CSS 2013 Solved Islamiyat Past Papers | The Significance of “Jihad”
The following question of CSS Islamiat 2013 is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted using the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, who have scored the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
The examiner asked about the significance of “Jihad” in the light of the Quran and Sunnah. The first is an outline, which is broken down into different parts. Moreover, its kinds, principles, and conditions are explained in detail. Moving further, the introduction gives the significance of “Jihad” in light of the Quran and Sunnah, its kinds, principles and conditions, and the conclusion.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-The significance of Jihad in the Quran
3-The significance of Jihad in Sunnah
4-What are the kinds of Jihad?
- ✔ Jihad al-Akbar (The Greater Jihad)
- ✔ Jihad al-Asghar
- ✔ Jihad al-Lisan (Jihad of the Tongue)
- ✔ Jihad by the heart and hand
- ✔ Jihad al-Mal (Jihad of Wealth)
- ✔ Jihad al-Nafs (Jihad of the Self)
5-A detailed analysis of the principles of Jihad
- ✔ Striving for the sake of Allah
- ✔ Defending faith and protecting innocent lives
- ✔ Fighting against oppression
- ✔ Promoting justice and fairness
- ✔ Ensuring proportionality
6-What are the conditions of Jihad?
- ✔ Seeking permission for Jihad from legitimate authority
- ✔ Ensuring cause and right intentions
- ✔ Exhausting all peaceful means before initiating Jihad
- ✔ Avoiding harm to non-combatants
- ✔ Ceasing hostilities when the enemy desists
7-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Jihad refers to a noble, sacred fight in the way of Allah for the verification of Muslim society free from cruelty, oppression and subjugation. It is a complex Islamic concept often misunderstood; Jihad is about defence, not aggression. Allah has commanded in the Holy Quran that fighting for Islam is obligatory for Muslims. Moreover, Allah’s messenger has established honourable and strict orders and principles for Jihad. These include defending faith and innocent human lives, ensuring proportionality, and avoiding unnecessary destruction and harm to non-combatants. Additionally, the Quran and Sunnah have established terms and conditions for Jihad that include permission from a legitimate authority, ensuring just cause and right intentions, and resorting to Jihad after all peaceful means are exhausted. These principles, terms, and conditions for Jihad give a clear understanding that helps to dispel misconceptions and nuance this vital concept of Islam.
The Significance of Jihad in the Quran
Jihad has a deep meaning in the Quran as it is shown as a key idea in the process of pursuing Allah’s will and carrying out one’s obligations as a Muslim. Jihad includes a wide range of endeavours, including the internal fight against one’s own wants, the fight to disseminate justice, and the dedication to upholding the truth. It is not simply about physical conflict. Allah instructs believers to practice Jihad in self-defence in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190), saying, “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors.” This emphasizes the idea of fairness and moderation in war, emphasizing that Jihad ought to be practised solely for admirable goals like peace, defence, and the defence of the uprooted. In general, the Quran portrays Jihad as a devotional act that aims to advance justice, righteousness, and global peace via both individual and group battles.
The significance of Jihad in Sunnah
Jihad al-Akbar (the greater Jihad), which refers to the internal struggle against one’s own desires, ego, and weaknesses, is highly valued by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Sunnah emphasizes the significance of Jihad as both an external and internal trouble in the way of Allah, with a final objective of striving for one’s own development, justice, and the welfare of the Muslim community. He (PBUH) said, “The best Jihad is to strive against one’s own soul for the sake of Allah” (Sahih Muslim), The Prophet (PBUH) stressed the significance of Jihad al-Asghar (the lesser Jihad), which refers to physical defense in times of oppression and war, as a way to protect the Ummah and uphold justice; Jihad al-Lisan (striving with the tongue) and Jihad al-Mal (striving with wealth) are crucial to advancing righteousness and supporting the Muslim community; and he emphasized that the essential form of Jihad is the endeavour to purify oneself spiritually. He (PBUH) said, “Whoever sees an injustice should change it with his hand, if he is unable, then with his tongue, and if he is unable, then with his heart, and that is the weakest of faith” (Sahih Muslim). Accordingly, the Sunnah presents Jihad as an all-encompassing idea that has both spiritual and material components, exhorting Muslims to work toward social justice, truth-defending, and self-improvement continuously.
What are the kinds of Jihad?
