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Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Offensive Jihad (view source)

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{{QuranHadithScholarsIndex}}
{{QuranHadithScholarsIndex}}


Offensive jihad, known in Arabic as جهاد الطلب "jihad at-talab" ("the jihad of request", referring to the invitation to Islam which must be sent to the opposing infidels before hostilities may commence), is understood in the classical sources as an offensive struggle against [[Dar al-Harb and Dar al-Islam (the Abodes of War and Peace)|Dar Al-Harb]] (the House of War or the realm of the infidels), is a duty incumbent upon Muslims and the [[Ummah]], and as such is to be carried out in a variety of ways. Outright war and fighting is permitted, and as the prophet himself said (in agreement with many great generals and military leaders throughout history such as Sun Tzu and von Clausewitz) "war is deceit" and as such breaking treaties, oaths, and promises is permittable as a part of Jihad on the path of Allah, and likewise all other forms of misdirection as a part of jihad. Muslim scholars generally agree that the the duty of Jihad is eternal until "the religion is to Allah" yet significant differences exist between scholars about whether Jihad may be validly conducted when the presence of a caliph and commander of the faithful is lacking. This difference constitutes a major point of contention between salafi-jihadis and conservative but quietist salafi factions, with the jihadis believing that a caliph is not a necessary pre-requisite for jihad. Modernist Islamic scholars argue that the traditional interpretations are mistaken, overextend the doctrine of abrogation and were a result of the need to legitimise the emerging empire and Caliphates. They argue that the Quran does not itself sanction expansionist warfare nor reveals an evolution in the extent of its permission to fight, contrary to traditional interpretation. Although differences exist in the modern understanding of when and where jihad may be conducted, the classical sources are generally in agreement that "jihad fi sabil allah" "Jihad-warfare on the path of god" against the unbelievers [[Jihad_as_Obligation_(Fard)|is a duty]] incumbent upon all able-bodied Muslim men when Muslim lands are threatened, or a duty that must be fulfilled by a group from among them for expansionary purposes.  
Offensive jihad, known in Arabic as جهاد الطلب "jihad at-talab" ("the jihad of request", referring to the invitation to Islam which must be sent to the opposing infidels before hostilities may commence), is understood in the classical sources as an offensive struggle against [[Dar al-Harb and Dar al-Islam (the Abodes of War and Peace)|Dar Al-Harb]] (the House of War or the realm of the infidels), is a duty incumbent upon Muslims and the [[Ummah]], and as such is to be carried out in a variety of ways. Muslim scholars generally agree that the the duty of Jihad is eternal until "the religion is for Allah" yet significant differences exist between scholars about whether Jihad may be validly conducted when the presence of a caliph and commander of the faithful is lacking. This difference constitutes a major point of contention between salafi-jihadis and conservative but quietist salafi factions, with the jihadis believing that a caliph is not a necessary pre-requisite for jihad. Modernist Islamic scholars argue that the traditional interpretations are mistaken, overextend the doctrine of abrogation and were a result of the need to legitimise the emerging empire and Caliphates. They argue that the Quran does not itself sanction expansionist warfare nor reveals an evolution in the extent of its permission to fight, contrary to traditional interpretation. Although differences exist in the modern understanding of when and where jihad may be conducted, the classical sources are generally in agreement that "jihad fi sabil allah" "Jihad-warfare on the path of god" against the unbelievers [[Jihad_as_Obligation_(Fard)|is a duty]] incumbent upon all able-bodied Muslim men when Muslim lands are threatened, or a duty that must be fulfilled by a group from among them for expansionary purposes.  


{{Main|Jihad in Islamic Law}}
{{Main|Jihad in Islamic Law}}
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Known by some scholars as the "sword verse" in Surah at-Tawbah of the Qur'an, verse 9:29 has been interpreted by many Islamic scholars throughout history as a never-ending call for jihad against the [[Dar al-Harb and Dar al-Islam (the Abodes of War and Peace)|Dar-al-Harb]], abrogating a large number of earlier verses. This was not a universal view, however, and is also contested by Islamic modernist scholars today, who argue that the Quran does not sanction expansionist warfare but rather emphasises defensive fighting against aggression and religious persecution, with the expansionist-abrogationist view being linked to the early imperial-political situation (see discussion in the main article).
Known by some scholars as the "sword verse" in Surah at-Tawbah of the Qur'an, verse 9:29 has been interpreted by many Islamic scholars throughout history as a never-ending call for jihad against the [[Dar al-Harb and Dar al-Islam (the Abodes of War and Peace)|Dar-al-Harb]], abrogating a large number of earlier verses. This was not a universal view, however, and is also contested by Islamic modernist scholars today, who argue that the Quran does not sanction expansionist warfare but rather emphasises defensive fighting against aggression and religious persecution, with the expansionist-abrogationist view being linked to the early imperial-political situation (see discussion in the main article).


