In Islam, Jihad holds a profound and multifaceted meaning. It is not limited to warfare but also includes a range of actions taken in the path of Allah, encompassing both physical and spiritual efforts. Each Hadith related to Jihad sheds light on different aspects of striving for Allah’s cause, from physical battles to acts of faith, compassion, and sacrifice. These teachings remind Muslims of the rewards of sincere effort in both this world and the Hereafter. The following Hadiths highlight valuable lessons of courage, devotion, fairness, and perseverance, guiding us on the path of righteousness.
The Everlasting Goodness in Horses for Jihad
English Translation
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Good will remain (as a permanent quality) in the foreheads of horses (for Jihad) till the Day of Resurrection, for they bring about either a reward (in the Hereafter) or booty (in this world).”
Arabic Text
“الْخَيْلُ مَعْقُودٌ فِي نَوَاصِيهَا الْخَيْرُ إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ لِلْجِهَادِ.”
Urdu Translation
“رسول اللہ (ﷺ) نے فرمایا: “گھوڑوں کی پیشانی میں قیامت تک بھلائی رہے گی، کیونکہ یہ جہاد میں خیر و برکت لاتے ہیں۔”“
A Symbol of Readiness and Reward
This Hadith emphasizes the blessing that Allah has bestowed upon horses used for Jihad. In the time of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), horses were crucial for battles, symbolizing both readiness and resilience. By highlighting that “good will remain in the foreheads of horses,” the Prophet (ﷺ) conveys that these animals are not just instruments of war but are blessed companions in the path of Allah.
In Islam, rewards are promised for sincere actions done with the right intention. The phrase “till the Day of Resurrection” signifies that the noble value of horses for Jihad will be honoured by Allah eternally. Furthermore, this Hadith implies that the blessings associated with Jihad extend beyond the battlefield; the act itself is a continuous source of reward for those who engage in it for Allah’s sake.
The Prophet’s Unwavering Bravery at the Battle of Hunain
English Translation
Somebody asked Al-Bar’a bin Azib, “Did you flee deserting Allah’s Apostle during the battle of Hunain?” Al-Bar’a replied, “But Allah’s Apostle did not flee. The people of the Tribe of Hawazin were good archers. When we met them, we attacked them, and they fled. When the Muslims started collecting the war booty, the pagans faced us with arrows, but Allah’s Apostle did not flee. No doubt, I saw him on his white mule, and Abu Sufyan was holding its reins, and the Prophet was saying, ‘I am the Prophet in truth: I am the son of ‘Abdul Muttalib.’”
Arabic Text
قَالَ الْبَرَاءُ بْنُ عَازِبٍ: وَلَكِنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم لَمْ يَفِرَّ. رَأَيْتُهُ عَلَى بَغْلَةٍ بَيْضَاءَ وَأَبُو سُفْيَانَ آخِذٌ بِزِمَامِهَا، وَالنَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ: “أَنَا النَّبِيُّ لاَ كَذِبَ، أَنَا ابْنُ عَبْدِ الْمُطَّلِبِ.”
Urdu Translation
کسی نے حضرت براء بن عازب سے پوچھا، “کیا آپ نے جنگ حنین میں اللہ کے رسول کو چھوڑ دیا؟” حضرت براء نے جواب دیا، “لیکن رسول اللہ (ﷺ) نہیں بھاگے۔ قبیلہ ہووازن کے لوگ ماہر تیر انداز تھے۔ جب ہم نے ان سے سامنا کیا تو ہم نے ان پر حملہ کیا اور وہ بھاگ گئے۔ جب مسلمانوں نے مال غنیمت جمع کرنا شروع کیا تو مشرکین نے تیر چلانا شروع کیے، لیکن اللہ کے رسول (ﷺ) نہیں بھاگے۔ میں نے آپ کو سفید خچر پر دیکھا، اور ابو سفیان اس کی باگ پکڑے ہوئے تھے، اور نبی (ﷺ) کہہ رہے تھے، ‘میں سچا نبی ہوں، میں عبد المطلب کا بیٹا ہوں۔'”
The Prophet’s Valor in the Face of Adversity
In this Hadith, Al-Bar’a bin Azib recounts the strength and unshakable bravery of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) during the Battle of Hunain. This battle was a challenging encounter between the Muslims and the tribe of Hawazin, known for their skill in archery. While others in the army might have felt fear or apprehension, the Prophet (ﷺ) stood steadfast. His statement, “I am the Prophet in truth: I am the son of ‘Abdul Muttalib,” reflects his deep conviction, inner strength, and leadership.