- Jihad al-Akbar (The Greater Jihad)
Jihad al-Akbar, also known as the “Greater Jihad,” is the internal fight against one’s own desires, weaknesses, and negative traits in order to achieve personal spiritual growth and righteousness.“The best Jihad is to strive against one’s own soul for the sake of Allah” (Sahih Muslim), demonstrating its paramount significance in a Muslim’s life. The attempt to be patient and persistent in the face of personal adversity, such as suffering financial difficulties or health problems while remaining satisfied with Allah’s will, is another example. The Quran also discusses this internal conflict in Surah Al-Furqan (25:72), where it exhorts believers to abstain from bad characteristics like conceit. “And those who, when they are reminded of the verses of their Lord, do not fall upon them deaf and blind.” Thus, Jihad al-Akbar is not just a fight against external enemies but a lifelong struggle to better oneself, achieve moral excellence, and strengthen one’s relationship with Allah.
- Jihad al-Asghar
Moreover, Jihad al-Asghar, or the “Lesser Jihad,” refers to the exterior battle or physical effort undertaken in the defense of Islam, defending the Muslim community, or preserving justice in the face of injustice or assault. It is crucial to remember that Jihad al-Asghar is not a call for unjustified violence; rather, it is carried out in accordance with the stringent moral standards established by Islamic law. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:190), “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors.” The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also emphasized the importance of restraint, saying, “Whoever fights in the way of Allah and dies, he is a martyr” (Sahih Muslim). Supporting the downtrodden, protecting one’s country, or engaging in different forms of resistance to injustice are more manifestations of Jihad al-Asghar. However, it is crucial that Jihad al-Asghar, in any form, uphold Islamic principles of justice, mercy, and the defence of innocent life.
- Jihad al-Lisan (Jihad of the Tongue)
Furthermore, Jihad al-Lisan (the “Jihad of the Tongue”) is a struggle to utilize one’s voice in Allah’s way by advocating for justice, righteousness, and truth while speaking out against injustice and deception. The significance of standing up for justice was emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). “The best jihad is a word of justice spoken to a tyrannical ruler” (Sunan Abu Dawood). As Allah states in the Quran, Surah Al-Ahzab (33:70), Jihad al-Lisan also extends to everyday interactions, where Muslims are encouraged to avoid gossip, slander, and harmful speech and instead speak in a way that promotes peace and understanding. “O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.” This verse underscores the significance of using speech in a manner that aligns with righteousness, making Jihad al-Lisan a critical aspect of a Muslim’s duty to uphold truth and justice in society.
- Jihad by the heart and hand
Moreover, Jihad by the Heart and Hand describes a Muslim’s combined endeavours to pursue morality and virtue through both internal and exterior deeds. Purifying one’s intentions and emotions, attempting to eradicate negative emotions like pride, envy, and hatred, and cultivating love, tolerance, and compassion are all part of the Jihad of the heart. As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Indeed, actions are judged by the intentions behind them” (Sahih al-Bukhari). The Quran encourages this active involvement in promoting good and preventing harm, as seen in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256), “There is no compulsion in religion; the right course has become clear from the wrong.” This verse highlights the importance of promoting goodness through one’s actions, whether through direct physical intervention or through efforts to guide others toward the truth. Jihad by the heart and hand, therefore, involves a holistic approach to striving in the way of Allah, combining both internal purity of the soul and external action to improve the world.
- Jihad al-Mal (Jihad of Wealth)
Nonetheless, the attempt and struggle to use one’s financial resources for the benefit of society and Allah is known as Jihad al-Mal (the “Jihad of Wealth”). This type of Jihad emphasizes that wealth should be used for noble causes, such as aiding the poor, supporting the oppressed, promoting education, and advancing the welfare of the Muslim community. It is not just about giving money; instead, it is about making sure that wealth is spent in accordance with the values of justice, compassion, and social responsibility. The Quran advises Muslims to donate to charity and to help those in need, saying in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261), “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like that of a seed of grain which grows seven ears, and in each ear, there are a hundred grains.” This verse emphasizes the significant spiritual advantage of expending prosperity in the way of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also highlighted the necessity of generosity, stating, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others”. It serves as a reminder that material resources are not solely for personal gain but are a means to contribute to the broader welfare of society, and Muslims are encouraged to view wealth as a trust from Allah to be used for the common good.
Detailed analysis of the Principles of Jihad
- Striving for the sake of Allah
Jihad must be undertaken purely for the sake of Allah, and the intention behind it should be to please Allah, not for personal gain or worldly desires. Allah says in the Quran, “As for those who struggle in Our cause, We will surely guide them along our way.” (Al Ankabut-69) It is a comfort to be reassured that Allah does not leave alone those who strive in His cause sincerely, even at the risk of conflict with the entire work, and Allah succours and guides them according to their sincerity and intensity of desire for good. Therefore, striving for Allah is one of the core principles of Jihad.
