The Confusion and Pitfalls in the Elucidation of the Quran and Shari’ah
For the Principles and Practice of Qitaal
For Muslims
For the Principles and Practice of Qitaal
For Muslims
ABSTRACT
“It is He Who hath sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of Truth, to prevail it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it)”.
Often than not, one needs to study several ayahs of the Quran to properly assess the significance and the message being conveyed. Additionally as a general rule, for comprehension of the Quranic meaning it is vital to first fully understand the initial and immediate meaning of the ayah for the people who are originally addressed. The general implication should be deferred till after. The index ayah speaks of “al-mushrekoon”as against just “mushrekoon”. “Al” in Arabic is equivalent to “the” which specifies a thing: “a” book as against “the” book. Hence the ayah is specifically referring to “the mushrekoon” i.e. those our Holy Prophet had to deal with. Also it is predicting to the Prophet that his deen will prevail over all other religions prevalent at that time in the Arabian peninsula. This was inevitable as per the eternal rule of Allah Ta'aala Subhaanahoo as regards HIS prophets i.e. they have to prevail. Despite the “itmaame Hujjat” — culmination of proof and interpretation — by the prophets if the community rejects their call, then “Allah ke adaalat” — tribunal of Allah — sits into sessions and pronounces a verdict of annihilation of the population.
Some of current great scholars like Maulana Maudoodi, Dr. Israr Ahmed and Syed Qutub have taken an entirely different view of this ayah (and such others) resulting in an entirely different picture. Ignoring the fact that this was special Divine planning and Judgement with HIS Messenger present on the scene as the Supreme Performer, they perceive the whole scenario as a “revolution” by a human being. They further stress that we can and are required to emulate this transformation. Further they extend the area and time of action to all non-muslims of all times and all over the world. They strongly maintain that Islam wants its followers to enforce Islamic reign and supremacy all over this planet.
This world view of of these prominent and popular scholars — Darul Islam to rule and Darul Harb to be ruled — is completely at loggerheads with the current trend of a pluralistic, multi ethnic and multi religious society in a globalized world. It is therefore often said that Muslims cannot co-exist with the rest. It puts us on a collision course with three fourth of humanity. “The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order” as Samuel Huntington had proposed in a 1996 book. Can we expect them to trust us if we hold a deep and clear mission and plan to attack and suppress them? Should we not expect this attitude to generate strong anti-Muslim sentiments? Shouldn’t you presume that they will retaliate preemptively, specially when they are in a solid position to do it convincingly. This question is specially relevant to the Muslim citizens of Non-Muslim majority countries. Another off shoot of this strategy viz. add violence, brutality and short sightedness to this narrative and the birth of Al-Qaeeda, ISIS and Boko Haram is assured. Does the Holy Text support the this view of Muslim suzerainty over the non-Muslim world? The clear answer os NO. The article goes on to discuss a few additional ayahs to really get on top ff this topic of the concept of war and jihaad in our religion. It is a frequent and sensitive and emotionally charged issue:5
During the discussion Sayyid Qutb is quoted as saying “Whenever a tyrant or an oppressive power emerges and prevents people from upholding Islam or seeks to prevent them from knowing about it, the Muslim community must rise against it and secure for all the right of freedom to know the truth…..”. The great scholar then comes out with the very popular and forceful emotion of present day Muslims: “Islam remains a target for attack and vilification from various quarters. Muslims everywhere continue to be victims of aggression, oppression and religious intolerance as individuals and groups and, in some cases, as whole communities. All victims of oppression and aggression have the right and duty to defend themselves and seek to destroy their enemies, in fulfillment of this great Islamic principle which marked a rebirth of humanity”. Despite my great admiration for the outstanding scholar and activists I regard this statement as betraying a persecution complex for want of some soul searching. It is indeed a great calamity that we Muslims and our leaders refuse to own our poverty, political impotency, intellectual stagnation and moral deprivation. Instead we constantly find scapegoats in the Yahood, Hunood and of course the Great Satan, our Fan and Foe, the United States of America.
