WEBVTT 00:00:00.780 --> 00:00:09.779 Riyadh al-Salihin from the words of the Master of the Messengers, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 00:00:09.779 --> 00:00:14.410 The Book of Jihad. 00:00:14.410 --> 00:00:20.609 Chapter: The Excellence of Jihad. 00:00:20.609 --> 00:00:22.670 Allah the Exalted says: 00:00:22.670 --> 00:00:29.670 “Lo! the number of the months with Allah is twelve months by Allah's ordinance in the day that He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred: that is the right religion. So wrong not yourselves in them. And wage war on all of the idolaters as they are waging war on all of you. And know that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him).” (9:36) 00:00:29.670 --> 00:00:33.670 And know that Allah is with the righteous. 00:00:33.670 --> 00:00:35.740 And He, the Exalted, says: 00:00:35.740 --> 00:00:39.799 “Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that ye hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that ye love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knoweth, ye know not.” (2:216) 00:00:39.799 --> 00:00:44.799 “Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that ye hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that ye love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knoweth, ye know not.” (2:216) 00:00:44.799 --> 00:00:49.799 “Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that ye hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that ye love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knoweth, ye know not.” (2:216) 00:00:49.799 --> 00:00:53.799 And Allah knows, while you do not know. 00:00:53.799 --> 00:00:55.829 And He, the Exalted, says: 00:00:55.829 --> 00:01:05.150 “Go forth, light-armed and heavy-armed, and strive with your wealth and your lives in the way of Allah! That is best for you if ye but knew.” (9:41) 00:01:05.150 --> 00:01:07.250 And He, the Exalted, says: 00:01:07.250 --> 00:01:15.250 “Lo! Allah hath bought from the believers their lives and their wealth because the Garden will be theirs: they shall fight in the way of Allah and shall slay and be slain. It is a promise which is binding on Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur'an. Who fulfilleth His covenant better than Allah? Rejoice then in your bargain that ye have made, for that is the supreme triumph.” (9:111) 00:01:15.250 --> 00:01:20.250 “Lo! Allah hath bought from the believers their lives and their wealth because the Garden will be theirs: they shall fight in the way of Allah and shall slay and be slain. It is a promise which is binding on Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur'an. Who fulfilleth His covenant better than Allah? Rejoice then in your bargain that ye have made, for that is the supreme triumph.” (9:111) 00:01:20.250 --> 00:01:26.250 “Lo! Allah hath bought from the believers their lives and their wealth because the Garden will be theirs: they shall fight in the way of Allah and shall slay and be slain. It is a promise which is binding on Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur'an. Who fulfilleth His covenant better than Allah? Rejoice then in your bargain that ye have made, for that is the supreme triumph.” (9:111) 00:01:26.250 --> 00:01:30.250 “Lo! Allah hath bought from the believers their lives and their wealth because the Garden will be theirs: they shall fight in the way of Allah and shall slay and be slain. It is a promise which is binding on Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur'an. Who fulfilleth His covenant better than Allah? Rejoice then in your bargain that ye have made, for that is the supreme triumph.” (9:111) 00:01:30.250 --> 00:01:34.250 So rejoice in your transaction which you have contracted. 00:01:34.250 --> 00:01:37.250 And that is the great attainment. 00:01:37.250 --> 00:01:39.250 And He, the Exalted, says: 00:01:39.250 --> 00:01:44.310 “Those of the believers who sit still, other than those who have a (disabling) hurt, are not on an equality with those who strive in the way of Allah with their wealth and lives. Allah hath conferred on those who strive with their wealth and lives a rank above the sedentary. Unto each Allah hath promised good, but He hath bestowed on those who strive a great reward above the sedentary;” (4:95) 00:01:44.310 --> 00:01:49.310 “Those of the believers who sit still, other than those who have a (disabling) hurt, are not on an equality with those who strive in the way of Allah with their wealth and lives. Allah hath conferred