Spiritual Jihad: Struggle against One's Own Negative Ego
By
Sultan Ahmad
(Translated
from Urdu by New Age Islam)
4 August
2021
Spiritual
Jihad Can Improve the Image of Islam
Main
Points
1. Jihad does not only indicate fighting in a
battle but also a daily struggle. Becoming a good Muslim is also a form of
jihad.
2. Initially jihad [by fighting) was allowed
because Islam was in danger due to the unbearable atrocities of non-believers
but today's times are very different
3. Those who claim to be real Mujahidin for the
protection of Islam have been violating human rights for years
4. Jihadists
don't have any religious justification to force any Muslim to join extremist
groups, take up arms and kill innocent people in the name of religion
5. Ensuring
peace and harmony will improve the image of Islam
....
“For man
are angels of alternating duties, in front and behind him, who guard him by
Allah’s command; indeed Allah does not change His favour upon any nation until
they change their own condition; and when Allah wills misfortune for a nation,
it cannot be repelled; and they do not have any supporter besides Him.” (13:11).
Spiritual
jihad is defined as the struggle for ensuring peace and security, upholding
moral values, helping the poor, quitting alcohol, smoking, abstaining from
corruption, violence, and serving the needy. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be
upon him) initially allowed jihad [by fighting) because at that time Islam was
in danger due to the unbearable atrocities of non-believers. But today's times
are very different because all countries are headed by rulers and political
leaders who have made their laws and orders according to the local needs. Jihad
(as it is supposed to be) is not practicable at the moment, as some extremist
and radical groups and organizations are luring innocent youth to take up arms;
which is completely immoral and false. The aforementioned Qur'anic verse
emphasizes that people should change their condition, understand and adopt
logical steps; only then Allah will help them.
Jihad is
also used to mean "striving and fighting in the way of Allah". Jihad
does not only indicate fighting in defense in a battle but also a daily
spiritual struggle. Becoming a good Muslim is also a form of jihad. The word
jihad is misunderstood and claimed differently, which is often misinterpreted
as jihad to fight for the protection of Islam and to wage violent battles.
However, they fail to understand that jihad does not mean killing innocent
people and destroying their homes without any reason or justification. Now is
the time to focus on spiritual jihad to brighten the future, provide adequate
food and clothing for one's family and relatives, and educate children about
the importance of life and patriotism.
Some people
run their own businesses, make money and donate money to build educational
institutions and welfare organizations that benefit millions of people in need.
This type of activity is one of the best forms of jihad encouraged in Islam. A
Muslim can adopt other methods to join the 'better jihad', such as learning the
Qur'an by heart or engaging in other religious studies. Overcoming anger,
greed, hatred, arrogance, or immorality, quitting alcohol and smoking, cleaning
the floor of the mosque, participating in the activities of the nation, working
for social justice, forgiving people, etc are also the forms of Jihad.
Spiritual
jihad is more important than holy war. Jihad should be for eradicating wrongs
from society and creating an ideal society where everyone can live happily and
with dignity. Jihad should be for protecting the people's lives, providing food
to the starving and needy people, and not for depriving them of happiness and
peace, or destroying their homes. Murder, revenge, violence, distortion, snatching,
and lynching are strictly prohibited in Jihad.
In fact,
those who claim to be real jihadists for the protection of Islam have been
violating human rights for years. These mean and arrogant jihadists don't have
any religious justification to force any Muslim to join extremist groups and
organizations and take up arms and kill innocent people in the name of race and
religion. Spiritual Jihad is more important than joining such violent groups.
Allah
Almighty says, “O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely [and
perfectly] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a
clear enemy” (2:208).
This verse
urges all Muslims to understand Islam wholeheartedly, which means following the
teachings and instructions of the Prophet. Most importantly, the Qur'an and the
hadith never allow violence and corruption. All Muslims need to understand that
spiritual jihad provides a life of happiness and tranquillity. Taking up arms
only brings suffering and destruction to the people, and not peace and harmony.
Ensuring peace and harmony in a hateful world will not only improve the image
of Islam but also spread the true meaning of jihad among the people.
URL of Urdu
Article: https://www.newageislam.com/urdu-section/sultan-ahmad/spiritual-jihad-struggle-against-one-s-own-negative-ego-روحانی-جہاد-اپنے-نفس-سے-لڑائی/d/123289
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-ideology/spiritual-jihad-ego/d/125174
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