It is felt that some elaboration and consideration of few more ayahs are needed to get the full picture. Hence TO BE CONTINUED
December 30, 2017
Read ONLY, IF AND WHEN you have time and mood for:
“An Ayah of the Quran for 30 Days” -- December 2017
Choose the section you have time, in the next 30 days to read this ayah:-
Prelude: Recurrent Primary Message 1st. Page
Starting Dua, a note & The Ayah 2nd. Page
A Short Summary: For the Busy Bee Two Pages
The Main Story: Recommended Four Pages
Footnotes: For the Perfectionist One Pages
PRELUDE
From the Pen and Perspective of a self-styled PPK Muslim (Proud, Practicing, Knowledgeable) with a humble submission that Islam totally rejects Blind Following BUT vigorously focusses on the Limitations of Pure Human Reasoning..............and clearly and comprehensively AlLAH knows best.
In the beginning of the seventh century C.E., the folks of Mecca and Medina had a fascinatingly unique window: they had direct access to the Heavens through one of their own. They were blessed with a regular stream of Divine counseling and guidelines. Question and answer sessions were part of the program. Even individual questioner was graced by an answer. In the short Introduction to this scheme they were assured that at the end of this twenty-two year project, Divine Directions and Admonitions will continue through the agency of the PEN. The whole discourse has been preserved and archived till eternity under the guarantee of our Lord and Creator. This record in known as the Quran.
It should sound unbelievable but factually appears to be true: Many of our prevalent, widespread and important concepts and opinions about religious matters do not have a basis in the Quran and sometimes even appear to be in obvious conflict with the teachings of the Quran. It would be very educative and helpful to discuss an Ayah once a month to see if it supports or rejects our views and actions in our daily life. I wish and hope this generates a fruitful interactive discussion.
DUAA’
بِسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمٰنِ الرَّحيمِ
In the name of Allah, we praise HIM, seek HIS help and ask for HIS forgiveness. Whosoever Allah guideth none can misguide; whosoever HE allows to fall astray, none can guide him right. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah alone and we bear witness that Mohammed, SAW is HIS slave-servant and the Seal of HIS Messengers.
Further, we recall that Allah Ta’aala has declared in HIS Book1
“He granteth wisdom to whom He pleaseth; and he to whom wisdom is granted receiveth indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the Message (or remember or receive admonition) but men of understanding (or intellect)”
and we also recollect that he has warned us about the day of judgement2
“Then on that day you shall most certainly be questioned about the boons (joy, pleasure).”
We realise, that there cannot be a greater boon or blessing or benefit than wisdom and we wonder if this should be a timely reminder to very many of us sincere and practicing Muslims who use our critical thinking to enhance the mundane for ourselves and our families but in matters religion we choose to
resort to blind following -- taqleed, doctrine of classical Sunni Islamic Fiqh.
(NOTE: I have filtered out the proofs and details into the Footnotes for those who have the time and interest for them. The main text will then be of reasonable length, hopefully for the busy majority. What follows is not a sermon; I do not feel qualified to give one, anyhow. I wish, it may provide a food for thought. A caveat seems in order: If the ayah selected pertains to issues we face in our daily life with our family, friends, neighbours or peers it may affect us personally and lead to some self analysis and soul searching which in turn could be divisive and distressing. If taken in the right spirit, it can be a humble attempt towards finding the “straight path”.)
THE AYAH
Surah AL-TAWBAH ( التوبة ) (no. 9), Ayah 33
هُوَ الَّذي أَرسَلَ رَسولَهُ بِالهُدىٰ وَدينِ الحَقِّ لِيُظهِرَهُ عَلَى الدّينِ كُلِّهِ وَلَو كَرِهَ المُشرِكونَ
“It is He Who hath sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of Truth, to prevail it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it)”.
A SHORT VERSION
“I am convinced about the veracity of my opinions, but I do consider it likely that they may turn out to be incorrect. Likewise, I am convinced about the incorrectness of the views different from mine, but I do concede the possibility that they may turn out to be correct.” — Imam Shafa’i
Often than not, one needs to study several ayahs of the Quran to properly assess the significance and the message being conveyed. Additionally as a general rule, for comprehension of the Quranic meaning it is vital to first fully understand the initial and immediate meaning of the ayah for the people who are originally addressed. The general implication should be deferred till after. The index ayah speaks of “al-mushrekoon” as against just “mushrekoon”. “Al” in Arabic is equivalent to “the” which specifies a thing: “a” book as against “the” book. Hence the ayah is specifically referring to “the mushrekoon” i.e. those our Holy Prophet had to deal with. Also it is predicting to the Prophet that his deen will prevail over all other religions prevalent at that time in the Arabian peninsula. This is a prelude to the ultimate warning given to the polytheists of Hejaz in Surah Tauba at the time of Hajj in the ninth century Hijra viz. réAccept Islam or face the sword or leave the Arabian peninsula. Owing to the appeal of Islam and the charm of the Messenger almost all accepted the true religion; there was little if any blood shed. History informs us about the complete supremacy of Islam over haram sharif and the whole of Arabian peninsula thus completing the prediction in the ayah under discussion.
