Explore Jihad (the Gospel of Unity) – Part 1: Jihad (fighting for Allah’s cause)

O Prophet! Fear Allah, and hearken not to the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites: verily Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom. 033.001.

But follow that which comes to thee by inspiration from thy Lord: for Allah is well acquainted with (all) that ye do. 033.002.

And put thy trust in Allah, and enough is Allah as a disposer of affairs. 033.003

I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (swt) alone; He has no partners (with him). I also testify that Prophet Muhammad (owbp), is His slave and His Apostle, the one sent by Allah (swt) as a mercy for the worlds (mankind and jinn’s). The one commanded by Allah (swt) to fight against the pagans, (and all those who ascribe partners with Him). He fought for Allah’s (swt) cause with all his power and ability. May Allah’s (swt) peace and blessings be upon him, upon his family, and upon his companions who believed in him, honored him, helped him and followed the light (the Qur’an) and his traditions (Sunnat). Those who emigrated, and fought in the cause of Allah (swt) with their properties, and with their lives, they were the supreme conquerors and heroes of Islam.

It is well known (to all Muslims) how our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (owbp) used to fight against the pagans, and all those who used to ascribe partners with Allah (swt). The Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (owbp) task to stop ignorance and mischievousness from spreading was not easy, and despite the harm and injuries he had suffered, he still continued to carry on inviting the people to Allah (swt), and persisted in this invitation for 13 years. He used to visit the people in their gatherings and in the market place. He would recite the Holy Qur’an to the people, but most of them were hard minded and continued in their transgression. The Quraish people oppressed and harmed him and his followers, in order to screen them from their Religion (Islam), even to the extent that they exiled them from their homeland. Some of them fled to Ethiopia, and some went to Al-Medina, some remained patient in Mecca in spite of the harm they received.

They were made to suffer from hunger and thirst, and they were beaten in a very horrible manner, so much so that some of them weren’t able to sit straight from the severity of their beatings. They used to tie a rope around the neck of Hazrat Bilal (Allah (swt) be pleased with him) and pull him through the pathways of Mecca. They also used to harm the Holy Prophet Muhammad (owbp) too: they strangled him till the eyes of the Holy Prophet bulged out and Hazrat Abu-Bakr r.a. rushed and released the Prophet and he said to the people, “Would you kill a man because he says my Lord is Allah”? With all the suffering that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (owbp) and his followers faced, Allah (swt) made fighting (jihad) obligatory, as mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:

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

And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith. (2:191),

And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression.(2:193).

These fights (holy wars) against the unbelievers were a test and trial for the Holy Prophet and his followers. As mentioned in ch 47: 4; but if it had been Allah’s (swt) will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself) but (He lets you fight) in order to test you. In the first set of fights there were great loss of life: but when the enemies are fairly beaten, the believers were tested in their faith by the extent to which they were willing to make sacrifices, even to the point of losing their lives: these fights were also a test to the enemies of Islam, as to whether they would repent and accept Islam and live a righteous life. Allah (swt) made the fighting obligatory for the Muslims and gave importance to the subject matter of jihad in all the Suras (chapters of the Holy Qur’an) which were revealed (at Medina) See ch9:41 and ch2:216, ch61:11, ch61:12, ch61:13, ch9:19, ch9:20, and ch9:21.

From what we read so far, we can clearly understand that Jihad is a struggle against odds. This struggle must be carried out with patience and prayers, as in the days of the Holy Prophet (owbp), and the people who were obedient to him and his teachings which were under the direction of Allah Almighty. The people of true faith had accepted and obeyed the directions given to them by the Holy Prophet (owbp) with cheerfulness. Obedience, intelligence, discipline, zeal, faith and gratitude to Allah Almighty were the true passports to success and protection from assaults of evil.

Killing oneself and innocent people for a reward from accessory motives, it is not Jihad, but it is fraudulent and willful disobedience to the Holy Prophets’ (owbp) teachings, and the teachings of the Holy Qur’an. Jihad is a test and challenge to the true believers; it is a very difficult task in one’s life, especially for those people who are facing up to some calamity or odd against them.
To overcome the struggles in this life is to follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet (owbp) and the way he took hold of his struggles by true obedience to his creator Allah Almighty, who comforts him, and who directs his mind to three precepts, 1) to forgive injuries, insults and persecution, 2) to continue to declare the faith that was in him, and not only declare it, but to act upon it in all his dealings with friends and foes, 3) to pay no attention to ignorant fools who raise doubts or difficulties, hurled taunts or reproaches, or devised plots to defeat the truth; they were to be ignored and passed by, not to be engaged in fights and fruitiest controversies or conciliated by compromises.

The religion before Allah is Islam (submission to his will) 3:19.

“As to those who deny the signs of Allah, and in his defiance of right slay the Prophets, and slay those who teach just dealing with mankind, announce to them a grievous penalty”. 3:21.

Examples of the Prophets slain were; the Jihad they suffered from the righteous blood of Abel, the son of Hazrat Adam (pbut) unto the blood of Zacharias, son of Barachias, whom were slew between the temple and the altar. John the Baptist (Yahya) noble chaste, a Prophet of the goodly company of the righteous was bound, imprisoned and beheaded.

They were some of Allah’s (swt) messengers who suffered and struggled through heavy odd against them as mention in Al-Qur’an:

(Abraham) said,” So ye then worship, besides Allah. things that can neither be of any good to you nor do you harm? 21:66

They said, “Burn him and protect your gods, If ye do (anything at all)!” 21:68.
We said “O fire be thou cool, and (a means of) safety for Abraham. 21:69.

