10-26-2004, 10:35 AM
Jihad is part of overall defence of Islam. Jihad menas to struggle to the utmost of one’s capacity. A man who exerts himself physically or mentally or spends his wealth ‘in the way of Allah’ is indeed engaged in Jihad. But in the language of the Shari’ah this word is used particularly for a war that is waged solely in the name of Allah against those who practice oppression as enemies of Islam.
This supreme sacrifice of life devolves on all muslims. if, however, a section of Muslims offer themselves for the Jihad, the community as a whole is absolved of its responsibility. But if none comes forward, everybody is guilty. This concession vanishes for the citizens of an Islamic state when it is attacked by a non-muslim power. In that case everybody must come forward for the Jihad. If a the Muslim country attacked has not enugh strength to fightback, then it is the religious duty of the neighbouring Muslim countries to help her; if even they fail, then the Muslims of the whole world must fight the common enemy. In all such cases, Jihad is s much a primary duty of the Muslims concerned as are daily prayers or
fasting. One who shirks it is a sinner. His very claim to being a Muslimis doubtful. He is a hypocrite (Munafiq) whose ‘ibadah’ and prayers are ‘a sham, a worthless, hollow show of devotion’.” – Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi in 'Towards Understanding Islam, pg. 84.'