This was inevitable as per the eternal rule of Allah Ta'aala Subhaanahoo as regards HIS prophets i.e. they have to prevail. Despite the “itmaame Hujjat” — culmination of proof and interpretation — by the prophets if the community rejects their call, then “Allah ke adaalat” — tribunal of Allah — sits into sessions and pronounces a verdict of annihilation of the population. Many historical stories regularly repeated in the Quran bear witness to this fact: the Pharaoh with all his people were drowned and so was the whole society of Prophet Nuh etc. Man is required to pay heed to these events as a very small demonstration and reminder of the Day of Judgement. In the present case the “tribunal of Allah” had decided that the swords of Muslims will enforce its judgement. However it did not come to it; our Holy sites were spared from human massacre or deportation.
The renowned Research Scholar and Mentor Javed Ahmed Gamdi elaborates these features in the tafseer of this ayah:…………………See the Main Story
The eminent Mufassir Yousuf Ali has very pertinent note on this ayah: …………….“
Some of current great scholars have taken an entirely different view of this ayah (and such others) resulting in an entirely different picture. Ignoring the fact that this was special Divine planning and Judgement with HIS Messenger present on the scene as the Supreme Performer, they perceive the whole scenario as a “revolution” by a human being. They further stress that we can and are required to emulate this transformation. Further they extend the area and time of action to all non-muslims of all times and all over the world.
Many of our eminent scholars like Maulana Maudoodi, Dr. Israr Ahmed and Syed Qutub strongly maintain that Islam wants its followers to enforce Islamic reign and supremacy all over this planet. According to them the non-Muslims — due to their “Batil kaa Nizaam” i.e. fraudulent system — do not have any right to rule over the world with their their own government; they will be allowed personal religious freedom but only subject to Muslim suzerainty.
Maulana Maudoodi declares while commenting on this ayah: …………………..
Dr. Israr Ahmed, in his wonderful video series of translation and short tafseer of the holy Quran declares very emphatically that it is a sin to accept and live under the “batil kaa ghalba”………
Mufti Mohammed Shafi offers similar comments on this ayah: “……………….
This world view of of these prominent and popular scholars — Darul Islam to rule and Darul Harb to be ruled — is completely at loggerheads with the current trend of a pluralistic, multi ethnic and multi religious society in a globalized world. It is therefore often said that Muslims cannot co-exist with the rest. It puts us on a collision course with three fourth of humanity. “Clash of civilisation” as Samuel Huntington had proposed in a 1992 lecture at the American Enterprise Institute, which was then developed in a 1993 Foreign Affairs article titled "The Clash of Civilizations?”. Huntington later expanded his thesis in a 1996 book “The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order”. Can we expect them to trust us if we hold a deep and clear mission and plan to attack and suppress them? Should we not expect this attitude to generate strong anti-Muslim sentiments? Shouldn’t you expect them to retaliate, specially when they are in a solid position to do it convincingly. This question is specially relevant to the Muslim citizens of Non-Muslim majority countries. Another off shoot of this strategy: add violence, brutality and short sightedness to this narrative and the birth of Al-Qaeeda, ISIS and Boko Haram is assured.
Does the Holy Text support the this view of Muslim suzerainty over the non-Muslim world? I think not. There is nothing in the Quran for such an opinion and stance, says Javed Ahmed Ghamdi. This idea goes against the core concepts and philosophy of Islam. First, purification and spiritualization of individuals to produce a healthy society. Second, complete freedom of choice to man to choose between good and bad and expect results accordingly. God Almighty has openly declared that HE has left the destiny of man to man himself; otherwise HE could have made the whole humanity as Muslims:4
“If it had been thy Lord’s will, they would all have believed,- all who are on earth! wilt thou then compel mankind, against their will, to believe!”
If HE is not doing it now, why do our scholars think that HE will change HIS mind at the end of times?
Let us discuss a few additional ayahs to really get on top ff this topic of the concept of war and jihaad in our religion. It is a frequent and sensitive and emotionally charged issue:5
“Hence, fight against them until there is no more oppression and all worship is devoted to God alone; but if they desist, then all hostility shall cease, save against those who [willfully] do wrong”.
