DAR AL HARB/ISLAM: NO HINT OF "INNER STRUGGLE" WHEN PARTICIPATION IN JIHAD IS EXPLAINED WHEN IT COMES TO WOMEN

Women in Islamic Society — 31: Participation in Jihad
Dr. Abd Al-Haleem Abu Shuqqah

Under the major heading of Jihad, Hadith anthologies enter many sub-headings, each dealing with a particular aspect. As Al-Bukhari is particularly selective in his sub-headings, he often highlights certain aspects even though they may not be very clear in the Hadith texts that are entered under that sub-heading. In this way, he draws attention to a particular point. Therefore, we will quote one Hadith from each of five sub-headings, indicating women’s participation in the ultimate aspect of striving for God’s cause, i.e. jihad, which is fighting the enemies of Islam.

1. Praying for men’s and women’s participation in jihad and martyrdom. Anas ibn Malik reports: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to visit Umm Haram bint Milhan. He once slept (at her place) and when he woke up, he smiled. She asked him what caused him to smile. He said: ‘I was shown a group of my followers going for jihad, riding into the sea, looking like kings on their thrones...’ She said: ‘Messenger of God! Pray to God to make me one of them.’ He prayed for her as she requested. He then put his head down and slept. He woke up smiling. She said: ‘What makes you smile, messenger of God?’ He again said the same thing: ‘I was shown a group of my followers going for jihad...’ She said: ‘Messenger of God! Pray to God to make me one of them.’ He said: ‘You are in one of the earlier groups.’ She went on the maritime expedition during the reign of Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, and when she disembarked, she fell off her mount and died.” (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

2. Women’s participation in fighting with men. Anas reports: “During the Battle of Uhud, Muslims went on the retreat leaving the Prophet... I saw Lady Ayesha and Umm Sulaym, having raised their skirts. I could see their anklets as they carried water skins on their backs, hurrying as though to run... They would pour the water into people’s mouths and go back to fill their water skins. They came back to pour the water into other people’s mouths.” (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

Commenting on this point, Ibn Hajar says that he has not seen in any of the Hadiths entered under this sub-heading a clear statement that women actually participated in fighting. Therefore, Ibn Al-Muneer says: “Al-Bukhari has put it in his heading, but the Hadiths do not indicate that. He either means that the assistance they provided to the fighters is in itself a form of fighting or he means that when they actually remained steadfast to give water to the wounded and render other services, they meant to defend themselves in case there was need. This second possibility is perhaps stronger.”

Indeed, Muslim relates a Hadith in which it is mentioned that Umm Sulaym had a dagger at the time of the Battle of Hunayn. She explained: “I need it, so that if any of the unbelievers comes near me I will use my dagger to stab him in his abdomen.”

3. Women carry water for the fighters. Thaalabah ibn Malik reports: “Umar distributed some cloth among some women of Madinah. One good piece of cloth was left. Someone present suggested to him to give it ‘to the Prophet’s granddaughter you have married’, (meaning Umm Kulthoom bint Ali). Umar said: ‘Umm Saleet (a woman from the Ansar) has a stronger claim to it. She carried water to us during the Battle of Uhud.” (Related by Al-Bukahri.)

4. Treating the wounded in war. Al-Rubayyi’ bint Muawwidh reports: “We used to go on jihad with the Prophet, providing water for the fighters to drink and treatment for the wounded...” (Related by Al-Bukahri.)

5. Sending back the wounded and the dead. Al-Rubayyi’ bint Muawwidh reports: “We used to go on jihad with the Prophet, providing water for the fighters to drink and serving them. We also sent the wounded and the dead ones back to Madinah.” (Related by Al-Bukahri.)

According to the reports given in Al-Tabaqat, the number of women who participated in the Battle of Khaybar was 15. Their names are given in full. We learn for example that Umm Sulaym was one of them. Confirmation of her participation in this battle is given in a Hadith reported by Anas in which he says: “The Prophet freed Safiyyah and married her... When the Prophet had marched some distance on his way back, Umm Sulaym assisted her in preparation for her wedding to the Prophet...” (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

All these Hadiths confirm that women joined the Prophet on his campaigns of jihad, rendering important service during battles. It is certain that Islam does not require women to fight for God’s cause in the same way as men are required. Fighting is very hard and requires physical strength that may be beyond most women. It also needs an attitude that does not fit with women’s softer nature. Yet Islam allows women to volunteer to fight or join a military force going on jihad, even though the number of men fighters is sufficient. This applies when participation in fighting is a collective duty on the whole community. In this case when sufficient numbers of men are taking part, the others are exempt. However, should fighting become an individual duty and the numbers of men fighters are not sufficient, women who can are required to take part as a duty.

We see that Islam does not stop women from entertaining ambitions to achieve great distinction in every way. It opens all doors for them. Ibn Hajar quotes Ibn Battal, a distinguished scholar, as saying: “Jihad is not a duty required of women. However, when the Prophet said to women, ‘Your jihad is to go on pilgrimage,’ he did not stop them from volunteering to join jihad campaigns. It is only that this is not a duty applicable to them.


Ohhh lookie, the INNER STRUGGLE version of the JIHAD is missing ! ! !

LOLOL...More like it never existed...LOLOL



Pertinent Links:

1) Women in Islamic Society — 31: Participation in Jihad