aammar
17-10-2012, 07:37 AM
Throughout their lives, Muslims engage in a continuous jihad (striving for Allah), both with their belief and worship. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said:
"The head of the matter is Islam; its pillar is Prayer; and its peak is jihad" (Ahmad and At-Tirmidhi).
The term jihad does not always refer to war; rather it refers to any difficult or strenuous process. It is reported in another hadith that `A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), saying "O Allah's Messenger! We consider jihad the best deed. Should we [women] not fight in Allah's cause?" He said:
"The best jihad [for women] is Hajj mabroor [i.e. Hajj that is accepted by Almighty Allah]" (Al-Bukhari).
This latter hadith makes it quite clear that Hajj, along with all the rituals performed therein, is actually a form of jihad. Indeed, the journey of Hajj is not an easy one. However, unlike the jihad by fighting, this kind of jihad can be performed by most Muslims. It is reported in a hadith that one day a man went to the Prophet, complaining of his own weakness and cowardice as far as fighting was concerned; thereupon, the Prophet said,
"Perform a jihad that involves no fighting: Hajj" (authenticated by Al-Albani).
It is clearly indicated in this hadith that if some members of the community are not able to physically participate in wars, there is still another kind of jihad in which they can engage: Hajj.
Pilgrims endure the hardship of a long journey and join together to perform the obligation of Hajj. While many people use their wealth for comfort or pleasure, pilgrims choose to use their means to obey Allah's order and put their lives and belongings at risk to go on Hajj. Without any violence, people of different races, tribes, and backgrounds are united together; all have the same belief, and all use the same words.
This unarmed army of jihad certainly conveys a message to the hearts of the disbelievers. When it is the time for Hajj, the entire world has a chance to watch these "mujahideen" as they engage in a conflict-free and armless jihad. Thus, Hajj may be an effective means whereby Muslims can communicate their religion to others. Verily, such efforts cannot be in vain.
As an obligation promoting the conduct of peacefulness and amiability, Hajj is a form of education that helps the believers combat evil and ward off harm. The pilgrim's robe, ihram, is the garment of the mujahideen who are at total peace, not at war. This clothing indicates great reverence to Almighty Allah and deep compassion toward His creation.
Living as a Community
Circumambulating the House of Allah, the pilgrims chant the creed of unification; their voices can be heard throughout the world. Hajj brings Muslims from all over the world together for sacred objectives. This is one of the main reasons why pilgrims desire to go on Hajj for a second or third time. Indeed, it is such a spiritual feeling of "living as one community" that makes the greatest impact on one's inner being.
Discipline and Sacrifice
The foundations of an army are discipline, submission, and sacrifice. If these are not present, arms and education will not be of use. Likewise, Hajj - the jihad without conflict - is a form of discipline, and it requires sacrifice. Unarmed and harmless, the pilgrims ought to display great conduct and discipline. Lack of discipline gives rise to serious consequences on all fronts. In fact, the desired result depends mainly on preparation. Undoubtedly, educating oneself will prevent error and will in turn give much greater spiritual pleasure. The Prophet is reported to have said,
"Whoever performs Hajj without indulging in lewdness or abuse returns [from Hajj] as free from sins as they were on the day they were born." (Al-Bukhari)
Just as the individual is in need of education and training to attain the results he or she is striving for, the community needs even more extensive education and training.
Media and Hajj
The media can play a truly effective role in demonstrating the importance of this conflict-free jihad by broadcasting the proceedings of its rituals on television, along with commentaries, by many sheikhs and scholars from all over the world, on Prophet Muhammad's farewell sermon and the noble values emphasized therein. This serves the purpose of showing those who are in search of peace in all corners of the world that Islam offers an environment full of peace and pleasure. Reminding people of their duties and of the existence of Almighty Allah, such information may well be the savior of many, and this is the main aim of jihad.
"The head of the matter is Islam; its pillar is Prayer; and its peak is jihad" (Ahmad and At-Tirmidhi).
The term jihad does not always refer to war; rather it refers to any difficult or strenuous process. It is reported in another hadith that `A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), saying "O Allah's Messenger! We consider jihad the best deed. Should we [women] not fight in Allah's cause?" He said:
"The best jihad [for women] is Hajj mabroor [i.e. Hajj that is accepted by Almighty Allah]" (Al-Bukhari).
This latter hadith makes it quite clear that Hajj, along with all the rituals performed therein, is actually a form of jihad. Indeed, the journey of Hajj is not an easy one. However, unlike the jihad by fighting, this kind of jihad can be performed by most Muslims. It is reported in a hadith that one day a man went to the Prophet, complaining of his own weakness and cowardice as far as fighting was concerned; thereupon, the Prophet said,
"Perform a jihad that involves no fighting: Hajj" (authenticated by Al-Albani).
It is clearly indicated in this hadith that if some members of the community are not able to physically participate in wars, there is still another kind of jihad in which they can engage: Hajj.
Pilgrims endure the hardship of a long journey and join together to perform the obligation of Hajj. While many people use their wealth for comfort or pleasure, pilgrims choose to use their means to obey Allah's order and put their lives and belongings at risk to go on Hajj. Without any violence, people of different races, tribes, and backgrounds are united together; all have the same belief, and all use the same words.
This unarmed army of jihad certainly conveys a message to the hearts of the disbelievers. When it is the time for Hajj, the entire world has a chance to watch these "mujahideen" as they engage in a conflict-free and armless jihad. Thus, Hajj may be an effective means whereby Muslims can communicate their religion to others. Verily, such efforts cannot be in vain.
As an obligation promoting the conduct of peacefulness and amiability, Hajj is a form of education that helps the believers combat evil and ward off harm. The pilgrim's robe, ihram, is the garment of the mujahideen who are at total peace, not at war. This clothing indicates great reverence to Almighty Allah and deep compassion toward His creation.
Living as a Community
Circumambulating the House of Allah, the pilgrims chant the creed of unification; their voices can be heard throughout the world. Hajj brings Muslims from all over the world together for sacred objectives. This is one of the main reasons why pilgrims desire to go on Hajj for a second or third time. Indeed, it is such a spiritual feeling of "living as one community" that makes the greatest impact on one's inner being.
Discipline and Sacrifice
The foundations of an army are discipline, submission, and sacrifice. If these are not present, arms and education will not be of use. Likewise, Hajj - the jihad without conflict - is a form of discipline, and it requires sacrifice. Unarmed and harmless, the pilgrims ought to display great conduct and discipline. Lack of discipline gives rise to serious consequences on all fronts. In fact, the desired result depends mainly on preparation. Undoubtedly, educating oneself will prevent error and will in turn give much greater spiritual pleasure. The Prophet is reported to have said,
"Whoever performs Hajj without indulging in lewdness or abuse returns [from Hajj] as free from sins as they were on the day they were born." (Al-Bukhari)
Just as the individual is in need of education and training to attain the results he or she is striving for, the community needs even more extensive education and training.
Media and Hajj
The media can play a truly effective role in demonstrating the importance of this conflict-free jihad by broadcasting the proceedings of its rituals on television, along with commentaries, by many sheikhs and scholars from all over the world, on Prophet Muhammad's farewell sermon and the noble values emphasized therein. This serves the purpose of showing those who are in search of peace in all corners of the world that Islam offers an environment full of peace and pleasure. Reminding people of their duties and of the existence of Almighty Allah, such information may well be the savior of many, and this is the main aim of jihad.