The Prophet’s presence on the battlefield, firmly seated on his white mule, represents the qualities of a true leader: courage, loyalty, and resilience. Despite the arrows and danger surrounding him, he remained unwavering, inspiring his followers and affirming his role as the Messenger of Allah. This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder that true strength lies in faith and fearlessness when striving in Allah’s cause.
The Virtue of Hajj as Jihad for Women
English Translation
“Narrated ‘Aisha, the mother of the faithful believers: “I requested the Prophet to permit me to participate in Jihad, but he said, ‘Your Jihad is the performance of Hajj.’””
Arabic Text
“عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، أُمِّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ، قَالَتْ: قُلْتُ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، أَلَا نَغْزُو فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ؟ قَالَ: “لَكُنَّ جِهَادٌ لَا قِتَالَ فِيهِ، الْحَجُّ وَالْعُمْرَةُ”.”
Urdu Translation
“حضرت عائشہؓ (ام المؤمنین) فرماتی ہیں: میں نے رسول اللہ ﷺ سے جہاد میں شرکت کی اجازت چاہی، لیکن آپ نے فرمایا، ’’تمہارا جہاد حج کا ادا کرنا ہے۔‘‘”
Hajj as a Form of Jihad for Women
In this Hadith, we find a valuable lesson on the roles and responsibilities specific to men and women within the framework of Jihad. Aisha (RA), the beloved wife of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), expressed her desire to engage in Jihad, hoping to participate in the noble cause of Allah. However, the Prophet (ﷺ) replied that for women, Jihad is embodied in the performance of Hajj. This message emphasizes that while physical Jihad might not be obligatory for women, there is an equally honoured and spiritually fulfilling way for them to strive in Allah’s cause: the pilgrimage of Hajj.
This Hadith highlights that Islam provides different yet equally rewarding ways for men and women to serve their faith. Hajj, which involves physical, mental, and spiritual commitment, is a significant act of worship, requiring endurance, dedication, and patience—qualities also necessary for Jihad. Therefore, by undertaking Hajj with sincere devotion, women fulfil an important aspect of Jihad, obtaining blessings and drawing closer to Allah.
A Vision of Followers Engaged in Jihad by Sea
English Translation
“Narrated Anas: Allah’s Apostle went to the daughter of Milhan and reclined there (and slept). He then woke up smiling. She asked, “O Allah’s Apostle! What makes you smile?” He replied, “(I dreamt that) some people amongst my followers were sailing on the green sea in Allah’s Cause, resembling kings on thrones.” She said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Invoke Allah to make me one of them.” He said, “You will be among the first group of them.” Later on, she married ‘Ubada bin As-Samit, and then she sailed on the sea with bint Qaraza, Mu’awiya’s wife (for Jihad). Upon her return, she mounted her riding animal, which threw her down, breaking her neck, and she passed away.”
Arabic Text
“حَدَّثَنَا أَنَسٌ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ دَخَلَ عَلَى بِنْتِ مِلْحَانَ، فَضَحِكَ فَقَالَتْ لِمَ تَضْحَكُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ؟ فَقَالَ “رَأَيْتُ قَوْمًا مِنْ أُمَّتِي يَرْكَبُونَ بَحْرَ الْخَضْرَاءِ مِثْلَ الْمُلُوكِ عَلَى السُّرُرِ”، فَقَالَتِ ادْعُ اللَّهَ أَنْ يَجْعَلَنِي مِنْهُمْ، فَقَالَ “أَنْتِ مِنْ الْأَوَّلِينَ”.”
Urdu Translation
“حضرت انسؓ نے بیان کیا کہ نبی کریم ﷺ حضرت ملحان کی بیٹی کے پاس تشریف لے گئے اور وہاں آرام فرمایا۔ پھر آپ ﷺ مسکراتے ہوئے بیدار ہوئے۔ انہوں نے پوچھا: “اے اللہ کے رسول! آپ کس بات پر مسکرا رہے ہیں؟” آپ ﷺ نے جواب دیا، “(میں نے خواب میں دیکھا کہ) میری امت کے کچھ لوگ اللہ کی راہ میں سمندر کی موجوں پر بادشاہوں کی طرح تخت پر بیٹھے جا رہے ہیں۔” انہوں نے کہا، “یا رسول اللہ! دعا کریں کہ اللہ مجھے بھی ان میں سے بنا دے۔” آپ ﷺ نے فرمایا، “تم ان میں سے پہلی جماعت میں شامل ہو گی۔” بعد میں انہوں نے عبادہ بن صامت سے نکاح کیا اور پھر اللہ کی راہ میں سمندر میں جہاد کے لیے نکلیں۔ واپسی پر سواری سے گر کر گردن ٹوٹ گئی اور ان کا انتقال ہو گیا۔”
Dream of the Prophet and the Honor of Jihad by Sea
This Hadith shares a beautiful vision of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who dreamt of his followers sailing across the green sea like kings seated on thrones. The “green sea” symbolizes purity, serenity, and Allah’s path, while the phrase “kings on thrones” reflects the honour and dignity bestowed upon those who engage in Jihad for Allah’s cause. The daughter of Milhan, upon hearing this vision, expressed her sincere wish to be among those noble people, and the Prophet (ﷺ) assured her that she would be part of the first group.