on those who strive with their wealth and lives a rank above the sedentary. Unto each Allah hath promised good, but He hath bestowed on those who strive a great reward above the sedentary;” (4:95) 00:01:49.310 --> 00:01:56.340 “Those of the believers who sit still, other than those who have a (disabling) hurt, are not on an equality with those who strive in the way of Allah with their wealth and lives. Allah hath conferred on those who strive with their wealth and lives a rank above the sedentary. Unto each Allah hath promised good, but He hath bestowed on those who strive a great reward above the sedentary;” (4:95) 00:01:56.340 --> 00:02:00.340 And to each, Allah has promised the best [reward]. 00:02:00.340 --> 00:02:06.340 “Those of the believers who sit still, other than those who have a (disabling) hurt, are not on an equality with those who strive in the way of Allah with their wealth and lives. Allah hath conferred on those who strive with their wealth and lives a rank above the sedentary. Unto each Allah hath promised good, but He hath bestowed on those who strive a great reward above the sedentary;” (4:95) 00:02:06.340 --> 00:02:10.340 “Degrees of rank from Him, and forgiveness and mercy. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.” (4:96) 00:02:10.340 --> 00:02:14.340 And Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful. 00:02:14.340 --> 00:02:16.500 And He, the Exalted, says: 00:02:16.500 --> 00:02:25.500 “O ye who believe! Shall I show you a commerce that will save you from a painful doom?” (61:10) 00:02:25.500 --> 00:02:33.500 “Ye should believe in Allah and His messenger, and should strive for the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is better for you, if ye did but know.” (61:11) 00:02:33.500 --> 00:02:39.500 That is better for you, if you should know. 00:02:39.500 --> 00:02:46.500 “He will forgive you your sins and bring you into Gardens underneath which rivers flow, and pleasant dwellings in Gardens of Eden. That is the supreme triumph.” (61:12) 00:02:46.500 --> 00:02:51.500 And pleasant dwellings in gardens of perpetual residence. 00:02:51.500 --> 00:02:54.500 That is the great attainment. 00:02:54.500 --> 00:03:00.500 “And (He will give you) another (blessing) which ye love: help from Allah and present victory. Give good tidings (O Muhammad) to believers.” (61:13) 00:03:00.500 --> 00:03:03.659 And give good tidings to the believers. 00:03:03.659 --> 00:03:07.819 The verses in this chapter are many and well-known. 00:03:07.819 --> 00:03:12.819 As for the hadiths regarding the excellence of jihad, they are too numerous to be counted. 00:03:12.819 --> 00:03:14.819 Among them is: 00:03:14.819 --> 00:03:19.979 On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: 00:03:19.979 --> 00:03:23.979 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was asked: 00:03:23.979 --> 00:03:25.979 "Which deed is best?" 00:03:25.979 --> 00:03:29.979 He said, "Faith in Allah and His Messenger." 00:03:29.979 --> 00:03:33.039 It was asked, "Then what?" 00:03:33.039 --> 00:03:37.039 He said, "Jihad in the cause of Allah." 00:03:37.039 --> 00:03:39.039 It was asked, "Then what?" 00:03:39.039 --> 00:03:43.069 He said, "An accepted Hajj." 00:03:43.069 --> 00:03:45.490 Agreed upon. 00:03:45.490 --> 00:03:48.490 On the authority of Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: 00:03:48.490 --> 00:03:50.490 I said, "O Messenger of Allah, 00:03:50.490 --> 00:03:54.490 which deed is most beloved to Allah the Exalted?" 00:03:54.490 --> 00:03:58.490 He said, "Prayer at its proper time." 00:03:58.490 --> 00:04:00.550 I said, "Then what?" 00:04:00.550 --> 00:04:03.550 He said, "Kindness to parents." 00:04:03.550 --> 00:04:06.580 I said, "Then what?" 00:04:06.580 --> 00:04:10.580 He said, "Jihad in the cause of Allah." 00:04:10.580 --> 00:04:12.740 Agreed upon. 00:04:12.740 --> 00:04:17.350 On the authority of Abu Dharr, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: 00:04:17.350 --> 00:04:19.350 I said, "O Messenger of Allah, 00:04:19.350 --> 00:04:21.350 which deed is best?" 00:04:21.350 --> 00:04:25.350 He said, "Faith in Allah, 00:04:25.350 --> 00:04:28.420 and jihad in His cause." 00:04:28.420 --> 00:04:30.420 Agreed upon. 00:04:30.420 --> 00:04:33.279 From the benefits of the hadith: 00:04:33.279 --> 00:04:38.600 Righteous deeds are included under the definition of faith in Allah. 00:04:38.600 --> 00:04:42.600 This is because faith increases with acts of obedience and decreases with acts of disobedience. 