DRAWING THE SWORDS IN THE TIME OF NEED

Luthfi Bashori

Amid the journey leaving for Tabuk expedition, Rasulullah PBUH taught us on the hadith below that one of the ways to reach paradise is through taking up arms to commit jihad in the name of Allah SWT.

Sayyidina Abdullah ibn Abu Aufa RA narrated that Rasulullah PBUH said, "O people, do not wish for an encounter with the enemy, but pray to Allah for security; but when you have to encounter the enemy, then exercise patience. You should know that paradise lingers beneath the shadows of the swords.

O Allah, Revealer of Quran, Disperser of the clouds, and Conqueror of the conspiring hordes; put our enemy to rout and help us against them." (Narrated by Imam Bukhari and Muslim).

Since Islam first and foremost is the religion of peace, praying to not encounter the enemies is advised. However, it does not mean that Islam teaches to easily concede and surrender in the face of adversaries.

If there is a threat upon Islam, Muslims are obligated to bravely face the danger; it is forbidden upon Muslims to sue for peace, let alone deserting.

Muslims are not obliged to win, what is necessary is that they must fight with a steadfast and unyielding heart as it is illustrated by Rasulullah PBUH that paradise lingers beneath the shadows of the swords.

In the modern world, swords are no longer the only powerful weapon Muslims can use.

There is verbal ammunition in diplomacy, either through political diplomacy, especially in Islamic countries, or through communal or individual diplomacy.

Writing is also one of the most powerful weapons Muslims can use. Opinions can spread to build strength and unity among Muslims.

Relentless counters from Muslims can be discouraging to the enemies, as well as various kinds of writings from influential scholars as they can change Islam’s image in the world and solidify Muslims.

As the cyber world has become the modern battlefield, gadgets in the nimble fingers of Muslim netizens can bring a huge advantage for Islam and Muslims’ existence. With the persistent efforts of Muslims in sharing the products of the thought of Islamic figures from various Islamic disciplines, may Islam can command supremacy and dignity in cyberspace.

Translator: Mr. Kukuh Prabowo.
Editor: Mr. Lukman C.