In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy

Author’s Introduction

All praise is due to Allah. We seek His help and His forgiveness, and we seek refuge in Allah from the evils of our own souls and from our misdeeds. Whomever Allah guides, none can mislead, and whomever He leaves astray, none can guide. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. He sent him with guidance and the religion of truth so that He might cause it to prevail over all religion, and Allah suffices as witness. May Allah bless him and grant him and his family abundant peace.

To proceed:

The Need for This Issue

1- This is a matter required by the believers in general, and by those engaged in jihad in particular, even though faith is not complete except through jihad.1 2

2- As the Exalted says: “The believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger and then do not doubt.” (Q 49:15)

3- Moreover, jihad is to be directed against the disbelievers and the hypocrites as well.

4- As He, Exalted is He, says: “Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be stern with them.” (Q 9:73)