00:04:42.600 --> 00:04:47.980 Jihad in the cause of Allah, to raise the word of Allah, 00:04:47.980 --> 00:04:50.980 is among the most beloved deeds to Allah. 00:04:50.980 --> 00:04:55.139 On the authority of Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:04:55.139 --> 00:04:59.139 that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 00:04:59.139 --> 00:05:03.139 "A morning expedition or an evening expedition in the cause of Allah 00:05:03.139 --> 00:05:07.230 is better than the world and all that is in it." 00:05:07.230 --> 00:05:09.230 Agreed upon. 00:05:10.540 --> 00:05:12.540 The *ghudwah* (morning expedition), with a *fatha* [on the ghayn], 00:05:12.540 --> 00:05:15.540 is a single instance of going out in the morning. 00:05:15.540 --> 00:05:18.540 It is setting out at the beginning of the day. 00:05:18.540 --> 00:05:20.769 The *rawhah* (evening expedition) 00:05:20.769 --> 00:05:23.769 is a single instance of going out in the evening. 00:05:23.769 --> 00:05:26.769 It is setting out at the end of the day. 00:05:26.769 --> 00:05:30.759 From the benefits of the hadith: 00:05:30.759 --> 00:05:32.759 It is among the best acts of drawing near to Allah the Exalted, 00:05:32.759 --> 00:05:34.759 and the best of deeds 00:05:34.759 --> 00:05:37.759 is jihad in the cause of Allah. 00:05:37.759 --> 00:05:43.100 On the authority of Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: 00:05:43.100 --> 00:05:47.100 A man came to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:05:47.100 --> 00:05:49.100 and said, 00:05:49.100 --> 00:05:52.170 "Which of the people is best?" 00:05:52.170 --> 00:05:53.170 He said, 00:05:53.170 --> 00:05:58.170 "A believer who strives with his self and his wealth in the cause of Allah." 00:05:58.170 --> 00:05:59.259 He said, 00:05:59.259 --> 00:06:01.259 "Then who?" 00:06:01.259 --> 00:06:02.259 He said, 00:06:02.259 --> 00:06:06.259 "A believer in a mountain pass, worshipping Allah, 00:06:06.259 --> 00:06:09.259 and sparing the people from his evil." 00:06:09.259 --> 00:06:11.459 Agreed upon. 00:06:11.459 --> 00:06:14.810 On the authority of Sahl ibn Sa'd, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:06:14.810 --> 00:06:18.810 that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 00:06:18.810 --> 00:06:21.839 "A day of guarding the frontier in the cause of Allah 00:06:21.839 --> 00:06:25.839 is better than the world and all that is upon it. 00:06:25.839 --> 00:06:28.970 And the space of one of your whips in Paradise 00:06:28.970 --> 00:06:32.970 is better than the world and all that is upon it. 00:06:32.970 --> 00:06:39.060 And an evening expedition or a morning expedition that a servant undertakes in the cause of Allah the Exalted 00:06:39.060 --> 00:06:43.060 is better than the world and all that is upon it." 00:06:43.060 --> 00:06:45.220 Agreed upon. 00:06:45.220 --> 00:06:47.959 From the benefits of the hadith: 00:06:47.959 --> 00:06:53.339 The excellence of guarding the frontiers to protect the vulnerabilities of the Muslims, 00:06:53.339 --> 00:06:57.339 and defending the sanctity of Islam against enemies. 00:06:57.339 --> 00:07:01.790 Belittling the importance of the world and magnifying the importance of jihad. 00:07:01.790 --> 00:07:05.790 And that whoever attains in Paradise a space the size of a whip 00:07:05.790 --> 00:07:11.790 has attained something greater than all the worldly gains. 00:07:11.790 --> 00:07:15.790 So how much more for one who attains the highest level of Firdaws? 00:07:15.790 --> 00:07:19.300 Often, the reason for failing to participate in jihad 00:07:19.300 --> 00:07:24.300 is an inclination toward worldly pursuits and attachment to its doors. 00:07:24.300 --> 00:07:29.300 Thus, this hadith alerts those who stay behind to this great reward and abundant goodness, 00:07:29.300 --> 00:07:35.300 showing that any small measure of jihad is greater than everything in this world 00:07:35.300 --> 00:07:39.300 to which one has become attached and content. 00:07:39.300 --> 00:07:43.459 On the authority of Salman, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: 00:07:43.459 --> 00:07:45.459 May Allah be pleased with him, he said: 00:07:45.459 --> 00:07:50.459 I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, saying: 00:07:50.459 --> 00:07:56.579 "Guarding the frontier for a day and a night is better than fasting for a month and praying its nights. 00:07:56.579 --> 00:08:02.579 And if he dies therein, his deeds that he used to perform will continue to be credited to him, 00:08:02.579 --> 00:08:07.649 his provision will continue to flow, and he will be secure from the tempter." 