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January 11, 2011 Special Dispatch No. 3501

Discussion About the Concept of Jihad on Pakistani Television: 'Other Prayers Can be Postponed... But Jihad Cannot be Deferred'; 'Muhammad Said That a Person Who Dies Not Having Waged Jihad... Is Like One Who Died in a State of Hypocrisy'; 'It Has Been Stated Most Explicitly In The Koran... Fight Those Who Interfere With Establishing the Rule Of Allah; 'Today, In Every Part of the World, Muslims are Being Forced to Wage Jihad in Their Own Defense'

January 11, 2011
Pakistan | Special Dispatch No. 3501


Talk show host Dr. Aamir Liaquat Hussain

The popular religious program Alim Online (Scholar Online) talk show, on Pakistan's Geo TV, recently devoted an exclusive episode to the subject of jihad in Islam. The talk show featured host Dr. Aamir Liaquat Hussain, former religious affairs minister of Pakistan and Islamic scholar, journalist, politician, and physician, and two prominent Islamic scholars – Qari Mansoor Ahmad, an Islamic cleric and columnist for the Urdu-language jihadist magazine Zarb-e-Momin, and Mohammad Hanif Tayyab, former Pakistani federal minister and Islamic scholar.

As part of their discussion of the issue of jihad, the three scholars took several calls from viewers. One key point in the discussion was made by Qari Mansoor Ahmad, who said that the requirement that only the head of an Islamic state can order jihad is only one aspect of the issue; the other aspect is that Muslims are under attack and therefore are waging jihad as required by Islamic law, and ethically, in self-defense.

Following are some excerpts from the talk show, which aired in August 2010:[1]

"If the Enemy Attacks and Muslims Are Standing Against Them, and There Comes the Time Of Namaz and the Muslims Cannot Find the Time To Say That Prayer – Then Namaz Can Be Postponed; But Jihad Cannot Be Postponed"

Host Aamir Liaquat Hussain: "Aamir Liaquat Hussain is here with the Alim Online Special. There are different types of obligatory prayers in vogue in Islam, commanded by Allah the Almighty, and it is mandatory that we obey His commandments. Each prayer has its distinct feature and position, and each has its own effect. For example, the Namaz [prayer] is a great mode of worship in Islam, which is meant to imbibe the greatness of Allah the Almighty in one's heart and mind; Zakat [Islamic tax] is meant for inculcating into one's head and mind the spirit of chastity, sympathy, sacrifices, and serving humanity. The effect of Roza [fasting] is to gain control of sensual and carnal desires and is meant to instill tolerance and hard labor in the body. Hajj [pilgrimage to Mecca] is meant to imbibe the passion of extreme love and sacrifices for Allah, and the philosophy of reverence and love in one's heart and mind.

"But besides all these prayers, Jihad is a great prayer, and is meant to spread the message of Allah and the rule of Islam, and to end fitna and fasad [mischief and rebellion], to establish peace and harmony throughout the world. Dear viewers, this is a prayer which has been made obligatory [for Muslims] for the sake of safeguarding all other prayers, and it works as a line of defense for all these [prayers]. That is why other prayers can be postponed for the time being, but Jihad cannot be deferred or delayed from its time and place.

"Therefore, if the enemy attacks and Muslims are standing against them, and there comes the time of Namaz and the Muslims cannot find the time to say that prayer, then Namaz can be postponed. But Jihad cannot be postponed. Because if Jihad is postponed at that time, the enemy will take that territory and in that case there would be neither Namaz nor worshipers, and no place to worship. That is why, in the war of Khandaq [Trench War], three prayers – Zuhr, Asr and Maghrib [noon, afternoon and evening prayers] – of the Prophet of both the worlds, Muhammad peace be upon him, were missed…, but Prophet Muhammad did not leave the battlefront.

