Book of Jihād
Introduction
Linguistically, jihād (with a kasrah on the jīm) denotes hardship. One says, “I engaged in jihād,” meaning, “I reached the limit of exertion.” It is the verbal noun of the phrase “I strove against the enemy,” when each side confronts the other, every combatant expending his utmost effort and strength to repel his opponent. In Islamic usage the term has come to be applied predominantly to fighting the unbelievers.
In the Law, it is the exertion of effort in fighting unbelievers, rebels, and highway bandits.
Its legitimacy rests upon the Quran, the Sunnah, and scholarly consensus (ijmāʿ).
Revealed texts commanding it, urging it, and encouraging it are numerous; some of them will be cited, God willing.
Jihād is a collective obligation (farḍ kifāyah): if a sufficient number undertake it, the remaining Muslims are absolved; if not—and they possess knowledge of the need and the capacity to act—they are all blameworthy, except in three situations when it becomes an individual obligation (farḍ ʿayn):
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When the two armies meet in battle, participation becomes mandatory and withdrawal is forbidden, for Allah the Exalted says: “And whoever turns his back to them on that day—unless it be for maneuvering in war or to join another company—has indeed incurred the wrath of Allah” (Al-Anfāl 8:16).
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When the enemy descends upon a town and besieges it, resisting the invader becomes obligatory.
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When the ruler issues a general call to arms, or specifically summons an individual, for Allah Most High says: “O you who believe, what is the matter with you that, when you are told, ‘March forth in the path of Allah,’ you cling heavily to the earth?” (Al-Tawbah 9:38); and because the Prophet ﷺ said, “When you are called to arms, then go.”