And to Lut too we give judgment and knowledge, and we saved from the town which practiced abomination. 21:74.

Remember Noah when he cried (to us) 21:76.

We helped him against people who reject our signs; truly they were a people given to evil, so we drowned them (in the flood all together). 21:77.

And remember David and Solomon, when they gave judgment in the matter of the field into which the sheep of certain people had strayed by night: We did witness their judgment. 21:78.

To Solomon we inspired the right understanding of the matter: to each (of them) we give judgment and knowledge: It was our power that made the hills and the birds celebrate our praise with David. 21:79.

And (remember) Job when he cried to his lord. “Truly distress has seized me, but thou art most merciful of those that are merciful. 21:83.

And remember Zun-Nun when he departed in wrath; he imagined that we had no power over him! But he cried through the depths of darkness, there is no God but thou; Glory to Thee: I was indeed wrong. 21:87

Zun-Nun is the title of Jonah, he was the Prophet raised to warn the Assyrian capital Nineveh. When his first warning was unheeded by the people, he denounced Gods’ wrath on them. But they repented and they were forgiven for the time being. Jonah (known as Prophet Yunus) meanwhile, departed in wrath discouraged at the apparent failure of his mission. One day he went away to the sea and took a ship, but apparently the sailors of the ship threw him out as a man of bad omen in a storm. He was swallowed by a big fish, and by his repentance Allah (swt) forgave him, and so the fish cast him out ashore where he was given the shelter of a plant. In his state of mental and physical lassitude, he was refreshed and strengthened, and the work of his mission prospered.

The real Jihad is the Gospel of unity, which is the true cure for all evil; for it gives the good news of God’s supreme power, His mercy and His forgiveness. It warns us to avoid evil; for evil arose from selfish pride rebellion. No power has it over God Almighty servants, who are sincere and true. While revelation comes as a gift, free to all of God’s creation. The Holy Qur’an states:

Say: “No reward do I ask of you for this (Qur’an), nor am I a pretender. Ch.38:86.

The Holy Prophet (owbp) neither seeks nor expects any reward from man; on the contrary he suffered much at the evil ones hands, he is unselfish and satisfied with the hope that each one who will take a straight path to his Lord would be his true follower and will make him proud. Let’s strive for peace and justice through sincere devotion and we shall arrive at the goal in the hereafter.

Allah (swt) provides guidance in every way for those who turn to Him in repentance, but He will leave those to wander astray who deliberately close their eyes and their hearts to His grace and the comfort that comes from remembering Him and celebrating His praises.

Allah’s (swt) signs or miracles are not something external: it is something internal, something in our mind, heart and soul. It depends on our inner spiritual experience. If we turn to Him, His blessed light would enable us to feel and experience the happiness from it, just as we enjoy a beautiful moon lit night. If we do not turn to Him then we would never experience His blessings and His favors and He will never force us into the remembrance of Him as well.

Through repentance, the blessedness, an internal satisfaction, an inward joy, which is difficult to describe in words, but just by looking at a pious person’s face, the joy reflects itself in the good persons face, we are able to receive the same joy if we act with patience and justice, and carry out Allah’s (swt) messages the way His Prophets and Apostles used to, for His messages and His laws are always the same, Sins or Corruption prepares its own destruction. It was so with the generation of the Prophets. Persecution, abused and false charges were being leveled against them, but they were programmed to stand firm and do their duty to spread peace and unity amongst the people whom each one of them were sent to, as a guide with the truth from God Almighty.

In a minor degree, the sufferings which the Holy Prophets endured, and the struggles they encountered during their lifetime and the way they stood firm in their faith by constantly obeying the commands of their Lord, is surely an example for us to follow. Those of us who are struggling in the cause of Truth by Allah (swt) we surely will be rewarded for our efforts. As Allah (swt) mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:

As to the Righteous, they shall drink of a Cup (of Wine) mixed with Kafur, 76.05.

A Fountain where the Devotees of Allah do drink, making it flow in unstinted abundance.76.06.

They perform (their) vows, and they fear a Day whose evil flies far and wide. 76:07.

God Almighty Grace and His Mercy comes to those who are just and righteous in this world as well as in the hereafter. His penalty comes to those who are ignorant and act with injustice or out of revenge.

Allah’s (swt) will and His plan works in their own good time; we are told to believe that His promises of mercies and justice in this world and in the hereafter are indeed true. The days of true justice and judgment will come and we must prepare for it, by truly following His commandments and by following the footsteps of His Prophets. Their task consists of eliminating evil deeds from their roots and branches and replacing it with act of righteousness. They had to proclaim the truth of God Almighty messages far and wide, without fear and without favors. They flourished on God Almighty Grace and Guidance to remove evil and injustice amongst the people who were sinners.

The corruptions in the world today shouldn’t be happening as much, but many of us think that we can get the best of both worlds by compromising with good and evil, but this only increases the diseases of our own hearts; since we are not true to ourselves, and as such much mischief is caused by us who believes that we have a mission of peace; when we do not even have a true perception of right and wrong. By our blind arrogance, we oppress the good and encourage evil. The Holy Qur’an states:

Of the people there are some who say: “We believe in Allah and the Last Day;” but they do not (really) believe.002:008.

Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves, and realize (it) not! 2:09.

