Diseases afflicting Ummah 7/10
 

The fourth disease: abstention from Jihaad

The natural outcome of complete indulgence in this world, and excessive affluence, is that the Muslims left Jihaad, and accepted to be the satellites of other nations. The Muslims accepted what is called by their enemies ‘peace’, which is, clearly, nothing but surrender.

The Muslims, during the days of the Tatars, and even in these days of ours, have not comprehended that Jihaad is the only way to restore the usurped rights of the Muslims; and that although peace could be fit for a good choice under some circumstances, it should not be the choice if it leads to usurpation of the rights of Muslims, their bloodshed, displacement, or ridicule of their religion, opinions and position.
The Muslims have not comprehended the fact that peace should not be held without the restoration of all rights, nor should it be established unless we are honored and powerful enough to deter the enemy in case of violating the peace treaty. But without all of this, it will be surrender rather than peace, which is not acceptable under Sharee‘ah.

The Muslims have to comprehend that the word of Jihaad is not a defect which we should feel shy of or hide from. The word Jihaad, along with its derivatives, has been mentioned more than thirty times in the Book of Allaah the Almighty. The same is true of fighting the enemies of the (Muslim) Ummah.
What should we do with those Holy Quranic verses?
{O Prophet, urge the believers to battle.} [Quran 8:65]

What should we do with the following Statement of Allaah the Almighty (which means): {O you who have believed, fight those adjacent to you of the disbelievers and let them find in you harshness.} [Quran 9:123]
What should we do with the statement of Allaah the Almighty (which means): {And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively.} [Quran 9:36]
I think the disease of leaving Jihaad, and abstention from talking about it and preparation for it is one of the greatest ailments that afflict this Ummah. It has never been empowered without it all throughout its history and we should learn from history.

The fifth disease: negligence of material preparation for wars
The Tatars exerted diligent efforts in preparing everything that could enable them to achieve victory, in terms of soldiers, weaponry, paving the ways, laying out war plans, concluding alliances, forcing psychological war and finding alternative plans. It was indeed a distinguished preparation.
Meanwhile, the Muslims lived in another valley!

The Islamic armies were neglected until they declined, and no care was given, by any ruler, to modernize his weaponry or train his soldiers; and there was no suitable war plan; and there was a lack of precise intelligence. In sum, the Muslims neglected their preparations, and their priorities were arranged in a very disgraceful order. At the time millions were spent on palaces, marble and gardens, nothing was spent on the military, scientific and economic preparation of the countries. At the time there was a shortage of excellent patterns in the scientific, administrative and leadership fields, there was an abundance of singers and songstresses, male and female dancers, players and entertainers!

Of course, any nation as such should be defeated. The Ummah of Islam, without preparation, could hardly be established. Being connected with and relying on Allaah does not mean to neglect material components and human preparation. The Muslims should comprehend this lesson well.

The sixth disease: Muslims lacking an example to follow
Upbringing by way of presenting an example to follow is thousands of times superior to upbringing by way of delivering sermons and writing articles. If the soldiers miss an example to follow, they will feel alienated and lose enthusiasm.
One thousand sermons intended to enthuse the soldiers to take part in Jihaad will do nothing if they find their leader hiding at the time of catastrophes!

One thousand sermons intended to encourage the people to endure difficult conditions, be satisfied with little, whatsoever, abstain from this world, and bear economic difficulties will be of no avail if the people find their leader enjoying in palaces, and spending millions on his comfort, happiness, luxury and festivities!
One thousand sermons about praiseworthy morals will do nothing to the Ummah if the one whom they take as an example to follow neither prays, fasts, is clean-handed, polite, conscientious nor pure.

How could people adhere to their religion and the ordinance of their Lord, although they seldom listen to the word ‘Allaah’ from their leader, teacher or mentor?
The leader who does not represent a living example for his people to follow in Jihaad, good morals, asceticism, patience and justice, should not expect from his people to protect him at the time of adversity, or stand by him at the time of calamity.
In history, there is always a lesson to learn!