"Before introducing you to our guests, let us know the meaning of Jihad first. Jihad has been derived from the word Jihd [strenuous efforts], which literally means to try, to make effort, to use strength, and to keep the struggle continuing till the goal is achieved. But according to Shari'a, Jihad means to put all efforts into fighting the enemies of Islam. And the Mujahid is the person who focuses all his efforts for the sake of Islam so that it is victorious.

"On the other hand, Allah the Almighty, in Surah Saf and Surah Tauba [two Koran chapters], said that He sent the Prophet Muhammad with the right religion, and one of the goals behind sending His Prophet was to establish the supremacy of Islam over other religions. However, Allah's work is done by chosen ones and the righteous in all ages and in various regions."

"Muhammad... Said That a Person Who Dies Not Having Waged Jihad, Or Never Having Wished In His Heart to Participate in Jihad, Is Like One Who Died In a State Of Hypocrisy"

"In Sahih Muslim [book of Hadith considered correct by most Muslim sects] Hazrat Jabir bin Samaira RA [May Allah be pleased with him] narrates that the Prophet of Allah, Muhammad peace be upon him, said that deen [true religion of Islam] will always remain established and that a group of Muslims would continue waging Jihad everywhere and always till the Day of Judgment. In Sunan Abu Daud [book of Hadith], Hazrat Imran bin Hussain narrates that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said that a group of people from his followers will continue fighting in the right path of Allah, and every other nation will show animosity against it, but it would prevail against them till the people from among them [i.e. Muslims] would fight against the Dajjal [Anti-Christ].

"Dear viewers, that is why there is a severe threat [by Allah] against those who do not crave Jihad in their heart. According to the Sahih Muslim, Hazrat Abu Hurairah RA narrates that Muhammad PBUH [peace be upon him] said that a person who dies not having waged Jihad, or never having wished in his heart to participate in Jihad, is like one who died in a state of hypocrisy. Hazrat Abu Umama RA narrates that Prophet Muhammad PBUH said that such people who did not fight in Jihad and did not contribute in making arrangements for Jihadis, and also did not care for the families of those who are waging Jihad – Allah would give them very harsh difficulty before the Day of Judgment.

"According to Tirmizi and Ibn-e-Maja [both books of Hadith], Hazrat Abu Hurairah RA narrates that Prophet Muhammad PBUH said that when a person meets Allah on the Day of Judgment in a condition that he had no sign of Jihad on him, he is like a person who is with some defect insofar as the religious point of view is considered. On the other hand, those who participate in Jihad are guaranteed exemption from the hellfire.

"In Sahih Bukhari [the most prominent book of Hadith] Hazrat Abu Abas RA narrates that Prophet Muhammad PBUH said that a person whose feet were covered in dirt in the path of Allah would have his feet untouched by the hellfire. Apart from this, Allah the Sustainer has called the drop of blood shed in His path by a momin [faithful Muslim] His most beloved thing. So, according to Tirmizi, Hazrat Abu Umama narrates that Prophet Muhammad PBUHC said that Allah loves two drops and two marks very much – one is the teardrop which comes from fearing Allah, and the second is the drop of blood by a man in His path [i.e. Jihad]. One of these two marks is a cut wound received in the path of Allah, and the second is the one borne in performing any of the obligations ordered by Allah, such as the mark on the forehead created by prostration in Namaz. The only ones who can achieve all these distinction are those who want to please Allah with true intentions…"

"A Jihadi is Nameless; He Never Fights for His Fame... Hundreds of Thousands of the 'Companions of the Prophet' Sacrificed Their Lives in the Path of Allah'

"Dear viewers, now listen carefully. Those who do all these things for the sake of worldly interests or have some kind of hypocrisy in them do not benefit from these rewards… Hazrat Abu Hurairah RA tells that a person asked Prophet Muhammad PBUH if there is any reward for a person who intends to wage Jihad but at the same time wants to get worldly things as well. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH said that such a person would receive no reward.

