al-Jihad fi Sabil Allah Ta'ala
- Author died
- 1440 AH
- Editions
- Safir Press
al-Jihad fi Sabil Allah Ta'ala (Jihad in the Cause of Allah Almighty) is a concise treatise on the jurisprudence, spiritual dimensions, and regulations of jihad by the Saudi scholar Saeed bin Ali bin Wahf al-Qahtani (d. 1440 AH / 2018 CE), examining its principles in light of the Quran and the Sunnah.
Composition and Publication
The full subtitle describes the work as an inquiry into the concept, legal rulings, ranks, regulations, categories, objectives, virtues, and causes of victory over enemies in light of the Quran and Sunnah (Mafhumuhu wa-Hukmuhu wa-Maratibuhu wa-Dawabituhu wa-Anwa'uhu wa-Ahdafuhu wa-Fadluhu wa-Asbab al-Nasr 'ala al-A'da' fi Daw' al-Kitab wa-l-Sunnah). The author completed the text in Riyadh on 6 Safar 1411 AH (August 1990 CE). It was published as part of his collected writings series (Silsilat Mu'allafat Saeed bin Ali bin Wahf al-Qahtani), reaching its sixth printed edition by 1431 AH (2010 CE).
Content and Structure
The treatise systematically outlines the legal and conceptual framework of jihad, drawing extensively upon scriptural proof-texts, classical commentaries, and legal authorities:
- Definitions and Legal Status: The book begins with the linguistic and legal definitions of jihad. While military engagement is generally a communal obligation (fard kifayah), it becomes an individual obligation (fard 'ayn) in specific circumstances: when an individual is present on the battlefield upon the clash of opposing ranks, when an enemy invades a Muslim territory, when the Muslim ruler issues a general mobilization call (nafir), or when a specific individual's participation is required. In discussing the authority of the ruler, the author quotes Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymeen regarding the necessity of legitimate political order, obedience to established rulers, and the prohibition of rebellion.
- Ranks of Jihad: The treatise classifies jihad into four primary ranks:
- Jihad al-Nafs (struggle against the self): divided into learning religious guidance, acting upon it, propagating it, and exercising patience through the hardships of calling others to God.
- Jihad al-Shaytan (struggle against Satan): divided into repelling doubts that undermine faith and resisting illicit desires.
- Jihad against disbelievers and hypocrites: carried out with the heart, tongue, wealth, and hand.
- Jihad against injustice, transgression, and innovations: executed primarily through physical prevention when capable, or otherwise through speech and moral repudiation.
- Virtues and Factors of Victory: The book outlines the religious virtues of striving in God's cause, stern warnings against abandoning it, categories of martyrs who perish outside the battlefield, and the spiritual and material requisites for attaining victory over adversaries.
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