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The Call for Jihad?

By Khairu Rejal

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“Dying in the path of God is difficult, but living in the way of God is still more difficult”  

These are profound words spoken from the great reformer Hassan al-Banna in response to

the influx of brothers whom journeyed to Palestine in the 1940’s to be part of the response

against the Zionist encroachment. In this light, he was specifically referring to the common

view held then or perhaps even now in certain parts of the world that martyrdom in the

battle field or through an arm struggle per se, as the epitome of human salvation, is a

reductionist perspective totally.

It perhaps suggest that the biggest challenge that one faces is in fact not found in military

expedition through the chaos of wars and thick of battles but rather lies in the subtle yet 

challenging strive to live a life that is accordance or that derives the pleasure, light and love

of God.

To that end, one is easily reminded of a hadith of the Prophet (saw) though scholars have

classified this as weak yet the message is consistent with other similar narration - that of 

the "greater Jihad" more profound than involvement of military expeditions which is thejihad against the self, the ego and one's indulgence.

This is so true when one considers of the numerous distractions and challenges that exist 

which effortlessly causes one to be less of the individual that is so desired by God and thusliving a sojournhood that is close to the divine will – the summum bonum. And the idea of 

running off towards the nearest "action" where the potential martyrdom (and I am usingthe term in the most loose manner) is high might be a too easy way out.

Ergo it is through this view that the true sense of jihad is manifested. Jihad in its essence

which is to strive or to struggle cannot be narrowly classify as purely armed struggle but 

truly in its very essence reflect an overarching effort that conjoins one's time, wealth and

effort towards a cause that brings about well-being to oneself and especially that surrounds

oneself.

Not a mere philanthropical orientation

An interesting point to note on the side is when one reflects on the last few verses of Surah

as Saff: " ... and that you strive in the Path of Allah with your wealth and your self, that will be

better for you, if you but know." (61:11) reflects the factors of wealth and self as major

contribution to the Path of Allah. On a side note, this proves that the jihad itself is not 

exclusively a mere philanthropic exercise restricted in alms giving alone or in merely

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volunteering one's time alone but requires both aspect in order of the fullest fulfillment of 

the term: jihad.

 Agent of Change

In today's context, with the countless maladies encountered by humanity in general andespecially reflecting on the message of the Prophet (saw) viz: "  And we have sent you

(Muhammad) not but as a mercy for the a'lamin (mankind, and all that exists). " (21:107)

hence global issues such as: poverty, climate crisis, human injustice, oppression and

countless others falls categorically under the need of a jihad.

Hence, the garnering of efforts and contributions along with solutions to be discussed and

actualize into those areas of need is paramount in the spirit of this jihad. Thus removing

permanently whatever residual thoughts of an arm resistance or struggle being associate to

everything that is “jihad”.

"Invite all to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching. And argue with them 

in ways that are best and most gracious ... And if you punish, let your punishment be

 proportional to the wrong that has been done to you. But if you show patience, that is indeed 

the best course. Be patient, for your patience is from God. And do not grieve over them, or 

distress yourself because of their plots. For God is with those who restrain themselves, and 

those who do good." (16:125-128)

"Goodness and evil are not equal. Repel evil with what is better. Then that person with whom

there was hatred, may become your intimate friend! And no one will be granted such

  goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but people of the greatest good fortune. " (41:34-35)

The concept of jihad has perhaps through Western media created a certain impression in

minds of many Muslims and non-Muslims of maniacal bearded Islamist with the Qur'an in

one hand and an AK-47 in the other. So much so that in today's reality - the term is jihad

itself has become a big hush hush and attrace unwanter attention from a country’s internal

security element. Yet the apologetic view by Muslims no less creates an even far

detrimental effect on the whole understanding of the term jihad as largely a mechanism of 

positive social change or reform.

As citizens of this Earth, Muslims by default - base on their religious obligation has a duty to

make positive change to it. Therefore, it is with the jihadic factor that has been so often

misunderstood stands its best opportunity in realizing this point.