"Now we have to understand one basic thing here: that we have people with two different viewpoints regarding Jihad. One of them doesn't accept the importance of Jihad altogether. [I] don't know who they are. They don't have any craving for Jihad in their hearts, but call Jihad terrorism, under the influence of the Western media. They, in the line of Hadith, are following the line of hypocrites. The second category is those who do not place Jihad in its just and right place; they don't maintain its rules, regulations and terms, and they keep creating trouble on earth and shed the blood of innocent people through suicide attacks to achieve their just or unjust goals – even going so far as to record a video before suicide attacks and to release their tapes after the attacks. Such people are not likely to get any benefit as far the sayings of the Prophet go; on the contrary, their work will be a burden for them [on the Day of Judgment].

"According to Abu Dawood and Nisai (books of Hadith), Hazrat Ma'az RA narrates that Prophet Muhammad PBUH has said that those who waged Jihad for the sake of pride, show or narration, and disobeyed their imam [commander] and created trouble on the earth, would not receive any reward for their Jihad. In other words, they would not be qualified for any reward for waging of Jihad.

"It has also been told, by Hazrat Abu Hurairah RA: Three persons will be presented before Allah; one of them is a Jihadi, the second is a generous person, and the third is the scholar [Aalim]. I will tell you about one person only. As the Jihadi is brought before Allah and Allah enumerates His bounties bestowed upon that person, and he confirms them all, He then asks the Jihadi, what did you do for Me [in the world]. The Jihadi says, I waged Jihad in Your path, I fought in Your path, I saved Your earth from Your enemies. Allah will say no; you waged Jihad because you wanted to be known as Mujahid (in other words, you made a video and tapes of your endeavor; you left tapes for the people to attest to them that you are going to wage Jihad), you did all these for fame, and you became famous, you became a mujahid. Now, O Malik! Put him into Hell by dragging him by his hair, because he mocked the great obligation of Jihad for himself and for his vanity.

"Viewers, a Jihadi is nameless; he never fights for his fame. Hundreds of thousands of the 'companions of the Prophet' sacrificed their lives in the path of Allah and people know little about them. Who knows how many companions of the Prophet are buried in the battlefield of Badr? There is no mark and no epitaph on their graves; but the heightened position, the distinctions and the rewards these martyrs of Badr hold are not hidden from anyone."

Qari Mansoor Ahmad: "Jihad is Essentially One of the Greatest Orders of Allah, and It Is Extremely Necessary for Safeguarding Islam And Its Very Existence"


Columnist and religious scholar Qari Mansoor Ahmad

Host Aamir Liaquat Hussain continues: "This is a very important subject, and it is also the need of the hour that people should know the real meaning of Jihad. That is why I have invited very prominent figures to talk to on this very important subject.

"We have with us a very prominent figure, who has for the first time come to our program Alim Online. He received his degree of Fazilat [Masters] from Jamia Ashrafia [madrassa in Lahore] and is a graduate of Punjab University, Lahore. His articles are published by the well-known [jihadist] magazine Zarb-e-Momin, and to date three volumes of his articles have been published. His columns are widely read, and he is affiliated with a well-known religious institute in Karachi as well. He also teaches in Jamiat-ur-Rashid, and has been giving regular lectures on the Koran and Hadith on www.darsequran.com. He was eyewitness to the Russian aggression in Afghanistan since 1980, and has closely analyzed the Taliban movement since 1996. He is also very much aware of this great movement and its aftereffects. Here is Hazrat Maulana Qari Mansoor Ahmad with us, Assalam-o-Alaikum."

Qari Mansoor Ahmad: "Walekumussalam."

Aamir Liaquat Hussain: "Along with him, we have our well-known guest, the leader of the Nizam-e-Mustafa party and a prominent social worker. He needs no introduction. He is a former federal minister and is seen often at various religious and social gatherings. He is very popular among the people. He is Haji Muhammad Hanif Tayyab Sahib. Assalam-o-Alaikum."

Mohammad Hanif Tayyab: "Walekumussalam."