Here again the local situation and the primary addressee of the ayah should be considered initially and completely. …………………..
According to Mufti Mohammed Shafi, ………….. ……………
Dr. Mohammad Asad has a very meaningful note to this ayah: ……………….
Sayyid Qutb restricts this ayah to defense of Islam only “Whenever a tyrant or an oppressive power emerges and prevents people from upholding Islam or seeks to prevent them from knowing about it, the Muslim community must rise against it and secure for all the right of freedom to know the truth…..”. The great scholar then comes out with the very popular and forceful emotion of present day Muslims: “Islam remains a target for attack and vilification from various quarters. Muslims everywhere continue to be victims of aggression, oppression and religious intolerance as individuals and groups and, in some cases, as whole communities. All victims of oppression and aggression have the right and duty to defend themselves and seek to destroy their enemies, in fulfillment of this great Islamic principle which marked a rebirth of humanity”. Despite my great admiration for the outstanding scholar and activists I regard this statement as betraying a persecution complex for want of some soul searching. It is indeed a great calamity that we Muslims and our leaders refuse to own our poverty, political impotency, intellectual stagnation and moral deprivation. Instead we constantly find scapegoats in the Yahood, Hunood and of course the Great Satan, our Fan and Foe, the United States of America.
Next, let us discuss these three ayahs:6
“AND FIGHT in God's cause against those who wage war against you, but do not commit aggression -for, verily, God does not love aggressors — And slay them wherever you may come upon them, and drive them away from wherever they drove you away, for oppression is even worse than killing. And fight not against them near the Inviolable House of Worship unless they fight against you there first; but if they fight against you, slay them: such shall be the recompense of those who deny the truth — But if they desist; behold, God is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace”.
See the main story. ………….(see the maim story) However the majority regard the following ayah as the First ayah allowing Muslims to fight back:7
“PERMISSION [to fight] is given to those against whom war is being wrongfully waged1 - and, verily, God has indeed the power to succour them”
Another important and very similar ayah:8
“And fight against them until there is no more oppression and all worship is devoted to God alone. And if they desist-behold, God sees all that they do”. …………………
You are expecting some elaboration of what I have just stated. Also, I think some more ayahs will have to be discussed before we can summarise the principles and practice of Qitaal/War in Islam. I agree, next time, Insha Allah.
TO BE CONTINUED
........and Allah knows best.
May Allah Ta’aala bless us with true understanding--“fahm”--of our Deen, Aameen.
THE MAIN STORY
“I am convinced about the veracity of my opinions, but I do consider it likely that they may turn out to be incorrect. Likewise, I am convinced about the incorrectness of the views different from mine, but I do concede the possibility that they may turn out to be correct.” — Imam Shafa’i
Exactly the same ayah, word for word is repeated elsewhere in the Quran3
“It is He Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, that he may proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it).”
Often than not, one needs to study several ayahs of the Quran to properly assess the significance and the message being conveyed. Additionally as a general rule, for comprehension of the Quranic meaning it is vital to first fully understand the initial and immediate meaning of the ayah for the people who are originally addressed. The general implication should be deferred till after. The index ayah speaks of “al-mushrekoon” as against just “mushrekoon”. “Al” in Arabic is equivalent to “the” which specifies a thing: “a” book as against “the” book. Hence the ayah is specifically referring to “the mushrekoon” i.e. those our Holy Prophet had to deal with. Also it is predicting to the Prophet that his deen will prevail over all other religions prevalent at that time in the Arabian peninsula. This is a prelude to the ultimate warning given to the polytheists of Hejaz in Surah Tauba at the time of Hajj in the ninth century Hijra viz. Accept Islam or face the sword or leave the Arabian peninsula. Owing to the appeal of Islam and the charm of the Messenger almost all accepted the true religion; there was little if any blood shed. History informs us about the complete supremacy of Islam over haram sharif and the whole of Arabian peninsula thus completing the prediction in the ayah under discussion.
This was inevitable as per the eternal rule of Allah Ta'aala Subhaanahoo as regards HIS prophets i.e. they have to prevail. Despite the “itmaame Hujjat” — culmination of proof and interpretation — by the prophets if the community rejects their call, then “Allah ke adaalat” — tribunal of Allah — sits into sessions and pronounces a verdict of annihilation of the population. Many historical stories regularly repeated in the Quran bear witness to this fact: the Pharaoh with all his people were drowned and so was the whole society of Prophet Nuh etc. Man is required to pay heed to these events as a very small demonstration and reminder of the Day of Judgement. In the present case the “tribunal of Allah” had decided that the swords of Muslims will enforce its judgement. However it did not come to it; our Holy sites were spared from human massacre or deportation.