===='''Verse 9:29'''====
====Verse 9:29====
{{Quote|{{Quran|9|29}}|Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.}}
{{Quote|{{Quran|9|29}}|Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allah and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth from those who were given the Scripture - [fight] until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled.}}


Here is Quran 9:29 in context, this verse is commonly known as ''the verse of the sword'' and relates to Jews and Christians.
Here is Quran 9:29 in context, this verse is commonly known as ''the verse of the sword'' and relates to Jews and Christians.


{{Quote|{{Quran-range|9|29|35}}|Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.
{{Quote|{{Quran-range|9|29|35}}|Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allah and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth from those who were given the Scripture - [fight] until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled.


And the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah, and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah. That is their saying with their mouths. They imitate the saying of those who disbelieved of old. Allah (Himself) fighteth against them. How perverse are they!
The Jews say, "Ezra is the son of Allah "; and the Christians say, "The Messiah is the son of Allah." That is their statement from their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved [before them]. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?


They have taken as lords beside Allah their rabbis and their monks and the Messiah son of Mary, when they were bidden to worship only One Allah. There is no Allah save Him. Be He Glorified from all that they ascribe as partner (unto Him)!
They have taken their scholars and monks as lords besides Allah, and [also] the Messiah, the son of Mary. And they were not commanded except to worship one God; there is no deity except Him. Exalted is He above whatever they associate with Him.


Fain would they put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah disdaineth (aught) save that He shall perfect His light, however much the disbelievers are averse.
They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah refuses except to perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it.


He it is Who hath sent His messenger with the guidance and the Religion of Truth, that He may cause it to prevail over all religion, however much the idolaters may be averse.
It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, although they who associate others with Allah dislike it.


O ye who believe! Lo! many of the (Jewish) rabbis and the (Christian) monks devour the wealth of mankind wantonly and debar (men) from the way of Allah. They who hoard up gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah, unto them give tidings (O Muhammad) of a painful doom,
O you who have believed, indeed many of the scholars and the monks devour the wealth of people unjustly and avert [them] from the way of Allah. And those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah - give them tidings of a painful punishment.


On the day when it will (all) be heated in the fire of hell, and their foreheads and their flanks and their backs will be branded therewith (and it will be said unto them): Here is that which ye hoarded for yourselves. Now taste of what ye used to hoard.}}
The Day when it will be heated in the fire of Hell and seared therewith will be their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, [it will be said], "This is what you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you used to hoard."}}


The classical commentator Ibn Kathir, who was of the aggressive abrogationist view, gave the following explanation of this verse.
The classical commentator Ibn Kathir, who was of the aggressive abrogationist view, gave the following explanation of this verse.
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This honorable Ayah was revealed with the order to fight the People of the Book, after the pagans were defeated, the people entered Allah's religion in large numbers, and the Arabian Peninsula was secured under the Muslims' control. Allah commanded His Messenger to fight the People of the Scriptures, Jews and Christians, on the ninth year of Hijrah, and he prepared his army to fight the Romans and called the people to Jihad announcing his intent and destination. The Messenger sent his intent to various Arab areas around Al-Madinah to gather forces, and he collected an army of thirty thousand. Some people from Al-Madinah and some hypocrites, in and around it, lagged behind, for that year was a year of drought and intense heat. The Messenger of Allah marched, heading towards Ash-Sham to fight the Romans until he reached Tabuk, where he set camp for about twenty days next to its water resources. He then prayed to Allah for a decision and went back to Al-Madinah because it was a hard year and the people were weak, as we will mention, Allah willing.}}
This honorable Ayah was revealed with the order to fight the People of the Book, after the pagans were defeated, the people entered Allah's religion in large numbers, and the Arabian Peninsula was secured under the Muslims' control. Allah commanded His Messenger to fight the People of the Scriptures, Jews and Christians, on the ninth year of Hijrah, and he prepared his army to fight the Romans and called the people to Jihad announcing his intent and destination. The Messenger sent his intent to various Arab areas around Al-Madinah to gather forces, and he collected an army of thirty thousand. Some people from Al-Madinah and some hypocrites, in and around it, lagged behind, for that year was a year of drought and intense heat. The Messenger of Allah marched, heading towards Ash-Sham to fight the Romans until he reached Tabuk, where he set camp for about twenty days next to its water resources. He then prayed to Allah for a decision and went back to Al-Madinah because it was a hard year and the people were weak, as we will mention, Allah willing.}}