In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease: And grievous is the penalty they (incur), because they are false (to themselves).2:10

When it is said to them: “Make not mischief on the earth,” they say: “Why, we only Want to make peace!” 2:11

Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realize (it) not. 2:12

These are they who have bartered Guidance for error: But their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction, 2:16

Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness. So they could not see. 2:17

Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return (to the path).2:18

Let us ponder hard on these verses, especially verses 11-12-16. Believers are fighting against each other, killing, burning homes and vehicles, beating and raping innocent women, destroying people’s lives and their livestock. What is the cause for these fights? Surely it is not for Jihad, the innocent ones who are facing oppression from these ignorant fools, they are the ones who are struggling through a very difficult time in their lives. They are the ones who should be recognized and getting support from other Muslim brothers and sisters: and who so ever rushes to the aid of the suffering, will surely be rewarded by Allah (swt) with all the good things in this world and Jannat in the hereafter.

Allah’s (swt) gifts are given to all human’s, to some in a greater degree than others. We should work in love and unity and give all devotion to Him and Him alone. The day of requital is drawing ever near, when falsehood and injustice will vanish and truth and justice will be established for all eternity as this Ayah explains:

And to every soul will be paid in full (the fruit) of its Deeds; and (Allah) knoweth best all that they do. 39.70

When exclusive devotion is not rendered to Allah (swt), there is no true understanding in the minds: The Holy Qur’an confirms:

And your Lord says: “Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer): but those who are too arrogant to serve Me will surely find themselves in Hell – in humiliation!” 40.60

Allah’s (swt) wisdom and His attributes are perfect and everything around us confirms this: we are surrounded by His signs: If we follow His light without any doubt or fear, and with humility, He would crown us with the wisdom and understanding to act with justice and sympathy. Success will continue to crown our efforts of goodness until our last day on this earth. As mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:

O ye who believe! if ye fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion (to judge between right and wrong), remove from you (all) evil (that may afflict) you, and forgive you: for Allah is the Lord of grace unbounded. 8.29

Islam is an Arabic word; it is derived from two root words; Salam meaning peace and the other Silm meaning Submission. Islam stands for a commitment to surrender one’s will to the will of God Almighty.

It is through the submission to the will of God Almighty that peace is brought about. Islam is a worldwide Religion, and an outlook on life, it is based on the recognition of unity, not of race or color, it virtues depend on good actions and piety, not on wealth or power: Our mission is to follow and carry out the mission of all the Prophets with humble service and true dedication to our Creator (Allah swt). The purpose of our life in this world is to worship and to obey the commandments of God Almighty. Our Creator did not left us without any guidance for the conduct of our lives. The values and foundation of our lives should base on the golden chain of the Prophet’s messages to humanity.

The way men err from wrong doings, the Religion Islam is not to be blamed for man’s mistakes through their sins, mischief, corruption, arrogance and feelings of superiority, which brought about their own downfall in life. This was the attitude of Shaitan towards his Lord, as Allah (swt) mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:

Behold! We said to the angels, “Bow down to Adam”: They bowed down except Iblis. He was one of the Jinns, and he broke the Command of his Lord. Will ye then take him and his progeny as protectors rather than Me? And they are enemies to you! Evil would be the exchange for the wrong-doers! 18.50

Allah’s (swt) purposes always win to the destruction of evil, so was it with the stories of the Prophets and the Apostles of Allah (swt). They were men of true faith and they were men of righteousness and Messengers with glad tidings to the believers and serious warning of Allah’s (swt) punishment to the wrong doers.

Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (owbp) task was to deliver the messages of the Holy Qur’an to the people as He was inspired to do. His task wasn’t to force Islam on anyone or to make them believe in the Holy Qur’an. His task was to admonish those who were spiritually fit and those who were ready to receive admonition and to prepare themselves for the new and higher life destined for men in the hereafter. All the Prophets have taught the unity of Allah (swt), so we must always remember that Allah (swt) is always with us. The Holy Qur’an states:

Be not weary and faint-hearted, crying for peace, when ye should be uppermost: for Allah is with you, and will never put you in loss for your (good) deeds. 47.35

The same Religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah – the which We have sent by inspiration to thee – and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: Namely, that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than Allah, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn, (to Him). 42.13.

Allah (swt) caused many people to go deaf and spiritually blind due to their arrogant behavior towards the Prophets and the Apostles of Allah (swt). The ones that showed their love and respect, were the men of faith and loyalty to their spiritual leaders, and were very eager to get a command to serve the cause of Allah (swt), even if it was at the sacrifice of their lives. As mentioned in the Holy Qur’an: 47:7-9, if everyone in the world were true believers there wouldn’t have been so much destruction, because a true believer knows how to act with justice, when a disbeliever or a hypocrite only knows how to act as a blind person. If a blind person doesn’t get the help of someone who can guide then on the right path what terrible things can happen! Allah (swt) is the Protector; only for those who believe in Him, as mention in the Holy Qur’an:

That is because Allah is the Protector of those who believe, but those who reject Allah have no protector.47:11.

Willfully killing innocent people and using the word Jihad is not right. Whosoever is doing these kinds of acts, they are the ones who spring from the hypocrites of old as mentioned here in chapter 47:16, this verse is referred to the hypocrites (of old) who used to go to the assemblies of the Holy Prophet (owbp) and pretended to listen to him and his teachings but their hearts and their minds were not on his teachings, and so they did not grasp the unity of Islam and how it should be carried out with justice and not injustice. The legacy from these hypocrites of old, are the ones who are acting with injustice, and claiming that they are fighting for Jihad. The legacy from the true followers of the Holy Prophet (owbp) are those people whose actions are out for peace, love and unity amongst their neighbours and around their bothering of faith, the man of faith and loyalty were anxiously willing to obey the order of the Holy Prophet (owbp), when a definite and categorical command was issued from him under the inspiration from Allah (swt). Not so with those who were disloyal to him, the resolution from their actions (jihad) wasn’t under the guidance from Allah (swt), therefore they are the ones who fail to implement it by their own effort and sacrifice, which are in vain and not true to Allah (swt) and His Beloved Prophet (owbp). And such disloyalty and cowardice is what brings disgrace to Islam today. These people are deprived of Allah’s (swt) Grace, they are left to stray on the wrong path because they deliberately rejected Allah’s (swt) guidance, see 47:23-24, 27.