00:08:07.649 --> 00:08:10.379 Narrated by Muslim. 00:08:10.379 --> 00:08:15.639 *Al-Ribat* (guarding the frontier) refers to all those at the border defending those behind them. 00:08:15.639 --> 00:08:20.639 *Al-Fattan* refers to the tempter of the grave; may Allah protect us from it. 00:08:20.639 --> 00:08:23.639 It is that by which a person is tested in his grave, 00:08:23.639 --> 00:08:26.639 through the questioning of the two angels and the punishment. 00:08:26.639 --> 00:08:33.820 From the benefits of the hadith: the manifest virtue of the one who guards the frontier. 00:08:33.820 --> 00:08:38.820 The continuation of his deeds after his death is a virtue specific to him, 00:08:38.820 --> 00:08:42.340 in which no one else shares. 00:08:42.340 --> 00:08:44.340 The continuation of his provision. 00:08:44.340 --> 00:08:48.340 This is in agreement with the saying of the Exalted regarding the martyrs: 00:08:48.340 --> 00:08:52.340 “Think not of those, who are slain in the way of Allah, as dead. Nay, they are living. With their Lord they have provision.” (3:169) 00:08:52.340 --> 00:08:55.340 And the authentic hadiths [confirm] 00:08:55.340 --> 00:09:00.820 that the souls of the martyrs eat from the fruits of Paradise. 00:09:00.820 --> 00:09:03.820 The affirmation of the punishment of the grave and its trial, 00:09:03.820 --> 00:09:10.159 and that the one guarding the frontier in the cause of Allah is spared from it. 00:09:10.159 --> 00:09:13.159 On the authority of Fadalah ibn 'Ubayd, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:09:13.159 --> 00:09:18.190 that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 00:09:18.190 --> 00:09:21.190 "Every dead person has his deeds sealed, 00:09:21.190 --> 00:09:24.190 except for the one who guards the frontier in the cause of Allah; 00:09:24.190 --> 00:09:29.220 for his deeds will continue to grow for him until the Day of Resurrection, 00:09:29.220 --> 00:09:32.220 and he will be secure from the trial of the grave." 00:09:32.220 --> 00:09:35.350 Narrated by Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi. 00:09:35.350 --> 00:09:39.309 From the benefits of the hadith: 00:09:39.309 --> 00:09:42.539 Whoever dies while guarding the frontier in the cause of Allah, 00:09:42.539 --> 00:09:46.539 his deeds do not cease until the Day of Resurrection, 00:09:46.539 --> 00:09:50.539 as he returns to meet his Lord joyful, 00:09:50.539 --> 00:09:54.539 and He rewards him with Paradise and silk. 00:09:54.539 --> 00:09:58.779 On the authority of 'Uthman, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: 00:09:58.779 --> 00:10:03.779 I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, saying: 00:10:03.779 --> 00:10:06.779 "A day of guarding the frontier in the cause of Allah 00:10:07.779 --> 00:10:12.779 is better than a thousand days in any other station." 00:10:12.779 --> 00:10:16.710 Narrated by al-Tirmidhi. 00:10:16.710 --> 00:10:19.129 From the benefits of the hadith: 00:10:19.129 --> 00:10:22.129 The excellence of guarding the frontier in the cause of Allah, 00:10:22.129 --> 00:10:26.129 and that one day of it is better than a thousand days 00:10:26.129 --> 00:10:30.379 in other acts of obedience. 00:10:30.379 --> 00:10:34.379 On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: 00:10:34.379 --> 00:10:38.570 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 00:10:38.570 --> 00:10:41.570 "Allah has guaranteed for the one who goes out in His cause— 00:10:41.570 --> 00:10:45.570 driven by nothing but jihad in My cause, 00:10:45.570 --> 00:10:49.570 belief in Me, and affirmation of My messengers— 00:10:49.570 --> 00:10:53.570 that He will admit him into Paradise, 00:10:53.570 --> 00:10:57.570 or return him to his home from which he set out, 00:10:57.570 --> 00:11:00.860 with whatever reward or spoils he has attained. 00:11:00.860 --> 00:11:03.860 By Him in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, 00:11:03.860 --> 00:11:06.860 there is no wound inflicted in the cause of Allah 00:11:06.860 --> 00:11:11.860 but that it will come on the Day of Resurrection in the same state it was when it was inflicted: 00:11:11.860 --> 00:11:13.860 its color will be the color of blood, 00:11:13.860 --> 00:11:16.860 and its scent will be the scent of musk. 00:11:16.860 --> 00:11:19.889 By Him in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, 00:11:19.889 --> 00:11:22.889 were it not that it would be difficult for the Muslims, 00:11:22.889 --> 00:11:28.889 I would never stay behind any expedition fighting in the cause of Allah. 