The Muslim world today is faced with tyranny and injustice. Indeed oppression and hardship is not just limited to the Muslim world, rather many non-Muslim states are subject to oppression at the hands of the world’s leading military and economic powers. Anyone who cares can only be saddened and hurt by the pain and suffering that accompanies so many faces. Islam has allowed jihad as a means to prevent oppression, yet the Muslims have forgotten this for too long.
Islam is a religion of peace. Peace in the Islamic worldview context includes:-
a. The word Islam comes from the root word ‘salam’ which means peace and tranquility.
b. As-Salam is one of the 99 beautiful names of Allah (Asmaul- Husna).
c. Almighty Allah gives salutation of peace (salam) to Prophet Muhammad, and to all His messengers and to those entering His paradise.
d. ‘Salam’ (Peace) is the first word uttered by the Messenger of God, Prophet Muhammad when he met Allah, The Al-Mighty at Sidratul Muntaha during the Night of Ascent.
e. The concept of salam (peace) is a natural instinct in each human being.
f. Salam is obligatory in solat (prayers)
Jihad should be practiced in Islam. The question is, what kind of jihad should Muslims perform?
Application of Jihad in our daily lives
Without realizing it, each human is in a constant state of jihad, since jihad means striving with our best efforts without hoping for any forms of gratification and by avoiding things that are prohibited. This daily jihad can be classified as such:-
a) Jihad in Acquisition of Knowledge
Knowledge is the most important mission in life. Without knowledge, mankind cannot progress because everything happens with man’s effort and with Almighty Allah’s permission. Hence, knowledge is the starting point for everything. With knowledge, we can better study and thus better appreciate the beauty and perfection of Allah’s creation. However, the pursuit of beneficial knowledge is important since no education or the wrong education will create problems in the social, moral or economic spheres for the community. Hence, we constantly need to upgrade our knowledge both for the betterment of our worldly affairs and the hereafter.
b) Social Jihad
Social problems, especially those pertaining to family matters, have risen among the Muslim community. While drug abuse rates have come down in recent years, other social problems in connection with teenagers have cropped up. Divorce and teenage pregnancy rates are continue to rise and become more widespread. If divorce is identified to be the main source of these social problems, then parents should re-evaluate the values they wish to instill in their family.
c) Jihad in Economy
The work that we do every day contributes to the economy. In the Holy Quran, Allah reminds mankind to constantly strive to fulfill their worldly needs, including performing jihad to elevate their economic status. Allah’s decree in Chapter 28(Al-Qashash), verse 77 which means:-
“But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief."
d) Moral Jihad
One should strive to adorn oneself with good character and a pleasant disposition, so as to be respected and loved by many.
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