The significance of this Hadith lies in how it highlights the honour associated with Jihad, even in journeys by sea. For the daughter of Milhan, it was not only a privilege to participate but a chance to fulfil her faith nobly. Her dedication eventually led her to undertake this journey with her husband, and, in the end, she met her Lord while serving in His cause.
The Prophet’s Practice of Choosing Companions for Jihad
English Translation
“Narrated ‘Aisha: Whenever the Prophet intended to proceed on a journey, he used to draw lots amongst his wives and would take the one upon whom the lot fell. Once, before setting out for Jihad, he drew lots amongst us, and the lot came to me; so I went with the Prophet. That happened after the revelation of the Verse of Hijab (veiling).”
Arabic Text
“حَدَّثَتْ عَائِشَةُ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ: كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا أَرَادَ سَفَرًا أَقْرَعَ بَيْنَ نِسَائِهِ، فَأَيَّتُهُنَّ خَرَجَ سَهْمُهَا خَرَجَتْ مَعَهُ، فَأَقْرَعَ بَيْنَنَا فِي غَزَاةٍ غَزَاهَا، فَخَرَجَ سَهْمِي، فَخَرَجْتُ مَعَهُ بَعْدَ مَا أُنْزِلَ الْحِجَابُ.”
Urdu Translation
“حضرت عائشہؓ بیان کرتی ہیں کہ جب بھی رسول اللہ ﷺ سفر کا ارادہ فرماتے تو اپنی ازواج میں قرعہ اندازی کرتے، اور جس کے نام قرعہ نکلتا، اسے ساتھ لے جاتے۔ ایک بار جب آپ ﷺ جہاد کے لیے نکلنے کا ارادہ فرما رہے تھے، تو ہمارے درمیان قرعہ اندازی کی اور میرا نام نکلا، اس لیے میں رسول اللہ ﷺ کے ساتھ نکلی۔ یہ واقعہ آیتِ حجاب نازل ہونے کے بعد کا ہے۔”
The Prophet’s Consideration and Fairness in Choosing Companions for Jihad
This Hadith reflects the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) thoughtful and fair approach in choosing which of his wives would accompany him on journeys, including those related to Jihad. Rather than showing favouritism or making subjective decisions, he would draw lots among his wives, allowing fairness and impartiality to guide the choice. This practice illustrates his sensitivity, understanding, and respect toward each wife’s rights and feelings.
In this instance, the lot fell on Aisha (RA), and she accompanied him on his journey for Jihad. The mention of the “Verse of Hijab” indicates that the rules for veiling and modest conduct were followed during the journey, emphasizing the importance of upholding Islamic principles, even in the context of travel or Jihad.
The Role of Women in Supporting the Fighters
English Translation
“Narrated Anas: On the day of the Battle of Uhud, when some people retreated and left the Prophet, I saw ‘Aisha bint Abu Bakr and Umm Sulaim. They had tucked up their robes so that the bangles around their ankles were visible, and they were hurrying with water skins. In another narration, it is said that they were “carrying water skins on their backs.” They would pour the water into the mouths of the wounded, and after that, they would go back to fill the water skins again to bring more water for the fighters.“
Arabic Text
عَنْ أَنَسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: رَأَيْتُ عَائِشَةَ بِنْتَ أَبِي بَكْرٍ وَأُمَّ سُلَيْمٍ، وَإِنَّهُمَا لَمُشَمِّرَتَانِ، أَرَى خَدَمَ سُوقِهِمَا، تَنْقُزَانِ الْقِرَبَ عَلَى أَكْتَافِهِمَا، تُفْرِغَانِهِ فِي أَفْوَاهِ الْقَوْمِ، ثُمَّ تَرْجِعَانِ تَمْلَآنِهَا، ثُمَّ تَجِيئَانِ تُفْرِغَانِهِ فِي أَفْوَاهِ الْقَوْمِ.