Aamir Liaquat Hussain: "Both of you are most welcome to Alim Online. Viewers, without any delay, let's go according to our program and take the first call. Let's see what sort of question is put by our viewers."

Aamir Liaquat Hussain [to caller]: "Assalam-o-Alaikum."

Caller: "This is Ehteshamul Haq calling from Karachi. I would like to ask two questions related to today's program. First, who gives the call for Jihad in an Islamic state? Is it the ruler of the time or any group can give the call? And my second question, what is the difference between Jihad and terrorism, please elaborate on this."

Qari Mansoor Ahmad: "First, I would like to thank you for inviting me on this program. And whatever you said about Jihad in your introduction of Jihad in the beginning of the program represents not only our views but also the views of all the Muslims in the world. In fact, Jihad is essentially one of the greatest orders of Allah, and it is extremely necessary for safeguarding Islam and its very existence (Talk show host interjects: 'True.') My brother has asked whether the ruler of an Islamic state has the authority to give the order for Jihad or can any other person do this. "In my opinion, it would be better if the Islamic concept of Jihad is explained, so that it is easier [to make the point clear] later.

"It is accepted throughout the world that the powerful institution, be it a person or a group or an organization or the parliament, has the authority to make law. It is accepted throughout the world. And if anyone goes against it, then the person or group or organization makes him obey his writ. If we expand our viewpoint, then we may ask who is the real ruler of this universe, who possesses it? The rulers of the world don't have the full authority over their country or nation. They are made ruler by the people. And Allah is the real Lord, Ruler and King. He has the power and the authority. When He is the Lord of this Earth and the whole universe, then the authority to make law and its implementation remains in His hands alone."

"One Thing Should Be Clear to All of Us: The Law of Allah Should Be Followed in This World, and the Muslims Are Responsible for Its Implementation... It Has Been Stated Most Explicitly In the Koran... Fight Those Who Interfere With Establishing the Rule Of Allah"

Qari Mansoor Ahmad [continues]: "Allah would like His laws to rule this world. The Koran says: An order is from Allah only. To govern this land in accordance with His law, He sent His last Prophet [Muhammad] and also gave His law, which the Koran calls Islam. And He made His Prophet responsible for the implementation of His laws, and also gave him the responsibility of its supremacy. And this responsibility was transferred through Prophet Muhammad PBUH to his followers.

"In other words, we can say that the establishment and implementation of the law of Allah on this earth is, in fact, the responsibility of Muslims. And, in practical terms, the ruler does not go into the battlefield to ensure that his law is followed. But his responsibility is carried out by the police and the military and administrative institutions in this world today on his behalf. And those who challenge the law of the land are not accepted anywhere in this world, no concession is made with them.

"One thing should be clear to all of us: The law of Allah should be followed in this world, and the Muslims are responsible for its implementation. The next point is whether Allah has told us the ways and means to implement His laws, or has he left it to us [to decide]? In Surah Fatah, Surah Saf and Surah Tauba [Koran chapters], three verses have been revealed with similar wording, which says: 'He is the one who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad, peace be upon him) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islamic monotheism) to make it victorious over all (other) religions.' In other words, Allah has entrusted this responsibility upon His Messenger to make His religion victorious over other religions. On three occasions this has been said [in the Koran], with similar wordings which emphasize its importance.

"Secondly, what would be the means to achieve it? Should it be decided through consultation or through interpretations? No, if Allah has entrusted such a big responsibility, he has also shown us the way to achieve it. And there are two occurrences about it in the Koran, in two different places – one in Surah Baqrah and second in Surah Anfal [Koran chapters]; [Qari Mansoor Ahmad recites Koranic verses] If we want to end the mischief and disobedience in this world, and want peace and harmony established, and want none remaining to challenge the writ of Allah, and want the law of Allah, which is the guarantee of all comfort, peace, and harmony for the whole world, to be victorious – then it is necessary to fight those who create obstacles in the path of, or challenge the writ of Allah.