The renowned Research Scholar and Mentor Javed Ahmed Gamdi elaborates these features in the tafseer of this ayah:
یہ غلبہ رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے ذریعے سے اور اُن مشرکین کی خواہشوں کے علی الرغم قائم ہونا تھا جو آپ کے مخاطبین اولین تھے اور جن کا ذکر ’لَوْ کَرِہَ الْمُشْرِکُوْنَ‘ کے الفاظ میں ہوا ہے۔ لہٰذا ضروری ہے کہ یہاں لفظ ’کُلّ‘ کو اُسی تخصیص کے ساتھ لیا جائے جو ہم نے ترجمے میں واضح کر دی ہے۔ تاریخ بتاتی ہے کہ قرآن کی یہ بات حرف بہ حرف صحیح ثابت ہوئی اور رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کی زندگی ہی میں دین حق کا غلبہ پورے جزیرہ نماے عرب پر قائم ہو گیا۔ یہ ایک سنت الٰہی کا ظہور تھا جو رسولوں کے باب میں جگہ جگہ بیان ہوئی ہے کہ اُن کی طرف سے اتمام حجت کے بعد اللہ تعالیٰ اُنھیں غلبہ عطا فرماتے اور اُن کے منکرین پر اپنا عذاب نازل کر دیتے ہیں۔ اِس کا مقصود یہ ہوتا ہے کہ آخرت کی جزا و سزا کا تصور بھی اُسی معیار پر ثابت کر دیا جائے جس معیار پر سائنسی حقائق معمل (laboratory) کے تجربات سے ثابت کیے جا تے ہیں۔ اِس کا انقلاب کی کسی جدوجہد سے کوئی تعلق نہیں ہے، جس طرح کہ دورحاضر کے بعض مفکرین نے سمجھا ہے۔ یہاں اِس کا ذکر مسلمانوں کو یہ بتانے کے لیے ہوا ہے کہ یہ اللہ کا فیصلہ ہے اور مشرکین اور اہل کتاب، دونوں کے خلاف جس آخری اقدام کا حکم اُنھیں دیا گیا ہے، وہ اِسی فیصلے کے نفاذ کے لیے دیا گیا ہے۔
The eminent Mufassir Yousuf Ali has very pertinent note on this ayah: “Over all religion:, in the singular: not over all other religions, in the plural. There is really only one true Religion, the Message of God, submission to the Will of God: this is called Islam. It was the religion preached by Moses and Jesus; it was the religion of Abraham, Noah, and all the prophets, by whatever name it may be called. If people corrupt that pure light, and call their religions by different names, we must bear with them, and we may allow the names for convenience. But Truth must prevail over all.”
Some of current great scholars have taken an entirely different view of this ayah (and such others) resulting in an entirely different picture. Ignoring the fact that this was special Divine planning and Judgement with HIS Messenger present on the scene as the Supreme Performer, they perceive the whole scenario as a “revolution” by a human being. They further stress that we can and are required to emulate this transformation. Further they extend the area and time of action to all non-muslims of all times and all over the world.
Many of our eminent scholars like Maulana Maudoodi, Dr. Israr Ahmed and Syed Qutub strongly maintain that Islam wants its followers to enforce Islamic reign and supremacy all over this planet. According to them the non-Muslims — due to their “Batil kaa Nizaam” i.e. fraudulent system — do not have any right to rule over the world with their their own government; they will be allowed personal religious freedom but only subject to Muslim suzerainty.
Maulana Maudoodi declares while commenting on this ayah: “Now let us try to understand the significance of this verse. The object of the mission of the Messenger is to make the guidance and the right way he has brought from Allah dominant over all the other ways and systems of life. In other words, the Messenger is not sent to allow Allah’s Way to remain subordinate to other ways in order to enjoy concessions from them. He is sent by the Sovereign of the earth and the heavens to make His Way dominant over all other ways. And if a wrong way is at all allowed to remain on the earth, it should be tolerated only under its own protection by the payment of jizyah under the limits conferred by the divine system as in the cast of the system of life of the zimmis who pay jizyah.”