Urdu Translation
حضرت انسؓ بیان کرتے ہیں کہ غزوہ احد کے دن جب کچھ لوگ پیچھے ہٹ گئے اور نبی کریم ﷺ کو تنہا چھوڑ دیا، تو میں نے دیکھا کہ حضرت عائشہ بنت ابوبکرؓ اور ام سلیمؓ نے اپنے کپڑے سمیٹ لیے تھے اور ان کی ٹخنوں کی پازیبیں دکھائی دے رہی تھیں۔ وہ پانی کے مشکیزے لے کر بھاگ رہی تھیں اور زخمیوں کے منہ میں پانی ڈالتی تھیں، پھر پانی بھرنے کے لیے واپس جاتیں اور دوبارہ زخمیوں کے پاس پانی لے آتیں۔
Women’s Courage and Role in the Battle of Uhud
This Hadith reflects the bravery and dedication of women during the Battle of Uhud, showing how they actively supported the Muslim fighters by providing water and tending to the wounded. Aisha bint Abu Bakr (RA) and Umm Sulaim (RA) demonstrated their devotion by constantly refilling and delivering water to the injured, unperturbed by the battle’s dangers. This selfless act of service was a form of Jihad for them, as they put themselves at risk to aid those fighting for the cause of Allah.
Through this Hadith, we see that women were actively involved in supporting the Islamic cause, especially in roles requiring resilience, compassion, and courage. Their actions exemplify how support during conflict is not limited to fighting but includes tending to the physical and emotional needs of the community.
The Prophet’s Prayer for Forgiveness
English Translation
Narrated Abu Musa: Abu ‘Amir was hit with an arrow in his knee, so I went to him and he asked me to remove the arrow. When I removed it, the water started dribbling from it. Then I went to the Prophet and told him about it. He said, “O Allah! Forgive ‘Ubaid Abu ‘Amir.”
Arabic Text
“عَنْ أَبِي مُوسَى رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: أُصِيبَ أَبُو عَامِرٍ بِسَهمٍ فِي رُكْبَتِهِ، فَجِئْتُهُ فَقَالَ: انْزِعْهُ، فَانْزَعْتُهُ، فَجَرَى الدَّمُ مِنْهُ، فَجِئْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، فَقُلْتُ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، فَقالَ: اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِعُبَيْدِ أَبِي عَامِرٍ.”
Urdu Translation
“حضرت ابوموسیٰؓ نے بیان کیا کہ ابوعامرؓ کو ایک تیر لگ گیا ان کے گھٹنے میں، تو میں ان کے پاس گیا اور انہوں نے کہا کہ اسے نکالو۔ جب میں نے اسے نکالا تو اس سے خون بہنے لگا۔ پھر میں نبی کریم ﷺ کے پاس آیا اور اس بارے میں بتایا۔ آپ ﷺ نے کہا، “اے اللہ! ‘عبید ابی عامر’ کی مغفرت فرما۔””
The Prophet’s Compassion and Prayers for His Companions
This Hadith highlights the compassion and care of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) for his companions, exemplified in his prayer for Abu ‘Amir after he suffered a wound. When Abu ‘Amir was hit by an arrow, the Prophet (ﷺ) was informed of his injury and immediately prayed for his forgiveness. This act reflects not only the bond between the Prophet and his companions but also the importance of seeking Allah’s mercy for those who strive in His cause.
The phrase “O Allah! Forgive ‘Ubaid Abu ‘Amir” emphasizes the Prophet’s understanding of the spiritual and physical struggles faced by those who engage in Jihad. His prayer illustrates that the efforts of every individual in the path of Allah are recognized and honoured, highlighting the importance of compassion and remembrance of Allah’s mercy.
Conclusion
The Hadiths discussed in this article collectively illustrate the multifaceted nature of Jihad and the importance of community support. Each narration highlights different aspects of this noble endeavour—whether it be the valour of fighters, the supportive roles of women, or the compassionate leadership exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
These lessons remind us that every action, whether on the battlefield or in acts of service, contributes to the strength and unity of the Muslim Ummah. It is through these shared experiences, sacrifices, and prayers that we nurture a community committed to the cause of Allah, ensuring that the spirit of Jihad remains alive in our hearts and actions.