Islam invites all people to Allah Almighty’s truth and His messages from the Holy Qur’an, and there is no cause for dissembling, and conflict among our brother hood. We should be working together in unity and discipline to conquer evil since our missions as Muslims is to teach peace, love, unity and also a mission of righteousness for humanity to follow. The Holy Qur’an received through the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (owbp is a guide to the straight path. Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an in 36:1-7.

The people who are humble and kind received the Holy Qur’an with Allah’s (swt) mercy and blessings, but the people who are evil and filled with jealousy received it with no regard, and this caused spiritual blindness and corruptions.

The wild and the ignorant made fury of passion and sin attain its own destruction and cuts off the least hope of repentance or mercy. The Holy Qur’an states:

Verily, by thy life (O Prophet), in their wild intoxication, they wander in distraction, to and fro.15:72.

Those who have no spiritual hope for the future grasp at any temporary advantage and in their blindness they vainly challenge Allah (swt) in whom they do not believe. They do not believe in His punishment and therefore He blocked their knowledge. The result is that they were shut out from understanding the true meaning and the importance in the true messages from Allah (swt) about His peace and His punishment, also about His Signs in His creations, His mercies and His pleasure which is Paradise, and his punishment which is the fire of hell. They shut the gates of salvation and Allah (swt) mercies from entering their hearts. Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:

Follow (O men!) the revelation given unto you from your Lord, and follow not, as friends or protectors, other than Him. Little it is ye remember of admonition. 7:03.

Those without faith are self-absorbed and are so wrapped up in themselves that they think every good that comes to them is due to their own merits or cleverness. Self-absorbed men also want to read their own desires or fancies into Religious precepts and they are often willing to use Religion for their own end, and therefore most of the corruption in Religion is due to their fraudulent actions. The Holy Qur’an states:

Generations before you We destroyed when they did wrong: their messengers came to them with clear-signs, but they would not believe! thus do We requite those who sin! 10:13.

Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (owbp) had lived his whole life of purity and virtue among his people. The jihad that our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (owbp) suffered from was due to the persecution, oppression and the ill–treatment the people put him and his family through: The Prophet Muhammad (owbp) and his family and few followers had to hide and pray. With the permission of the Prophet (owbp) his early followers used to go to homes in secret and teach other family members about Islam. When the unbelievers caught them doing this they used to put them through all sorts of inhumane punishment. Al-Hamdu-lillah we do not have this kind of fear or restriction today. We have it very easy now, to teach people about Islam, cruelty is not the way to do so. If we adore Allah (swt), He will make us learn through wisdom and understanding. The Holy Qur’an states:

O ye people! Adore your Guardian-Lord, who created you and those who came before you, that ye may have the chance to learn righteousness; 2:21.

Adoration is the act of the highest and humblest reverence and worship. When we get into the relationship with Allah (swt), He will strengthen our faith and grant us wisdom and understanding so that we may act with justice and mercy. He also said that kind words and covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury. (Al-Qur’an 2:263).

The duty of God’s Messenger was to deliver His messages as it was revealed to him, whether it pleases or displeased those who heard it. And even if it was for the people own good. He had to plead again, and again with them: “Will you (Oh people) not understand and see what glorious privilege it is for you to receive true guidance from God Almighty? Some accepted what he had to say and some laughed, stoned and mocked him and so Allah (swt) gave him permission to fight the people who were the oppressors and who were his enemies that went looking for him and his followers to kill and destroy their lives. Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:

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

And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression. 2:193

Let us bear this in our minds and let us not belittle him, it is disgracing to our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (owbp) with the wrong actions of killing innocent people. When the people challenged the Holy Prophet (owbp) to fight he refused, because his nature was not built on cruelty. He was not blood-thirsty; he was instead humble, kind and merciful. He could not disobey the revelation from Almighty Allah, telling him to fight with those people who were tormenting him. The people used to ridicule him and throw dirt and filth on him. They would throw stones on him, causing him to bleed, and in all of this pain and anguish he would lift his hands in humble supplication to pray for Allah’s (swt) mercies for these people. So Allah (swt) sent down the permission to fight them. Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:

Just as thy Lord ordered thee out of thy house in truth, even though a party among the Believers disliked it, 8:5. See also chapter 2 verses 190&193 above.

Remember how the Unbelievers plotted against thee, to keep thee in bonds, or slay thee, or get thee out (of thy home). They plot and plan, and Allah too plans; but the best of planners is Allah. 8:30.

These battles would take place in the deserts of Arabia, children and women were not allowed to take part, this was the condition set by the Holy Prophet (owbp) , but yet the people used to attack the women and children in their homes. This is the same thing that is taking place today, disobedience to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (owbp), who are we really following?

It is definitely not the teachings of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (owbp) nor the teachings of the Holy Qur’an or any of Allah’s Apostles, for lots of them suffered as well to help bring the people out of darkness, and none of them were cruel to the disbelievers.