Dr. Israr Ahmed, in his wonderful video series of translation and short tafseer of the holy Quran declares very emphatically that it is a sin to accept and live under the “batil kaa ghalba” — aluthority and administration of the false and fallacious. We must accept non-Muslim rule only, he goes on under protest and barring minimal efforts and expenses for personal needs we must devote all our efforts, energy and resources towards uprooting the non-Muslim rule. A small caveat for him. Is he not ignoring the golden precept of life: action and reaction are equal and opposite. If the non-muslims take us seriously, will they not be justified in acting proactively and deny us all access to science and technology while they command all the resources and power and strength. Right now we are poor, week and ignorant. Will they not try their utmost to keep us here? Luckily there are no signs of that happening as yet. But it is quite possible if more crazy lunatics like Trump prop up.
Mufti Mohammed Shafi offers similar comments on this ayah: “This glad tiding regarding the ascendancy of Islam is, as in Tafsir Mazhari, for most times and circumstances. In a Hadith from Sayydina Miqdad, the Holy Prophet said: No mud or mortar home shall remain on the face of the earth where the word of Islam has not entered with the honor of the honored and the disgrace of the disgraced. Whoever Allah blesses with honor shall embrace Islam and whoever is to face disgrace shall not, though, accept Islam but shall become a subject of the Islamic government. This promise of Allah Ta'ala was fulfilled. For about a thousand years, the primacy of Islam remained operative throughout the world.” May I add, the Muslims are completely backward and retrogressive for past few centuries.
This world view of of these prominent and popular scholars — Darul Islam to rule and Darul Harb to be ruled — is completely at loggerheads with the current trend of a pluralistic, multi ethnic and multi religious society in a globalized world. It is therefore often said that Muslims cannot co-exist with the rest. It puts us on a collision course with three fourth of humanity. “Clash of civilisation” as Samuel Huntington had proposed in a 1992 lecture at the American Enterprise Institute, which was then developed in a 1993 Foreign Affairs article titled "The Clash of Civilizations?”. Huntington later expanded his thesis in a 1996 book “The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order”. Can we expect them to trust us if we hold a deep and clear mission and plan to attack and suppress them? Should we not expect this attitude to generate strong anti-Muslim sentiments? Shouldn’t you expect them to retaliate, specially when they are in a solid position to do it convincingly. This question is specially relevant to the Muslim citizens of Non-Muslim majority countries. Another off shoot of this strategy: add violence, brutality and short sightedness to this narrative and the birth of Al-Qaeeda, ISIS and Boko Haram is assured.
Does the Holy Text support the this view of Muslim suzerainty over the non-Muslim world? I think not. There is nothing in the Quran for such an opinion and stance, says Javed Ahmed Ghamdi. This idea goes against the core concepts and philosophy of Islam. First, purification and spiritualization of individuals to produce a healthy society. Second, complete freedom of choice to man to choose between good and bad and expect results accordingly. God Almighty has openly declared that HE has left the destiny of man to man himself; otherwise HE could have made the whole humanity as Muslims:4
“If it had been thy Lord’s will, they would all have believed,- all who are on earth! wilt thou then compel mankind, against their will, to believe!”
If HE is not doing it now, why do our scholars think that HE will change HIS mind at the end of times?
Let us discuss a few additional ayahs to really get on top ff this topic of the concept of war and jihaad in our religion. It is a frequent and sensitive and emotionally charged issue:5
“Hence, fight against them until there is no more oppression and all worship is devoted to God alone; but if they desist, then all hostility shall cease, save against those who [willfully] do wrong”.
Here again the local situation and the primary addressee of the ayah should be considered initially and completely. In the early Meccan period the sahaabaa faced a lot of harassment, intimidation, persecution and oppression. They were asked to endure. Now they get the permission to retaliate. They are required to fight till they achieve their right to practice their religion freely. Later on, as result of the Divine Sunnah of establishing the supremacy of HIS Messenger, the Muslims will get orders to clear the Holy Places of all infidels. But notice the high bar of justice and exceptional fairness of our Shari’ah. Fight ONLY till the end of oppression and establishing freedom of worship. If the kuffar restrain themselves, let them alone. “If they desist” does not mean that they accept Islam as suggested in some quarters. According to scholars, the Muslims are required to fight oppression anywhere, everywhere and against any body. It should be noted that oppression is considered worst than murder. The use of this ayah by Al-Qaeeda and Associates to murder and plunder in the present day is obvious distortion of this ayah.