"The Koran's diction states the important things in the most explicit and easy way, so as to make it clear – although people may take many literal meanings of Jaheduhum – to strive, to make an effort, to try – in other meanings, but it has been stated most explicitly in the Koran. In this regard, it has been said most explicitly and in such a way that no other meaning can be attached to it, except to fight those who interfere with establishing the rule of Allah."

"[Another Form is] Defensive Jihad; It is Common Sense… as An Ethical Norm, That If Someone Attacks You and Occupies Your Land… Anyone is Entitled to Defend Himself"

Talk show host Aamir Liaquat Hussain [interjects]: "You have given a good explanation [of Jihad], but the part of the question asked is, who is authorized to do it…"

Qari Mansoor Ahmad: "I am just coming to that point. When we go out to implement this law [of Allah], there should be an organization, some people, a group, and power behind it. When we attack or advance and try to implement the writ [of Allah] worldwide, there should be some authority, some power behind it. And we advance on the basis of that power and ask and invite people towards that writ and make them accept it. Certainly, an Emir or a ruler, who has the authority to implement, is needed for that. This is one aspect [of Jihad]. This is when Muslims of the world advance for the implementation of the writ of Allah in different parts of the world.

"The second aspect of Jihad is the defensive one; we might call it defensive Jihad. It is common sense and a common phenomenon throughout the world, and is accepted worldwide as universal truth, as an ethical norm, that if someone attacks you and occupies your land and your houses, disgraces you… and is hell-bent on cutting your father's throat, then anyone is entitled to defend himself. In such a case, there is no condition that he must wait for someone to give an order. He would not wait until the next day to ask a Mufti or an Alim [scholar] what Islam says about it, whether it is an individual attacker or a group of attackers (Talk show host interjects: 'It is obvious that he would defend himself.')

"The situation in today's world is commonly of a defensive nature (Talk show host interjects: 'At present, defensive Jihad is being waged.') Today, wherever Muslims are, they are waging defensive Jihad, and there is no condition for it. A nation, a land, a country has been attacked, the honor of people is at risk, their blood is being shed, their houses have been looted, they have none to come to their aid, their country has been turned into debris, there is none to care for them (Talk show host interjects: 'For example, Palestine…') like the situation in Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, Chechnya, (Talk show host interjects: 'Kashmir.') and in Kashmir. There is no need to wait for any fatwa [decree] or for any other condition, it is even beyond reasoning.

"And it goes the same in Islam too… It comes into the sayings of the Prophet. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH was asked, if someone tries to snatch my belongings, what should I do? Should I defend myself, and in doing so, what if I kill that person? The Prophet said, you have the right, and it would not be a sin. He asked, and if I got killed, the Prophet said then you are a martyr. If a person fights for the sake of his personal belongings, risks his life for that, and does not hesitate even to kill, if the Muslim community is faced with such a situation, then there would be no condition to wait for an order [to wage jihad]."

Mohammad Hanif Tayyab: "And By the Grace of Allah, It [Islam] Has Spread with Speed Despite All Obstacles; Today, In Every Part of the World, Muslims Are Being Forced to Wage Jihad in Their Own Defense"


Former Pakistani federal minister Mohammad Hanif Tayyab

Talk show host Aamir Liaquat Hussain: "We will take another question from you [the viewers]… but first we would like to know the opinion of Mohammad Hanif Tayyab on Jihad."

Mohammad Hanif Tayyab: "All praises to Almighty Allah, and peace be upon the Prophet Muhammad. First of all, let me congratulate you for doing the Hajj pilgrimage. May Allah accept your Hajj and your visit to the house of Prophet Muhammad! In the beginning, you gave a detailed account of Jihad, and you have successfully tried to explain the meaning of Jihad. I would request those people who have closed their minds due to the Western propaganda to open their minds. Had this propaganda been really true [U.S. Secretary of State] Hillary Clinton would not have felt it necessary to say recently, 'Islam is the fastest growing religion in America.' And I say, it is not only so in America but it is so throughout the world; for it is the truth and people understand it. However, a kind of propaganda continues.