00:11:28.889 --> 00:11:32.919 But I do not find the means to carry them, 00:11:32.919 --> 00:11:34.919 and they do not find the means, 00:11:34.919 --> 00:11:38.919 and it is difficult for them to be left behind by me. 00:11:38.919 --> 00:11:42.019 By Him in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, 00:11:42.019 --> 00:11:47.019 I would love to fight in the cause of Allah and be killed, 00:11:47.019 --> 00:11:49.019 then fight and be killed, 00:11:49.019 --> 00:11:52.019 then fight and be killed." 00:11:52.019 --> 00:11:54.139 Narrated by Muslim. 00:11:54.139 --> 00:11:57.139 Al-Bukhari narrated a portion of it. 00:11:57.139 --> 00:12:00.659 *Al-Kalm* means the wound. 00:12:00.659 --> 00:12:03.899 From the benefits of the hadith: 00:12:03.899 --> 00:12:12.379 Allah has obligated Paradise for the fighter in His cause, out of His grace and generosity, glory be to Him. 00:12:12.379 --> 00:12:15.899 The true fighter in the cause of Allah 00:12:15.899 --> 00:12:18.899 is a believer in his Lord and an affirmer of His messengers; 00:12:18.899 --> 00:12:22.899 he is the one guaranteed the result mentioned in the hadith. 00:12:22.899 --> 00:12:26.899 Whoever puts on the garment of jihad but is not characterized by what has been stipulated, 00:12:26.899 --> 00:12:33.899 is not guaranteed the result mentioned regarding Paradise and other things. 00:12:33.899 --> 00:12:39.279 The fighter in the cause of Allah has succeeded and triumphed in any case: 00:12:39.279 --> 00:12:42.279 either he succeeds with Paradise, 00:12:42.279 --> 00:12:48.279 or he succeeds with victory, spoils, and returning to his family and loved ones safely, 00:12:48.279 --> 00:12:51.279 while they are protected from all harm, 00:12:51.279 --> 00:12:54.279 due to Allah's care for them. 00:12:54.279 --> 00:12:58.700 Martyrs enter Paradise after their martyrdom, 00:12:58.700 --> 00:13:01.700 as an honor from Allah the Exalted for them, 00:13:01.700 --> 00:13:06.700 and a swift fulfillment of the promise they were given while in the world, 00:13:06.700 --> 00:13:10.700 so they go about in Paradise morning and evening. 00:13:10.700 --> 00:13:17.210 The victorious fighter has attained both the reward of jihad and the spoils. 00:13:17.210 --> 00:13:23.620 It is evidence that the blood is not removed from the martyr by washing or otherwise. 00:13:23.620 --> 00:13:28.620 The wisdom behind it appearing on the Day of Resurrection in its original state 00:13:28.620 --> 00:13:31.620 is that it may be a witness for him regarding his virtue, 00:13:31.620 --> 00:13:35.620 and his sacrifice of his own self in the obedience of Allah the Exalted. 00:13:35.620 --> 00:13:40.070 It is evidence for the permissibility of taking an oath and its validity, 00:13:40.070 --> 00:13:43.070 by his saying, "By Him in whose hand is my soul," 00:13:43.070 --> 00:13:46.070 and similar formulas of swearing. 00:13:46.070 --> 00:13:51.519 The affirmation of the attribute of the Hand for Allah the Exalted, as befits His majesty, 00:13:51.519 --> 00:13:57.519 without likening [to creation], negating, distorting, or delegating [the meaning]. 00:13:57.519 --> 00:14:02.159 Martyrs have a special mark for them on the Day of Resurrection, 00:14:02.159 --> 00:14:05.159 which is the wound they received; 00:14:05.159 --> 00:14:10.159 it will emit blood in color, while its scent will be the scent of musk. 00:14:10.159 --> 00:14:16.580 Not every action of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, indicates obligation. 00:14:16.580 --> 00:14:22.090 It is permissible for the leader to stay behind from an expedition or a battle 00:14:22.090 --> 00:14:27.090 if he sees a benefit in his staying behind. 00:14:27.090 --> 00:14:31.470 It is incumbent upon the Imam to be mindful of the circumstances of the common people. 00:14:32.470 --> 00:14:37.470 He should proceed at the pace of the weakest among them, so as not to impose hardship upon them. 00:14:37.470 --> 00:14:43.919 No one who enters Paradise would ever wish to return to the worldly life, 00:14:43.919 --> 00:14:47.919 except for the martyr, who desires to return to fight in the way of Allah, 00:14:47.919 --> 00:14:52.919 then be killed in the way of Allah, then fight again, then be killed again, 00:14:52.919 --> 00:14:57.919 then fight again and be killed again, because of the honor he witnesses. 00:14:57.919 --> 00:15:03.620 Riyadh al-Salihin, oh, Riyadh al-Salihin.