According to Mufti Mohammed Shafi, the journey for the qadaa Umrah in the year 7 A.H. as per the
treaty of Hudaybiyyah is the reason for this ayah. The sahaabaa did not trust the Meccans and anticipated a fight. They were very keen to avoid a fight in the holy place of Haram specially in Dhul-Qa'dah, one of the four sacred months. The companions were advised and guided on this issue in this and successive ayahs. “These statements were revealed to deal with a specific situation in Arabia, when the pagan Arabs were persecuting an incipient Muslim community and stifling the spread of Islam. Nevertheless, they remain valid, and jihad is incumbent on Muslims until the end of time.” says Sayyid Qutb.
Dr. Mohammad Asad has a very meaningful note to this ayah: “Lit., "and religion belongs to God [alone]" - i.e., until God can be worshipped without fear of persecution, and none is compelled to bow down in awe before another human being. The term deen is in this context more suitably translated as "worship" inasmuch as it comprises here both the doctrinal and the moral aspects of religion: that is to say, man's faith as well as the obligations arising from that faith”. The emphasis is on freedom to practice one’s religion with out fear and coercion.
Sayyid Qutb restricts this ayah to defense of Islam only “Whenever a tyrant or an oppressive power emerges and prevents people from upholding Islam or seeks to prevent them from knowing about it, the Muslim community must rise against it and secure for all the right of freedom to know the truth…..”. The great scholar then comes out with the very popular and forceful emotion of present day Muslims: “Islam remains a target for attack and vilification from various quarters. Muslims everywhere continue to be victims of aggression, oppression and religious intolerance as individuals and groups and, in some cases, as whole communities. All victims of oppression and aggression have the right and duty to defend themselves and seek to destroy their enemies, in fulfillment of this great Islamic principle which marked a rebirth of humanity”. Despite my great admiration for the outstanding scholar and activists I regard this statement as betraying a persecution complex for want of some soul searching. It is indeed a great calamity that we Muslims and our leaders refuse to own our poverty, political impotency, intellectual stagnation and moral deprivation. Instead we constantly find scapegoats in the Yahood, Hunood and of course the Great Satan, our Fan and Foe, the United States of America.
Next, let us discuss these three ayahs:6
“AND FIGHT in God's cause against those who wage war against you, but do not commit aggression -for, verily, God does not love aggressors — And slay them wherever you may come upon them, and drive them away from wherever they drove you away, for oppression is even worse than killing. And fight not against them near the Inviolable House of Worship unless they fight against you there first; but if they fight against you, slay them: such shall be the recompense of those who deny the truth — But if they desist; behold, God is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace”.
The first ayah is a clear declaration in favour of ONLY a defensive war followed by a firm command to avoid aggression. This was specially revealed for advice during Hajj. The sacred mosque was under the control of the mushrekeen. The Muslims were on the rise. There were therefore high chances of a conflict during Hajj. The Muslims were reluctant to fight because of the sanctity of the place and the month. Here Muslims were given permission to fight but only in the cause of Allah alone, not for any personal advantage and purely a defensive assault. This early, fundamental principle of self defense as the only possible justification of war has been maintained throughout the Qur’an. According to a minority opinion this is the first ayah granting permission to fight. However the majority regard the following ayah as the First ayah allowing Muslims to fight back:7
“PERMISSION [to fight] is given to those against whom war is being wrongfully waged1 - and, verily, God has indeed the power to succour them”
The second ayah starts with a very aggressive and disturbing statement: “And slay them wherever you may come upon them”. However the meaning was very clear and fair to the sahaabaa. This was the time when they were preparing for the deferred Umrah after the treaty of Hudaibiyaa. They were genuinely concerned that they may be attacked by the Quraish and will not be able to hit back in the haram area and in the forbidden month. This part of the ayah grants them a clear hand to fight back in their defiance. The rest of the ayah gives very fair and just instructions and ends with a generous offer; if they refrain from oppression there will be no cause to continue the armed conflict.
Sayyid Qutb puts up an interesting logic “The unbelievers are, therefore, invited and encouraged to
believe so that they may enjoy God’s mercy and forgiveness. What a commendable gesture! Islam spares its staunchest enemies punishment and retribution, and instead offers them forgiveness and mercy in return for the simple act of joining the ranks of the believers. That would absolve them of all their
previous misdemeanors, and cancel out the damage and the atrocities they had wrought against the Muslims’. Giving up their faith and belief is labelled as a “the simple act”! If a Muslim does this “simple act” and changes his faith, he loses his head. I do not think Islam allows such double standards.
