KNOWLEDGE, PROPAGATION & JIHAAD

Abu Sunaynah   

We are living in very difficult and painful times, filled with hardships, agonies, and calamities. Take a look at how the enemies of Islam have united against us. They are never this united except when they are conspiring against Islam and the Muslims. We must ask ourselves this: Why is it that they have the ability to inflict so much harm on us? Are we not the slaves of Allah and the followers of His honourable Messenger (SallAllahu alaihe wasallam)? If yes then why have they gathered against us to wipe us out?

Let us go back to the era of the Prophet (SallAllahu alaihe wasallam) and his Sahaabah (Companions). All of the Sahaabah are examples for us because they all learned directly from the Prophet (SallAllahu alaihe wasallam). They sacrificed all they could for this religion, in order for Tawheed (monotheism: Oneness of Allah) to prevail. All of their lives were spent for the sake of Allah, hypocrisy could never find its way into their hearts, they never felt burdened; they had strong faith and sound belief. They had strength which humanity had never experienced previously. They raised the banner of Jihaad everywhere. Among them were people like ‘The Chief of Shuhadaa’ (martyrs)’ Hadhrat Hamzah, uncle of the Prophet (SallAllahu alaihe wasallam), who once struck Abu Jahl on his face and wounded him for the sake of the Prophet (SallAllahu alaihe wasallam).

Another example is Hadhrat Khaalid Ibn Al-Waleed, who after becoming a Muslim, participated in every single battle that took place. Despite conquering so many different countries from the east to the west, he died at home on his bed. What a poignant lesson this is for all the cowards!

Hadrat Abu Qataadah narrated that the Prophet (SallAllahu alaihe wasallam) said regarding Hadhrat ‘Amr Ibne Al-Jamooh: “He will enter Jannah with his limping foot” (Ahmad, and others).

Allah says that which translates as: “Among the Believers are men who have been true to their Covenant with Allah: of them some have completed their vow (to the death), and among them some (still) wait: and they have never altered (their determination) in the least”. (Al Ahzaab: 23)

Hadhrat Anas bin Maalik’s mother’s conduct was exemplary when she refused to marry one of Quraish’s wealthiest men unless he became a Muslim.

A Muslim must remember carefully that the greatest danger that our Ummah could ever face is when righteousness is considered evil, and vice versa, if this happens then it is the end of our Ummah.

Did not morality become depravity in the sight of people? Or are not the people confused between the two? Gambling is widespread, bars are being opened up, and theft is taking place everywhere, so much so that the people don’t feel secure. Every day we hear about new incidents of theft, even in the city of a Muslim country! Corruption has spread in the streets; our youth are immersed in lusts and desires without anyone watching over them.

If somebody loses his or her wealth, he or she can earn it back; if loses his or her health, he or she will eventually recover; but if one loses the faith then he or she is as good as dead.

What is the reason for all of this? What is the correct way out of trials and hardships?

The answer is obvious and very clear; we all know that it is to return to Allah. Allah says that which translates as: “Indeed this Quraan guides to that which is most right (or stable), and gives glad tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they shall have a magnificent reward”. (Al-Israa’: 9)

“Indeed this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow (other) paths: they will scatter you about from His (great) path. This has He instructed you so that you may become righteous”. (Al- An’aam: 153)

“Say ‘This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight, I and those who follow me. And exalted is Allah; and I am not of those who associate others with Him’”. (Yousuf: 108)

I ask to all of the Ummah: which of you would follow these divine instructions? Who truly believes in Allah with sincerity? Who would perform Jihaad for the sake of Allah and act for the welfare of Islam? Who amongst us has a sound and pure intention for Allah alone?

The Prophet (SallAllahu alaihe wasallam) sent the great companion Hadhrat Mus’ab bin ‘Umair to Madinah al Munawwarah in order to educate the enemies of Islam (at that time). Hadhrat Mus’ab went about carrying the message of Allah, the Quraan being his weapon. That is the true guidance from Allah; that is the straight path, and the clear enlightenment. Hadhrat Mus’ab brought Islam to every house in Madinah al Munawwarah, he brought guidance to every house carrying only the Quraan and the Quraan is more than sufficient.

Only one man spread Islam in the entire city; he had no concern for the pleasures of this vanishing life. The Prophet (SallAllahu alaihe wasallam) gave him the war-flag on the day of battle of Uhud, he went out to the battlefield wearing an old garment filled with patches -- and the next day he was of the dwellers of Jannah (Paradise). He used to wear expensive silk clothes before Islam, but when he carried the flag in Islam he had on rough clothes. He fought courageously in the battle, fear was not something he acknowledged, he never retreated but was always going forward steadfast and brave. His right hand was cut off, so he held the flag with his left hand until that too was cut of, finally he held the flag between his shoulders with both his arms, until the swords of the enemies struck him to death.

When the battle was over, the Prophet (SallAllahu alaihe wasallam) and his companions identified him and buried him in his clothes, this is because a Shaheed (martyr) is not to be shrouded, so that his clothes can intercede for him on the Day of Qiyaamah (Resurrection). His blood will have the colour of blood but would smell like musk. Allah says that which translates as: “And do not say about those who are killed in the way of Allah ‘They are dead.’ Rather, they are alive, they are alive, but you perceive (it) not.” (Al-Baqarah: 154)

Shahaadah (Martyrdom) is an honour that is only granted to those who are sincere. The Prophet (SallAllahu alaihe wasallam) buried Hadhrat Mus’ab in his clothes, which would uncover his feet if they covered his face, due to the lack of material. Therefore the Prophet (SallAllahu alaihe wasallam) said: “Cover his head with his clothes, and his feet with green plants”. (Bukhaari & Muslim)

Hadhrat Mus’ab became a Shaheed, he died as men should die, but do Muslims today know how to carry the flag of Islam and protect it? Or are they insisting on proceeding with relying on the oppressive powers?

The worldly powers will not protect you, nor are they able to release you from the oppression befalling you. Flee to Allah, as there will be neither any might nor victory except from Allah, He alone is capable of everything, He is The Best Protector, and The Excellent Helper.

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