Jihad is part of this overall defence of Islam. Jihad means to struggle to the utmost of
one's capacity. A man who exerts himself physically or mentally or spends his wealth in
the way of Allah is indeed engaged in Jihad. But in the language of the Shari'ah this
word is used particularly for a war that is waged solely in the name of Allah against
those who practise oppression as enemies of Islam.
This supreme sacrifice of life devolves on all Muslims. If, however, a section of Muslims
offer themselves for the Jihad, the community as a whole is absolved of its
responsibility. But if none comes forward, everybody is guilty. This concession vanishes
for the citizens of an Islamic State when it is attacked by a non-Muslim power. In that
case everybody must come forward for the Jihad. If the country attacked has not
enough strength to fight back, then it is the religious duly of the neighbouring Muslim
countries to help her: if even they fail, then the Muslims of the whole world must fight
the common enemy. In all such cases, Jihad is as much a primary duty of the Muslims
concerned as are the daily prayers or fasting. One who shirks it is a sinner. His very
claim to being a Muslim is doubtful. He is a hypocrite whose lbadah and prayers are a
sham, a worthless, hollow show of devotion.
one's capacity. A man who exerts himself physically or mentally or spends his wealth in
the way of Allah is indeed engaged in Jihad. But in the language of the Shari'ah this
word is used particularly for a war that is waged solely in the name of Allah against
those who practise oppression as enemies of Islam.
This supreme sacrifice of life devolves on all Muslims. If, however, a section of Muslims
offer themselves for the Jihad, the community as a whole is absolved of its
responsibility. But if none comes forward, everybody is guilty. This concession vanishes
for the citizens of an Islamic State when it is attacked by a non-Muslim power. In that
case everybody must come forward for the Jihad. If the country attacked has not
enough strength to fight back, then it is the religious duly of the neighbouring Muslim
countries to help her: if even they fail, then the Muslims of the whole world must fight
the common enemy. In all such cases, Jihad is as much a primary duty of the Muslims
concerned as are the daily prayers or fasting. One who shirks it is a sinner. His very
claim to being a Muslim is doubtful. He is a hypocrite whose lbadah and prayers are a
sham, a worthless, hollow show of devotion.