Today there is so much cruelty and injustice in the world and it has nothing to do with Islam or any other Religion as a matter of fact, it is not an act of Jihad, since Jihad is an act of struggling in the path of Allah (swt) with words of wisdom, patience and constancy in faith, prayers and the remembrance of Allah (swt). It also may require fighting in God’s cause as a form of self-sacrifice, but mere brutality and cruelty is opposed to the whole spirit of Jihad. A valuable form of Jihad is what the true, sincere, righteous people contribute, such as their words of wisdom, wealth in charity, patience as a true and kind soldier, acting with justice and those who strive and suffer in God’s cause. The God -fearing people who struggled with some serious illnesses and calamities fought their battle with patience and prayers, they are the ones who Jihad is accepted and they are the ones who guard themselves from evil, and fought their struggled with deeds of righteousness. For Allah (swt) loves those whose action are righteous. Chapter 5 verses 96-97.

The Holy Qur’an was revealed as a result of many supplications our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (owbp) made to Allah (swt) in pleading for mercy for the people who were ignorant and who quarrelled with him and his followers. His last wish was for his Ummah to live with peace and unity among themselves. He used to spend most of his time in the cave of Hira. Days upon days and nights upon nights he would stand in prayers and humbling himself to Allah (swt) pleading for His mercy. When Allah (swt) sent down ease to him (as in Surah 94 of the Holy Qur’an) His mind and his heart was expanded and purified. The burden of his sorrow and the darkness of difficulties that was resting on his shoulders had been removed. His name was exalted in this world, and it will be in the next one as well. His mission was noble, and the path of his mission (Islam) is simple. It does not depend on mysteries of self – mortification, but on a straight way, and conduct of good actions such as justice, patience and kindness.

True faith leads to humility. the true martyrdom was the sacrifice of life in the service of Allah (swt) and only the Holy Prophet (owbp) could have judged the truths, who were the people that deserved to be a martyr (since many people wanted to be martyrs due to their love for Allah (swt) and the Holy Prophet (owbp). Since only he had the right and privilege to act with Allah’s (swt) command and His favors. As the Holy Prophet (owbp) will never act with injustice or willfully force someone into injuring their lives in a state of conflict or war. The believers who were strong in their faith and love for Allah (swt) and His Prophet (owbp) were the ones that were fit and willing to sacrifice their lives in the service of Allah (swt) (in battle).

They also handled their injuries with firmness of patience, prayers and the remembrance of Allah (swt). They also had the full understanding when in a state of war or conflict, they must act as good as they could, in such case their retaliation was permissible provided the injury they inflicted was only to the persons who were their enemies. And the injury was not greater than that which they had received. They also had the full understanding that Allah (swt) is Merciful and Just and He permit’s retaliation under certain restrictions, which they were willing to obey and carry out.

They were very obedient and respectful to the Holy Prophet (owbp) as they were his followers and he was a guide and a great exemplar among them. And as such those who were his followers ought to be examples amongst each other. The best witnesses to God’s truth are those who show its light in their conduct of righteousness and justice.

Revelation should ease the difficulties of our hearts and minds, for it tells the story of man’s spiritual past. Allah (swt) works in His world in mercy for His true servants (His Apostles and Prophets) and in just punishment for the evil and wicked people. Thus it was it in Hazrat Noah’s (pbuh) story. When He worked unselfishly to change the people. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

The people of Noah rejected the messengers. 26:105.

Behold, their brother Noah said to them: “Will ye not fear (Allah)? 26:106

The generation of Hazrat Noah (pbuh) had lost all faith and abandoned them to evil. When Hazrat Noah (pbuh) was told to construct a great ark, not a regular ship, but a huge vessel in order to remain afloat in the flood, no one believed him. The evil people taunted and ridiculed him, calling him a liar, Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:

But the chiefs of the Unbelievers among his people said: “We see (in) thee nothing but a man like ourselves: Nor do we see that any follow thee but the meanest among us, in judgment immature: Nor do we see in you (all) any merit above us: in fact we thing ye are liars!” 11:27.

But he was rejected not only by the people, but by his own son and one of his wives. It became so bad that a point was reached where it was evident that there was no hope of saving these evil people, since they were bravely courting their own destruction.

Hazrat Noah (pbuh) was overwhelmed with oppression and torment from the evil people. So he raised his hands in humble supplication, and he pleaded for help from Allah (swt) as mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:

Then he called on his Lord: “I am one overcome: do Thou then help (me)!”54:10 and so Allah helped him, So We opened the gates of heaven, with water pouring forth. 54:11.

And We caused the earth to gush forth with springs, so the waters met (and rose) to the extent decreed. 54:12, But We bore him on an (Ark) made of broad planks and caulked with palm-fibre: 54:13

Even Hazrat Noah’s (pbuh) son and one of his wives were among those who perished in the flood. Before his son perished Hazrat Noah’s (pbuh) heart was in pain for his son and he raised his hand in humble supplication to plead with Allah (swt) to save his son, but his prayer was turned down. Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:

And Noah called upon his Lord, and said: “O my Lord! surely my son is of my family! and Thy promise is true, and Thou art the justest of Judges!” 11:045.

He said: “O Noah! He is not of thy family: For his conduct is unrighteous. So ask not of Me that of which thou hast no knowledge! I give thee counsel, lest thou act like the ignorant!” 11:46.