===='''Quran 9:111'''====
====Quran 9:111====
The following verse defines fighting in the cause of Allah as killing and being killed.
The following verse defines fighting in the cause of Allah as killing and being killed.
{{Quote|{{Quran|9|111}}|Indeed, Allāh has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise. '''They fight in the cause of Allāh, so they kill and are killed.''' [It is] a true promise [binding] upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur’ān. And who is truer to his covenant than Allāh? So rejoice in your transaction which you have contracted. And it is that which is the great attainment.}}
{{Quote|{{Quran|9|111}}|Indeed, Allāh has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise. '''They fight in the cause of Allāh, so they kill and are killed.''' [It is] a true promise [binding] upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur’ān. And who is truer to his covenant than Allāh? So rejoice in your transaction which you have contracted. And it is that which is the great attainment.}}


===='''Quran 9:5'''====
====Quran 9:5====
Quran 9:5 is another verse known as ''the verse of the sword'' (like 9:29 discussed above) and considered by many classical scholars to abrogate earlier defensive verses.
Quran 9:5 is another verse known as ''the verse of the sword'' (like 9:29 discussed above) and considered by many classical scholars to abrogate earlier defensive verses.


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How (can there be any treaty for the others) when, if they have the upper hand of you, they regard not pact nor honour in respect of you? They satisfy you with their mouths the while their hearts refuse. And most of them are wrongdoers.}}
How (can there be any treaty for the others) when, if they have the upper hand of you, they regard not pact nor honour in respect of you? They satisfy you with their mouths the while their hearts refuse. And most of them are wrongdoers.}}


===='''Quran 9:123'''====
====Quran 9:123====
Another verse in the same surah is the following:
Another verse in the same surah is the following:
{{Quote|{{Quran|9|123}}|O you who have believed, fight against those adjacent to you of the disbelievers and let them find in you harshness. And know that Allah is with the righteous.}}
{{Quote|{{Quran|9|123}}|O you who have believed, fight against those adjacent to you of the disbelievers and let them find in you harshness. And know that Allah is with the righteous.}}


===='''Verse 8:39'''====
====Verse 8:39====
Quran 8:39 can also be interpreted as calling for offensive jihad.
Quran 8:39 can also be interpreted as calling for offensive jihad.


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(I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight the people until they proclaim, `None has the right to be worshipped but Allah'. Whoever said it, then he will save his life and property from me, except for cases of the law, and their account will be with Allah.) }}
(I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight the people until they proclaim, `None has the right to be worshipped but Allah'. Whoever said it, then he will save his life and property from me, except for cases of the law, and their account will be with Allah.) }}


===='''Verse 2:193'''====
====Verse 2:193====
Then there is Quran 2:193.
Then there is Quran 2:193.


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(And Al-Fitnah is worse than killing.) "Shirk (polytheism) is worse than killing.}}  
(And Al-Fitnah is worse than killing.) "Shirk (polytheism) is worse than killing.}}  


This verse was revealed when a non-Muslim non-combatant was killed in the events of the Nakhla Raid. It was revealed to justify the killing of the non combatant, because non-Muslims do Fitnah... this is a graver crime in the eyes of Allah...than killing the non-combatant disbelievers <ref>[http://mercytomankind.net/TheLifeOfMohamedDir/AbdullahIbnJahshRaid.html Abdullah ibn Jaish -  Life of Mohamed (Sirah), Non combatants]</ref> [[Osama bin Laden]] also used this in his interviews to justify killing non-combatants.<ref>[http://www.jihadunspun.com/intheatre_internal.php?article=109033&list=/home.php Sheikh Osama bin Laden’s speech to the people of Pakistan] - Translated From Urdu By Ahmed Al-Marid, September 26, 2007</ref>
According to 'Urwa b. Zubayr (d. 94 AH), an important early source for Muhammad's life, the context for this verse was a raid conducted on a Quraysh caravan at Nakhla by a small party, some of whom were companions sent by Muhammad (later biographies portray Muhammad as just sending them on an observational mission, but that the companions decided to raid the caravan). The party decided to attack even though it was still the last day of the sacred month. One man was killed and some captives were taken from the caravan. According to 'Urwa's letter, "It was this event that provoked the war between the Messenger of God and the Quraysh, and the first conflict in which they inflicted casualties on one another."<ref>Sean Anthony, Muhammad and the Empires of Faith: The making of the Prophet of Islam, Chapter 4, Oakland CA: University of California, 2020</ref>  


==Jihad is Perpetual==
==Jihad is Perpetual==
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