Struggle against Injustice Is Jihad

(Islamweb)Fatwa No. 1540

  
Question:

Please give Islamic reasons on how a struggle can be classified as
"Jihad"? Can struggle against injustice be classified as "Jihad"?

Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds; and blessings and peace of
Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and Companions.

As for fighting; when it is done for Allah's cause, it becomes Jihad.
Imam al-Bukhari narrated in his Sahih from Abu Musa al-Ashari that a
man asked the Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and peace of Allah be upon
him): 'A man may fight because of being enraged and angry, and another
may fight so that he may be mentioned by the people, and a third may
fight to show his position (i.e. bravery): which of these is regarded
as fighting in Allah's cause?' The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "He
who fights so that Allah's word (i.e. Islam) should be superior,
fights for Allah's cause ."

As for fighting to defend one's life, money, honour or to remove
injustice it is permissible. Allah says concerning these matters
(interpretation of meaning): "And if two parties or groups among the
believers fall to fighting, then make peace between them both, but if
one of them rebels against the other, then fight you all against the
one that which rebels till it complies with the Command of Allah." [49:9]

Imam Muslim narrated in his book from Abu Hurairah that a person came
to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and said: 'What do you think if a man
comes to me in order to appropriate my possession?' He (the Prophet)
said: "Don't surrender your possession to him." He (the inquirer)
said: 'If he fights me?' He (the Prophet) remarked: "Then fight (with
him)." He (the inquirer) again said: 'What do you think if I am
killed?' He (the Prophet) observed: "You would be a martyr." He (the
inquirer) said: 'What do you think of him if I kill him.' He (the
Prophet) said: "He would be in the Fire."

Allah knows best.

Home - Quran & Hadith – Charity - Family & Health – Islam – Miscellaneous – Matrimonials

Human Rights - Women – Newscenter – Boycott – Chechnya – Palestine - Links