This was the struggle of Prophet Noah (pbuh) to his people and the legacy of Prophet Hud (pbuh) and their difficult task in their struggle (jihad) continued. The Apostles and Prophets were great exemplars of virtues in their conduct. Their struggle (jihad) was the utmost effort of striving in the way of righteousness. Jihad then in the days of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (owbp) was the Muslim’s idea of salvation, to conquered evil stage by stage.

War was only permissible in the days of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (owbp) in self defense and under well defined limits. When undertaken it must be with vigor but not relentlessly, but only to restore peace and freedom for the worship of Allah (swt). Strict limits of cruelty were not to be in transgression: women, children, old men and old women were not to be molested, nor trees and crops cut down, and peace should be prevailed when the enemy comes to terms. In general Islam is the Religion of Peace, Goodwill, Love, Unity and mutual understanding.

The Religion Islam will not stand for any injustice and wrong actions. The true Muslims are those who hold their lives in cheap in the defence of honor and justice for their noble Religion Islam, which they hold sacred. Their ideal is that of heroic virtue combined with unselfish gentleness such as is exemplified in the life of the Apostles and Prophet Muhammad (owbp). They also have the full knowledge and wisdom to know that war in those days (where Islam was easily practiced wrong), they would not take part in such war because of their obedience and discipline towards Allah (swt) and His Beloved Apostle, and also for the establishment of Allah’s (swt) truth and righteousness.

The need for a Prophet arose whenever there was some corruption and inequity among the people, which he is sent to conduct. His presence then means a lot of trial and suffering, especially to the people who joined him in his protest against evil and committing wrong acts. See Al-Qur’an: 7:94, 7:104, 7:105

The story of Prophet Moses (pbuh) is told in many places in the Holy Qur’an with a special lesson in each context. In the story of many Apostles and Prophets such as Prophet Moses (pbuh), we have an instructive parallelism similar to the story of Prophet Muhammad’s (owbp) mission. These similarities include: How both of these righteous men of God had to fight against: 1. A foreign foe, which was arrogant, unjust, faithless and superstitious and 2. Against the same class of internal foes among their people.

Both of them won, however, in the case of Moses (pbuh) the foreign foe was Pharaoh and the Egyptians who boasted of their superior civilization. In the case of the Prophet Muhammad (owbp) the foreign foes were the Jews and the Christians of his day. Prophet Moses (pbuh) led his people to the land of promise. Prophet Muhammad (owbp) succeeded completely in overcoming the resistance of his own people. Alhamdu-Lillah. May Allah (swt) bless them both and unite us with them after our death, Ameen.

Each Apostle’s and Prophets were sent on a mission to teach the people on accord of their ignorant conduct and circumstances. The jihad of today is not like in the days of the Apostles and Prophets, they were people who were very God-fearing, merciful and humble. They were never too proud to seek help from Allah (swt) in their humble supplication; they sought help for several things such as: Mercy, Patience, Guidance, Faith, Protection from evil, and Help for their followers, Miracles and more. History has taught us how the people were wicked, oppressive, and vulgar, how they stoned and ridiculed both the Apostles and the Prophets, so much so that the Apostles and Prophets used to cry in pain and anguish in their complain to Allah (swt). Allah (swt) answered most of their humble supplications and Allah (swt) destroyed many of the people in their homes and in their cities, as we learned from Prophet Noah (pbuh) story.

The people during the days of the Apostles and Prophets were men without understanding, many of them who were trying to outdo each other. In order to help His Messengers, Allah (swt) caused earthquakes to destroy the people of the Thamud. Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:

To the Thamud people (We sent) Salih, one of their own brethren: He said: “O my people! Worship Allah: ye have no other god but Him. Now hath come unto you a clear (Sign) from your Lord! This she-camel of Allah is a Sign unto you: So leave her to graze in Allah’s earth, and let her come to no harm, or ye shall be seized with a grievous punishment. 7:73.

They were brave and they were bold enough to disobey the order of Allah (swt) righteous servants, so they faced the consequences of their actions. The same thing happened with the people who rebelled towards the Apostle Lut (pbuh). Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:

but we saved him and his family, except his wife: she was of those who legged behind. 7:83,
And we rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): Then see what was the end of those who indulged in sin and crime! 7:84.

To the Madyan people the Apostle Shu’aib (pbuh) was a big joke, so they were also destroyed by a terrible earthquake. Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:

But the earthquake took them unawares, and they lay prostrate in their homes before the morning! 7:91

The men who reject Shu’aib became as if they had never been in the homes where they had flourished: the men who rejected Shu’aib – it was they who were ruined! 7:92

The people of Moses (pbuh) and the rebellious people of Pharaoh were drowned in the flood where they were covered up by the red sea. Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:

We sent an inspiration to Moses: “Travel by night with My servants, and strike a dry path for them through the sea, without fear of being overtaken (by Pharaoh) and without (any other) fear.” 20:77.

Then Pharaoh pursued them with his forces, but the waters completely overwhelmed them and covered them up. 20:78

Many more people were wiped out for their sins. Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:

And remember We took from the prophets their covenant: As (We did) from thee: from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus the son of Mary: We took from them a solemn covenant: 33:7.

Behold! they came on you from above you and from below you, and behold, the eyes became dim and the hearts gaped up to the throats, and ye imagined various (vain) thoughts about Allah! 33:10.