"Here, we had a very comprehensive talk over Jihad and its obligations in the light of the Koran and Hadith, and none can deny it. This life has been given to us by Allah. Jaan di di huee usi ki thi/ haq to ye hai k haq ada na hua ["I sacrificed my life which was given by Him only; but the truth is that we could not do justice to it"].

"The Prophet Muhammad PBUH came with Islam in this world to establish the glory of His system, to end tyranny and establish justice, to end lawlessness and establish peace, to spread the truth and to give the rights to those who are being denied their rights. And by the grace of Allah, it [Islam] has spread with speed, despite all obstacles. And today, in every part of the world, Muslims are being forced to wage Jihad in their own defense. We are being forced by them, but for us it [waging Jihad] is a blessing; it is a great thing if we get a chance to strive, to sacrifice our life trying to establish His rule. And here I accidently remember a Hadith; Prophet Muhammad PBUH said: 'In paradise, there would be only one group and that will be of the martyrs who would say to Allah that every delicacy is present in Your paradise, every comfort is there but the taste we had in giving our heads for the glory of Your religion and in Your path, that taste is missing here. So, O Allah! Send us again to the world and again let us give our heads in Your path and when we come here again You send us again to the world…'

"All these things are being done for the glory of Islam. Just see, it [jihad] is being thrust upon us. Just tell, where were the weapons of mass destructions in Iraq? There were no weapons of mass destruction. Later, General [Colin] Powell too admitted it. Now [George W.] Bush has also admitted it. Now there is no benefit in admitting their fault after martyring hundreds of thousands of people, including youth, the elderly, and children, and after demolishing so many mosques, madrassas, schools, hospitals, and churches.

"Similar is the situation in Afghanistan. Former British prime minister Tony Blair was asked, 'Can you prove in any court of law' that Osama bin Laden is responsible for all these activities? He said, 'No, I cannot.' When he cannot prove a thing on account of which he is taking the lives of people, then it is only oppression.

"Now after being inflicted with these oppressions, if anyone comes to the front [i.e. takes up arms] for his defense, only those who don't understand Islam would ask such questions as why are you [not] saving your life? This is a state of faith; and if one wants to understand it, then [he must go through an incident of a companion of the Prophet]. A companion of the Prophet was a little late in going out to wage Jihad, and he was not unreprimanded. There was a procedure followed for it. (Talk show host interjects: 'It is a famous Hadith.') Even today, when one reads about it, one is bound to shed tears, after knowing the sacrifices of that companion of the Prophet. Only Allah made his position clear. It is the glory for him.

"That is why it was necessary to make this topic clear; and Allah gave you [i.e. the talk show host] this opportunity that internationally you are trying to make people understand that Islam does not believe in any kind of extremism. Had Islam believed in extremism, there would not have been any other religions in this world. Muslims would be victorious; they would have killed one and all. But Islam means peace and we, after every prayer, make dua [pray] for peace. We say Salam [peace] to the left and right when we come out of namaz [prayer] every time. When we see any Muslim, we say and talk of peace. Peace is very much present in the meaning and explanation of Islam itself. That is why those who don't understand it, it is a great opportunity to make them understand.

"Take any example, be it Iraq or Palestine, be it Bosnia or Chechnya, be it Kosovo and Afghanistan. You see in Kashmir, one hundred thousand graves have been made of Muslims. And the issue is merely the need for implementing the UN resolution [in Kashmir] and that too [first prime minister of India Jawaharlal] Nehru had taken this issue to the UN. It is the Right of Self-Determination… And what is happening in Palestine and Gaza? To date, 82 resolutions have been passed in the UN against Israel, and not a single one could be implemented. If anyone criticizes, protests and tries go against all these double standards, then there is Guantanamo Bay for him also. And he is being labeled as orthodox, extremist and terrorist. Now take the case of [Pakistani scientist Dr.] Aafia Siddiqui, a young girl, accused [of trying to kill U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan and now jailed in the U.S.]."