- Defending faith and protecting innocent life
Another core principle of Jihad is the defence of the faith (Islam) and the protection of innocent human lives. Allah has commanded Muslims to fight against persecution and defend Islam when it is under attack. This defensive nature of Jihad is clearly emphasized in the Quran. “And fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you but do not transgress.” (Al Baqrah-190) The real intention of the verse is to show that Allah has ordered force and fight against those who wage war against Muslims, but at the same time, Allah has emphasized not to exceed the limit and maintain the peace.
- Fighting against oppression
Jihad refers to waging a war against tyranny and oppression. Muslims are commanded to support those who are oppressed and helpless by using force in the way of Allah, even if they are not Muslims. Allah says in the Quran, “And what is (the matter) with you? You do not fight in the cause of Allah and (for) the oppressed among men, women and children who cry out.” (Al Nisa-75) This verse encourages Muslims to come out in the way of Allah and fight for those who are oppressed but do not gain any personal benefit from them.
- Promoting justice and fairness
All principles of Jihad are aligned with justice. Muslims are encouraged to fight to suppress tyranny, establish justice, and eradicate oppression and all other wrongdoings that are against Islam. “O Believers! Be upholders of justice and bearers of witness to the truth for the sake of Allah.” (Al Nisa- 135) This verse underscores that Jihad promotes justice and fairness in society; believers should put faith and trust in Allah and strive against injustice. And any injustice act, even in warfare, negates its legitimacy.
- Ensuring proportionality
Muslims are obligated to use force against aggression they face, but excessive force is forbidden, ensuring proportionality in Jihad. As Allah says in the Quran, “And fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you but do not transgress.”(Al Baqrah-190) There should be proportionality in response to aggression, and excessive use of force should be controlled. This highlights the importance of the necessity of proportionality, and excessive violence, retaliation or unnecessary force is prohibited in Islam.
What are the conditions of Jihad?
- Seeking permission for Jihad through Legitimate Authority
Individuals or groups cannot declare jihad on their own in Islam, but it must be sanctioned by a legitimate authority, such as a ruler or government, who carries out responsibility and proper oversight. This presents chaos and misuse of Jihad for political or personal gains, also strengthening mujahedeen when a responsible leader leads them. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The ruler is a shield for the believers, they fight behind him, and they are protected by him.” (Al Bukhari) This hadith highlights the importance of following those in legitimate authority because a Muslim must organize and lead Jihad to please Allah.
- Ensuring just cause and right intentions
In Islam, jihad must only be done for a just cause, such as defending the faith, protecting the oppressed or spreading Islam. The intention behind Jihad is critical, as it should be purely for the sake of Allah. Allah says in the Quran, “permission to fight back is <hereby granted> to those being fought for they have been wronged. Allah is truly most capable of helping them < prevails>.”(Al Hajj-39) This verse underscores the insurance of cause and right intentions and also strengthens the believers’ faith because they know Allah is with them and will help them.
- Exhausting all peaceful means before initiating Jihad
Moreover, Islam is a peaceful religion and also emphasizes that all peaceful solutions must be exhausted, such as negotiations, diplomacy and other non-violent mean, before initiation of armed Jihad. “But if the enemy inclined towards peace make peace with them. And put your trust in Allah.” (Al Anfal- 61) This verse calls Muslims for peace and to accept peace, as by following Quran orders, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made a peace agreement, the Treaty of Hudebiya, with the Quraish.
- Avoiding harm to non-combatants
Moving down to the ladder, during Jihad, Islam prohibits harming women and children, live stocks and destruction of corps. To ensure the sanctity of innocent lives and fight with those who are directly involved in the fight. As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed the soldiers, “Do not kill women, children, or the elderly, and do not destroy homes and crops.” (Sahi Bukhari) This hadith lays down the explicit rules of Jihad by protecting non-combatants and not overstepping the boundaries of Jihad as designed by the Quran and Sunnah.
- Ceasing hostilities when the enemy Desists
Last but not least, Islam does not permit fighting for the sake of revenge; once the enemy ceases fighting, hostilities must come to an end. As Allah emphasizes in the Quran,” Then if they desist, know well that Allah is ever-forgiving and most passionate.” (Al Baqrah- 192). This verse depicts that Jihad is directed only against the wrongdoers, not for perpetuating conflicts. If the enemy withdraws from war and offers peace, then Muslims are required to cease fighting immediately, as Islam focuses on reconciliation rather than prolonged wars and conflicts.
Conclusion
In Islam, Jihad is a multifaceted concern encompassing personal, spiritual, and physical struggles for the sale of Allah. Jihad’s principles and terms and conditions established in the light of the Quran and Sunnah ensure justice, peace, and protection of innocent lives. According to the Quran and Sunnah, Jihad is conducted justly, ethically, and with the right intentions to suppress operation and persecution by requiring permission from the Legitimate Authority for cause and exhaustion of all peaceful means. However, Jihad is used as a last resort and is followed by mercy and righteousness.
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