All these disasters happened in history where many cities were destroyed and the evil people were wiped out for their sins. Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:

But the (mighty) Blast overtook them before morning, 15:73,
And We turned (the cities) upside down, and rained down on them brimstones hard as baked clay. 15:74

If our claim is true that our Lord is Allah (swt), what fear can possibly come on us, or what calamity can there be to cause us grief? For our Lord is our Cherisher, Defender and Helper, our hope, our comfort, which can never fail. All Prophets have taught the unity of God and our duty to one another is to love and to live with peace and humbleness. Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:

Pharaoh, and those before him, and the Cities Overthrown, committed habitual Sin. 69:9

Each individual, each generation and people are responsible for their good deeds or misdeeds. You cannot blame one for another in their good or bad actions. The only remedy lies in seeking for God’s Grace and His Mercy, not only for ourselves but for others in a brotherly or fatherly love.

There is no need to kill innocent people, and use the word Jihad to cover up deliberate actions of destroying innocent people’s lives. Jihad means struggle, struggling in the utmost effort of striving in the path of righteousness. The Apostles and Prophets used to lay down their lives against their enemies of Islam and against the unbelievers, to bring Islam where it is today. Jihad was especially carried out during the days of our Beloved Holy Prophet Muhammad (owbp) where he struggled with his enemies and the hypocrites who were against him. Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:

O Prophet! strive hard against the unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and be firm against them. Their abode is Hell, – an evil refuge indeed. 9:73

The Holy Prophet’s (owbp) struggle was the jihad he suffered with the people who were plotting to kill him when he was returning from Tabuk. The Holy Qur’an states:

They swear by Allah that they said nothing (evil), but indeed they uttered blasphemy, and they did it after accepting Islam; and they meditated a plot which they were unable to carry out: this revenge of theirs was (their) only return for the bounty with which Allah and His Messenger had enriched them! If they repent, it will be best for them; but if they turn back (to their evil ways), Allah will punish them with a grievous penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: They shall have none on earth to protect or help them. 9:74

Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (owbp) suffered many wounds; he was stoned and ridiculed by the unbelievers. His uncle Lahab “Father of flame” cursed the Holy Prophet and Lahab’s wife was a woman of equal character. Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:

Perish the hands of the Father of Flame! Perish he! 111:1,
No profit to him from all his wealth, and all his gains! 111:2,
Burnt soon will he be in a Fire of Blazing Flame! 111:3,
His wife shall carry the (crackling) wood – As fuel!- 111:4,
A twisted rope of palm-leaf fibre round her (own) neck! 111:5

She used to tie a bundle of thorns with ropes of twisted palm leaf fiber, and throw them in the dark path where the Holy Prophet (owbp) used to travel early in the morning to attend His prayers. This persecution that our Beloved Holy Prophet (owbp) suffered was because his message and his mission were to bring peace, love and unity among the tribes and nations. The legacy of these two wicked people’s conduct (Lahab and his wife) is still continuing in the world today.

The unbelievers who do not believe in a future life can therefore have no hope beyond this life, they are miserable in this life; for the negative things that happen to them in this life is real punishment to them, and for the believers the negative things that happened to them is just Allah’s (swt) test and His trial to help strengthen their faith and their love for Allah (swt), which would help them reach their goals in this life and the hereafter.

For those whose faith is weak and it goes and comes, faith for them is different, it is like a fleeting shadow that soon passes away and comes again. They will not be able to grasp firmness of faith and believe in Allah (swt) with this kind of attitude and as such they would be left astray in total darkness, as mentioned in the following verse of the Holy Qur’an:

O ye who believe! Turn not (for friendship) to people on whom is the Wrath of Allah, of the Hereafter they are already in despair, just as the Unbelievers are in despair about those (buried) in graves.60.13.

Jealousy and spite are causing serious pain on innocent people’s lives. Through jealousy people are turning to evil, and sorcery etc. Evil causes innocent children to walk around killing, raping and robbing other innocent children. Parents are miserable over their children’s behaviour, for the children’s behaviour is sometimes uncontrollable and unpredictable, for example whoever is possessed, their actions will be based on their conduct of self-deceit. Among friends they are easy going people, but whoever they are programmed to hurt they will. They will lash out at these people very aggressively. They will have no idea of truth and wrong, after each fight they will be ready to seek forgiveness and before you know it they are back to square one with their ridicule. The reason why I brought this in my topic of Jihad is because it is the same kind of evil that the unbelievers were involved in during the days of the Apostles. The Prophet Noah (pbuh) had to lift his hands in humble supplications and ask Allah (swt) to wipe out all the wicked people from the face of this earth just as the Qur’an says in 71:26-28. People used to ridicule and mock the Apostles calling them mad. Our Beloved Muhammad’s (owbp) heart was so full of grief, but Allah (swt) gave him peace of mind through these verses from the Holy Qur’an: 68:1-7. The mystic pen and the mystic record are the symbolical foundation of the revelation to man. The adjuration by the pen disposes of the flippant charge that Allah’s (swt) Messenger Prophet Muhammad (owbp) as well as the Apostles were not mad, nor possessed, for they spoke words of power, which were full of meaning and through the record of the pen that meaning unfolds itself in innumerable aspects to countless generations. Our Beloved Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (owbp) was the living grace and mercy of Allah (swt). Prophet Muhammad’s (owbp) very nature exalted him above abuse and persecution, and so it is for all of Allah’s (swt) Prophets and Apostles, and this legacy of goodness will continue in their sincere followers. So there is hope in the messages from Chapter 68 verses 1-7 of the Holy Qur’an for the people who wish to fight against the evil influences that they were innocently pushed into, or walked into.

Allah (swt) regards the humblest of His creatures and He hears their prayers and He sends Apostles out of their own brethren and to the Apostles He communicates the highest spiritual trust through His Angels, as mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:

Allah chooses messengers from angels and from men for Allah is He Who hears and sees (all things).22.75.