"We are Fighting a War for Our Defense – But We Must Not Be Defensive in Making the World Aware About Whatever is Happening to Us [in Afghanistan, Etc.]"

Talk show host Aamir Liaquat Hussain: "Let me say that her mother, Ismat Siddiqui, is in an intensive care unit in Karachi; she is in critical condition. Both of you make dua [pray] for her…"

Mohammad Hanif Tayyab: "Now in this situation, we are fighting a war for our defense; but we must not be defensive in making the world aware about whatever is happening to us. When Prime Minister [Yousuf Raza Gilani of Pakistan] called the meeting of National Security [Council] I was first to ask: What is RSS [Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a Hindu nationalist group], what is Shiv Sena, what is Bajrang Dal, what is Vishva Hindu Parishad [all Hindu groups in India], who was this Colonel Purohit [serving Indian Army officer involved in terror attacks on Indian Muslims], who blew up the Samjhauta Express [Pakistan-India train service allegedly bombed by Hindu extremists in India].

"All the atrocities are not directed against Muslims only. In India, the churches of Christians are not safe. Thousands of Christians are converted to Hinduism all at one time. India is a non-Muslim [state]. Sri Lanka is not safe from its aggression; neither is Nepal – its king was got killed [by India]. Neither is Bangladesh safe from its aggression nor Mizo tribe [in India's Mizoram state]; none is safe. We have taken a defensive posture without any reason. We should say we are totally peaceful, and a continuous attempt is being made to push us to the wall. Couplet: Ham aah bhi karte hain to ho jate hain badnaam/ wo qatl bhi karte hain to charcha nahin hota ["Even if we take a sigh, we are defamed; and even when they kill, there is no mention of it"]."

Aamir Liaquat Hussain: "We have a caller with us."

Caller: "I'm Shaharyar, calling from Islamabad. You are talking on a very important topic and I have been listening to it with great interest; and you have put your views beautifully in the beginning. My question is to Mohammad Hanif Tayyab. Something is confusing us. Some time ago, there was Jihad in Afghanistan against Russia; it was called Jihad all over the world; Arab rulers also called it Jihad; Ulema [clerics] also called it Jihad, and America also acknowledged it as Jihad. There was a fierce battle continuing and there was no difference of opinion that that was a religious war and that it was Jihad. Now when kaffir [infidels] from 35 countries are there in Afghanistan, neither the Arabs nor the clerics call it Jihad, and the respected guests who are present on this program also did not talk about that, they talked about Gaza and Kashmir. My question is that when there was fighting against one country in Afghanistan, it was called Jihad, and now there are 35 countries fighting over there, in that situation ,what is the order for Jihad..."

Mohammad Hanif Tayyab: "I would like to say that we three had [almost] touched on the issue of Afghanistan. However, you have pointed it out. There are NATO forces in Afghanistan. In my opinion, in the beginning [during the 1980s] all the resistance against the invasion was based on Jihad. But when American interest came in and [Saudi currency] Riyals started to pour in, that too came through America; and when dollars started pouring in, then we abstained from that [i.e. jihad]. We had maintained that Russian troops' arrival in Afghanistan and fighting against it was Jihad. And it was very necessary and was very appropriate also. But ultimately, America gave it a turn, so that it becomes the lone super power, and Russia gets disintegrated. When this point entered the scene, we [i.e. Pakistan] abstained from that [jihad]."

