By Maulana Muhammad Masood Azhar حفظه الله

1) No Deed Equivalent To Jihad

Narrated Abu Huraira (رضي الله عنه), a man came to the Messenger of Allah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) and said, 'Instruct me as to such a deed as equals Jihad (in reward).' He (صلي الله عليه وسلم) replied, 'I do not find such a deed.' Then he (صلي الله عليه وسلم) added, 'Can you, while the Muslim fighter is in the battlefield, enter your Mosque to perform prayers without cease and fast and never break your fast?' The man said, 'But who can do that?' Abu Huraira (رضي الله عنه) added, 'The Mujahid (Muslim fighter) is rewarded even for the footsteps of his horse while it wanders about (for grazing) tied on a long rope.' (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1, p 391)

The virtue of an action is based upon its importance and its high status. Taking this into account the aim of Jihad is the elevation of Allah’s word and this cannot be achieved without Jihad. For this reason the most virtuous deed stated in this hadith is Jihad. To comprehend this virtuous deed by the human mind may prove difficult, but only Allah’s grace and mercy can enlighten us in this respect.

When we examine the religious laws in providing the reasons for Jihad being the most virtuous deed, we can present the view that Jihad is actually the protector of all other deeds. It is on account of Jihad that Muslims can be at ease and be able to lead their wav of life, fulfilling all obligations without the fear of the enemy. When Jihad is neglected, it is inevitable that the kuffar (unbelievers) will overpower the Muslims resulting in a breakdown of the Islamic way of life. Another reason for Jihad being the most virtuous deed is that a person sacrifices his two beloved things which are, his life and his wealth which is unlike other deeds. It can easily be concluded by this explanation why other deeds cannot compete with Jihad. In reference to some Ahadith in which other deeds have been given priority, the focus has been on a specific aspect and this has been considered acceptable. Generally, the Scholars of Hadith have given priority to Jihad by analyzing the details of the above Hadith. A great Scholar of Hadith, Kazi Ayadh Maliki states, 'One realizes the great status of Jihad by this hadith and no deed is equivalent to Jihad.' (Fathul Bari, Vol 6, p 5)

[The Virtues of Jihad]

» Posted by Seifeddine-M on 29th January 2011

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