school, I am not allowed to kill, (but he attacks, by insulting??)

Sorry for my boldness, I just want to understand. I feel soo inhumane.

Brother i have had men try to attack me, things thrown at me, men fight me, i have been called all names under the sun... i even had a drunk guy with a can of beer in my face threathen me call me a terrorist, telling me to back back to pakistan (im not even asian lol)
ofcourse its going to upset us, enrage us etc (i probally have the shortest temper in the world) but as soon as they physically touch you then do whatever as your defending yourself (oviously not kill them, but some people do deserve a good beat down)

But if its just words, learn how to debate them and turn their insults against them, by all means defend islam but defend it with words, learn your deen learn about every aspect of it, then you wont feel the need to fight them physically, you will be able to fight them with words and make them feel stupid and think about what they are saying whilst defending the honour of islam... sometimes you have to be smarter than them and show your bigger than them.
Ofcorse sometimes its best to ignore them, but not all of us have it in us to ignore our religion being insulted and have to say something
You just have to be able to asses the situation and use the appropriate means of action or lack of

[noraina]

Yep bro, you're right that twice Muslims migrated to Abyssinia for protection, because its king was just and he was Christian as well.

The Prophet (pbuh) was also under the protection of his non-Muslim uncle Abu Talib, who gave him clan protection against the persecution of the Quraysh.

And also, we must remember how much Umar ibn al-Khattab opposed Islam before he became a Muslim, he actually wanted to assassinate the Prophet (pbuh) - I remember reading a quote by al-Ghazali where he said we should never be arrogant because we believe we are believers, it may be the non-Muslim we look down upon today may become someone beloved to Allah swt, and indeed we may even completely loose our iman.

Even with the incident a Ta'if, the non-Muslims there actually pelted the Prophet (pbuh) with stones and drove him out in such a cruel and inhumane way, yet when Allah swt sent an angel to him offering to crush the people to death as punishment, the Prophet (pbuh) said, “Even if these people do not accept Islam, I do hope from Allah that there will be persons from among their progeny who would worship Allah and serve His cause.”

Another example would the conquest of Mecca by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), we need to remember how these people of Mecca would insult Islam, would torture and persecute the Muslims in the most awful ways, and made the life of the Prophet (pbuh) miserable for so many years, and yet, when he had an army strong in number, when he could even 'take revenge' for what they had done to him and his followers, he chose to forgive them and the conquest was entirely peaceful, and he said "I speak to you in the same words as Yusuf spoke to his brothers. This day there is no reproof against you; Go your way, for you are free."

There are countless more examples subhanAllah, I am just writing these from the top of my head. Allah swt is ar-Rahman, ar-Rahim, so how could it be that He would not want us as believers to be merciful and compassionate?

[Serinity]

Jihad by the sword, or AK-47 now... but defensive, or offensive?

Defend the Syria people from Assad = Jihad.
Invade Jordan and capture the land = Jihad? I'm not so sure.

you got a point, I think. Yes there is Jihad by the sword, but that doesn't mean I go and take an AK-47 and kill kuffar around the block In the name of Islam - not Islamic.

Cuz you can't just kill people. Many seem to kill people and label it Jihad. Killing civilians or taking Jihad under your control, as laymen, ain't our job. Afaik.

[noraina]

I think you should ask a scholar, though, inshaAllah. These are quite intense questions, which are really dependant on the type of context and conditions someone with knowledge would understand better.

[Yahya.]

We are not prevented from being kind to Non-muslims who tolerate our religion. ''al-Baraa'' and being harsh is only for non-muslims who insult your religion etc. and see you as an enemy. Like you said, dawah wouldn't be possible if that would be the case. For example Abu Talib, the uncle of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was a non-believer, but the prophet still treated him kindly, because of the family relation they had and he being on the side of the muslims and supporting them, despite being a kafir.

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.
al-Qasas 56

It's said that this verse was revealed because Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) asked Allah very often to guide his uncle.

And the verses about Prophet İbrahim and his relation with his father are also important on this topic.
He treats his father well, and calls him ''Abati ابتي'' which is a more kind word for Father i.e. Ab اب
But later when it became clear to him that he is on the side of Namrud and an enemy of Allah, and that he wont believe anymore, he started to distance himself from him.

There is a good lecture with english subtitles about this, it talks more about Dawah but because its the story of Ibrahim (as) it also includes ''al-Wala and Baraa'' at some points.

[Serinity]

There are people who take verses out of context and say "The Prophet SAW fought the kuffar on 12 fronts" some muslims make it sound not merciful.. Sorry to be blunt.

But I read a book on the Prophet SAW given by my relative, whom I trust, whom even when fighting the disbelievers just wanted them to believe.. Idk the authencity of the book.

Cuz my views are in conflict with the Quran.

What does the Quran say when you've been persecuted and after a tough battle, turn superior and victorious?

[EgyptPrincess]

Brother i have had men try to attack me, things thrown at me, men fight me, i have been called all names under the sun... i even had a drunk guy with a can of beer in my face threathen me call me a terrorist, telling me to back back to pakistan (im not even asian lol)
ofcourse its going to upset us, enrage us etc (i probally have the shortest temper in the world) but as soon as they physically touch you then do whatever as your defending yourself (oviously not kill them, but some people do deserve a good beat down)

But if its just words, learn how to debate them and turn their insults against them, by all means defend islam but defend it with words, learn your deen learn about every aspect of it, then you wont feel the need to fight them physically, you will be able to fight them with words and make them feel stupid and think about what they are saying whilst defending the honour of islam... sometimes you have to be smarter than them and show your bigger than them.
Ofcorse sometimes its best to ignore them, but not all of us have it in us to ignore our religion being insulted and have to say something
You just have to be able to asses the situation and use the appropriate means of action or lack of

I wish guns were allowed in the UK. If they put their hands on us we could gun en down, but not to kill them. Just shoot them where it hurts and watch as they roll around screaming in pain That will teach you for messing with the muslimahs!

[muslimah_B]

I wish guns were allowed in the UK. If they put their hands on us we could gun en down, but not to kill them. Just shoot them where it hurts and watch as they roll around screaming in pain That will teach you for messing with the muslimahs!

Loooool dont get me started on what i would do to these dumb people...proper lil cowards they are picking on women or the elderly

[noraina]

I wish guns were allowed in the UK. If they put their hands on us we could gun en down, but not to kill them. Just shoot them where it hurts and watch as they roll around screaming in pain That will teach you for messing with the muslimahs!

I don't know about guns, lol,....look at America, one thing that has really cost them is having such relaxed gun laws.

Altho, I think if we were allowed to carry pepper spray, that would be pretty good. I know it is allowed in Europe, like Spain and Switzerland.