"All Three Of Us Have Maintained That Jihad Stands for the Glory of Religion [Islam]; It Does Not Stand For the Glory of America; Jihad Would Be for the Glory of Islam"


All the participants on the talk show

Mohammad Hanif Tayyab [continues in response to the previous caller]: "All three of us have maintained that Jihad stands for the glory of religion [Islam]. It does not stand for the glory of America. Jihad would be for the glory of Islam, for the triumph of truth. It was right up to that time [when Russia was in Afghanistan, till 1989]. Now, if there is any missile attack in any area of Pakistan,or there is any attack by NATO forces on any madrassa (talk show host interjects: 'Like the attack on madrassa in Bajaur.') The attack on Bajaur madrassa was carried out by the NATO forces only; but unfortunately our military announced the same day that we had done this attack ourselves. Accidently, I was also on some TV channel on that day and I said that we don't have that technology which has been used in that attack [on the Bajaur madrassa]. We don't know how to use it.

"Unnecessarily, our military is taking the responsibility just to please someone [i.e. the U.S.]. That is why I say as long as we are fighting someone else's war, there we will be facing the NATO or American affliction. And when we stop fighting on behalf of others, and we fight our own war, as has been pointed out briefly here, our forces should be withdrawn from the Western border [along Afghanistan], and if there is any oppression from India it should be sent there to fight. People shuddered in their shoes [listening to me]. Tribal people of our country told me that hundreds of thousands of people are ready to safeguard our country [by going to fight against India]."

Talk show host Aamir Liaquat Hussain: "It means that you are saying that Jihad is being waged presently in Afghanistan too…"

Mohammad Hanif Tayyab: "And we don't need to fight any other nation's war [i.e. against the Taliban]."

Aamir Liaquat Hussain: "With this the time for Alim Online comes to an end. You have listened to the scholarly talks from both of our guests today. Here, one thing has to be taken into account that the meaning of Jihad is extremely wide ranging. It does not stand only for fighting and killing. On the one hand, if it is done by the might of sword, by sacrificing life, by physical power, it is termed as 'Jihad bis-Saif' [Jihad by the sword]; in the same way, Jihad is done monetarily also; the necessities of Mujahideen are arranged financially; they are provided with weapons. In the same way, spending money for the spread of Islam is also Jihad, and it is termed 'Jihad bil Mal' [Jihad by financing].

"Besides, Jihad is also done through tongue, to encourage others to Jihad; enemies of Muslims are challenged, giving befitting replies to their threats or raising voice against the all-pervading ills in the society. And it is called 'Jihad bill-Lesaan' [Jihad through tongue]. In the same way, there is a kind of Jihad which is done by one's knowledge. In this, a person transfers his knowledge and his fearing for Allah to others. He drives away the darkness of illiteracy from society. It is called 'Jihad bil Ilm' [Jihad by learning].

"And there is a kind of Jihad which is done against our personal interest and carnal desires. It is meant to rein in the sensual passion and thoughts of disobedience. In one of the Hadiths [deeds and sayings of Prophet Muhammad], it has been defined as 'Jihad-e-Akbar' (Greatest Jihad). And in normal condition it has been termed as the greatest Jihad, viewers. And this is called 'Jihad bin Nafs' (Jihad against Self). No one cares for it today. We find our enemies outside, but we are unable to see the Satan within, which is there in the form of Nafs-e-Ammara [one's baser self] and we are not bothered about that. There is no concern to fight against that.

"And viewers, we get innumerable opportunity to fight this kind of Jihad on a daily basis, which is against our self. But we remain inattentive to that. For example, these days we have to wage Jihad against our sleep and warm quilt, to say the morning prayer of Fajr. Similar is the case with other prayers also. In the same way keeping the distinction of 'halal' [lawful] and 'haram' [unlawful] intact while earning we have to, Jihad against our self interest and lust. And this Jihad, in fact, is against one's self and Satan…"

"I would like to recite a couplet before concluding this program [recites an Urdu couplet in honor of Prophet Muhammad]… 'Tell the blasphemous to the Prophet that sense of honour is still alive in Muslims; the passion for getting killed in his name was there in the past and it is there today also; My link with my Prophet was as in the past and it is there even today'…"

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