Another important and very similar ayah:8
“And fight against them until there is no more oppression and all worship is devoted to God alone. And if they desist-behold, God sees all that they do”.
With minor difference, it sounds similar to one of the ayahs discussed earlier. Once again Muslims are granted permission to fight back the mushrekeen and actively resist their persecution “until man is free to worship God”, Dr. Mohammed Asad. It is stressed that self-defense - in the widest sense of this word - is the only justification of war. The right to fight persecution is ongoing and permanent. However the Messenger and his team of Sahaabaa had another mission at hand: to clear the “sarzameene haram” of all infidels and even the ahle kitaab. Hence surah Tauba declares an ultimatum for four months: accept Islam or leave the land or face the sword. We are all glad that the final scene was pleasant and gratifying. This right to force others to Islam was special for our Messenger only and restricted to the Arabian Peninsula with Holy Kaabaa and the Prophets’s masjid. Why is this? This right for forced conversion or occupation is not a demand of our Shari’ah. This was related to the Divine law and practice concerning HIS Messengers. After they have concluded their mission and arguments — itmaame hujjat — Allah Ta’aala sets his tribunal — khuda ki adaalat and decrees for the annihilation of the community if they have rejected the Messenger. The Holy Quran is replete with examples of this Divine justice.
You are expecting some elaboration of what I have just stated. Also, I think some more ayahs will have to be discussed before we can summarise the principles and practice of Qitaal/War in Islam. I agree, next time, Insha Allah.
TO BE CONTINUED
........and Allah knows best.
May Allah Ta’aala bless us with true understanding--“fahm”--of our Deen, Aameen.
Dr. Khalid Mitha
FOOTNOTES
(1) Surah 2/269
يُؤتِي الحِكمَةَ مَن يَشاءُ ۚ وَمَن يُؤتَ الحِكمَةَ فَقَد أوتِيَ خَيرًا كَثيرًا ۗ وَما يَذَّكَّرُ إِلّا أُولُو الأَلبابِ
(2) Surah 102/8
ثُمَّ لَتُسأَلُنَّ يَومَئِذٍ عَنِ النَّعيمِ
(3) Surah 61/9
هُوَ الَّذي أَرسَلَ رَسولَهُ بِالهُدىٰ وَدينِ الحَقِّ لِيُظهِرَهُ عَلَى الدّينِ كُلِّهِ وَلَو كَرِهَ المُشرِكونَ
(4) Surah 10/99
وَلَو شاءَ رَبُّكَ لَآمَنَ مَن فِي الأَرضِ كُلُّهُم جَميعًا ۚ أَفَأَنتَ تُكرِهُ النّاسَ حَتّىٰ يَكونوا مُؤمِنينَ
(5) Surah 2/193
وَقاتِلوهُم حَتّىٰ لا تَكونَ فِتنَةٌ وَيَكونَ الدّينُ لِلَّهِ ۖ فَإِنِ انتَهَوا فَلا عُدوانَ إِلّا عَلَى الظّالِمينَ
(6) Surah 2/190-192
قاتِلوا في سَبيلِ اللَّهِ الَّذينَ يُقاتِلونَكُم وَلا تَعتَدوا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لا يُحِبُّ المُعتَدينَ — وَاقتُلوهُم حَيثُ ثَقِفتُموهُم وَأَخرِجوهُم مِن حَيثُ أَخرَجوكُم ۚ وَالفِتنَةُ أَشَدُّ مِنَالقَتلِ ۚ وَلا تُقاتِلوهُم عِندَ المَسجِدِ الحَرامِ حَتّىٰ يُقاتِلوكُم فيهِ ۖ فَإِن قاتَلوكُمفَاقتُلوهُم ۗ كَذٰلِكَ جَزاءُ الكافِرينَ — فَإِنِ انتَهَوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفورٌ رَحيمٌ —
(7) Surah 22/39
أُذِنَ لِلَّذينَ يُقاتَلونَ بِأَنَّهُم ظُلِموا ۚ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلىٰ نَصرِهِم لَقَديرٌ
(8) Surah 8/39
وَقاتِلوهُم حَتّىٰ لا تَكونَ فِتنَةٌ وَيَكونَ الدّينُ كُلُّهُ لِلَّهِ ۚ فَإِنِ انتَهَوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِما يَعمَلونَ بَصيرٌ