In each age when the message of Allah (swt) was renewed the very people who should have known better and who should have welcomed the messages of Allah (swt) with great love, respect and gratitude, they took it as a joke and they laughed at it. They mocked it because of their weak faith.

They laughed and mocked the Prophets and the Apostles with insults, and they then turned later to hostility and became unbelievers. They even rebuked the Holy Prophet (owbp) saying he is just a man like themselves, what they failed to realize was all Apostles and Prophets that were sent by Allah (swt) were men and not Angels or some other kind of being. They even accused him of witchcraft, of being a dreamer, a mad man, a poet who invented words and stories.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (owbp) migrated from Mecca to Medina where all the forces of truth and righteousness rallied around him, and the efforts by the Meccan’s and their confederates to destroy the Prophet and his community recoiled on their own hands. Gradually all the outlying parts of Arabia ranged themselves around his standards, and the bloodless conquest of Mecca was the prize of his patience and constant endeavours. After this whole tribes and countries collectively gave their adhesion to him, and before his earthly ministry was finished the soil was prepared for the conquest of the whole world for Islam. What was the lesson to be learnt from this history? Not man’s self glory, but humility, not power, but service, not an appeal to man’s selfishness or self sufficiency but a realization of Allah’s (swt) Grace and His Mercy, and the abundant outpouring of Allah’s (swt) Praises in word and in conduct. Our Beloved Prophet (owbp) had another duty and privilege to pray for grace and forgiveness for his people, and guidance for them (the believers).

Permission was given by Allah (swt) to the Prophets to fight the unbelievers who used to mock them. This order of fighting the enemies was given to the Prophets because of the oppression, violence and wickedness from their enemies. In today’s time believers are fighting against each other and they are calling it jihad, this is fraudulent and totally wrong. (Refer to the Holy Qur’an 47:4).

Before our Beloved Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (owbp) life on this earth, all who bowed to Allah (swt) were Muslims (Believers).

Our Beloved Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was a Muslim (Believer), but the people were too arrogant to see this. Some worshiped him as God and some blasphemed him calling him the son of God. They fought against each other in confusion. The Holy Prophet Jesus (pbuh) spoke to them in regard for them to worship Allah (swt) the one and only True God.

All the Apostles and Prophets struggled and fought their enemies to make Islam easy for us, but it is not enough for those of us who do not regard the hard task of the Prophets and Apostles.

Bombs are been used to destroy innocent lives, what regard do we have for Allah (swt) much less His Apostle’s and Prophets? Allah (swt) mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:

Chapter 4 verse 92 “Never should a believer kill a believer.

The lives of those who believe are sacred: If one is slain by mistake, full compensation should be made. Nor should a stranger, even in time of war, be treated as an enemy, without the fullest investigation. Every precaution should be taken with strong fear in one’s hearts for Allah’s (swt) punishment. Allah (swt) was merciful to all of His Apostles and Prophets. He protected all of them from their enemies. When they tried to crucify Jesus (pbuh), Allah (swt) brought Jesus (pbuh) to the heavens to be with Him. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

That they said (in boast), “We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah”;- but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not:- 4:157. Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise; – 4:158

Allah (swt) is always merciful to the people who show mercy. The people who go against Allah’s (swt) commandments through the teachings of His messengers are not on the right path. Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:

O ye who believe! Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and the scripture which He hath sent to His Messenger and the scripture which He sent to those before (him). Any who denieth Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Day of Judgment, hath gone far, far astray. 4:136.

O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).49:13.

These verses from the Holy Qur’an is addressed to all mankind and not only to Muslims; we can understand very clearly that before Allah (swt) we are all one, and as it is, we are descended from one pair of parents; Adam and Eve (pbut). Tribes, races and nations are convenient labels by which we may know certain differing characteristics. Only those people who truly love Allah (swt), His Angels, His Apostles and Prophets (pbut) are the true believers and servants of Allah (swt).

True justice in accordance with Allah’s (swt) law does not follow man’s selfish desires, only Allah’s (swt) will, which was revealed to our Beloved Prophets and Apostles: Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, Adam, Noah, Abraham and more (pbut). Allah (swt) sent His messages and warnings through all of His Blessed Messengers back in the days of ignorance, where tribalism and feuds were widespread (much like today). It is the mission of Islam to take us away from the ignorant attitude many of us hold over such things like racism, and religious differences. Islam calls for peace, love and unity. Islam teaches us to keep away from the people in whose hearts is a disease, to who religion is a mockery, and who worship evil. It is also against defamation that consists in speaking ill of one another or even acting wrongfully by judging someone whom we are not in a position to judge. A cutting biting remark or a taunt is hurtful and hard to forget, evil rumours can damage the good reputation of someone, and also spying, suspicion and back biting should be avoided. These are some crimes in themselves, for they cause cruel, injustice and can lead to mischievousness and malice in which case it is a sin added to sins.Ch 49:012.

Islam also teaches us to proclaim the truth of Allah (swt) and be not afraid. We must try to follow the people who are just, sincere and humble, since there won’t be any new Prophet to come. Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:

All who obey Allah and the messenger are in the company of those on whom is the Grace of Allah,- of the prophets (who teach), the sincere (lovers of Truth), the witnesses (who testify), and the Righteous (who do good): Ah! what a beautiful fellowship! 4:69.

If we ponder upon the meaning in this chapter Allah (swt) will help us to see clearly who the people are, that we should be following and take examples from, to help turn our lives to the right direction. Fortunate indeed was the generation among which the Prophets and Apostles walked and taught.

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