Ruling of Jihad

**General Ruling:** - Jihad in its specific meaning (fighting disbelievers) is **Fard Kifayah** (collective obligation) - If sufficient people perform it, the sin falls from the rest - It becomes Sunnah for those who don't participate **Evidence:** - **Quran:** "Not equal are those believers remaining [at home] - other than the disabled - and the mujahideen [who strive] in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Allah has preferred the mujahideen through their wealth and their lives over those who remain [behind], by degrees. And to all Allah has promised good. But Allah has preferred the mujahideen over those who remain [behind] with a great reward" [4:95] **Analysis of Evidence:** - Allah compared mujahideen and those who stayed behind without excuse - Yet He promised **both** good (al-husna = Paradise) - Had jihad been Fard 'Ayn (individual obligation), those staying behind would deserve threat, not promise - **Quran:** "And it is not for the believers to go forth all at once. For there should separate from every division of them a group" [9:122] **Condition:** - This applies when Muslims have strength and ability to fight their enemies - If they lack strength and ability, it falls from them like other obligations - Fighting in such a state would be casting themselves into destruction