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How can I Train Myself for Jihad?

"And prepare against them all you can of power, including steeds of war to terrorise the enemies of Allah and others besides whom you may not know, but Allah does know. And whatever you shall spend in the Cause of Allah shall be repaid unto you, and you shall not be treated unjustly." [Quran 8:60]

In commenting on this verse, the Messenger (SAWS) said:
"Indeed, power is shooting, power is shooting, power is shooting." [Sahih Muslim]

"If anyone keeps a horse for Jihad in the Way of Allah, motivated by his faith in Allah and his belief in His Promise, then he will be rewarded on the Day of Resurrection for what the horse has eaten or drunk and for its dung and urine." [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

After receiving a number of e-mails asking about this topic, we decided to include a small article about this subject. It is broken down into sections, but should be read from beginning to end for maximum benefit.

The information contained in this document is for background information purposes only. Azzam Publications and the maintainers of the qoqaz web-sites do not encourage you to commit any illegal acts, and disclaim liability for the same. We cannot answer specific questions about information contained in this document. We do not 'sponsor', 'organise' or provide 'contacts' for people to go for Jihad or Jihad training. There are no exceptions to this: we are only a news and information outlet, so please do not contact us asking for contact details and the likes.

1. What is Jihad?

Jihad literally means `to struggle'. In the military sense it is meant in the context, `to struggle against oppression'. Jihad is therefore an act to liberate people from the oppression of tyrants. Jihad is not illegal acts of terror against innocent people. When tabloid journalism mistakenly informs the masses that Jihad is `to commit illegal acts of terror', they are revealing the lack of their research and the extent of their unprofessional approach to the subject.

2. Military Training is an Islamic Obligation not an Option

According to the verse above ("And prepare against them all you can of power..."), military training is an obligation in Islam upon every sane, male, mature Muslim, whether rich or poor, whether studying or working and whether living in a Muslim or non-Muslim country. The Prophet (SAWS) explained the meaning of the term 'power' in the above verse during a Friday Sermon by mentioning that power was specifically shooting.

The verse mentions 'what you can...', meaning that the Muslims must prepare to the utmost of their ability and circumstances.

'Steeds of war' refer to the horses that were prepared for battle. In this day and age, the scholars of Islam have explained this term to mean all forms of modern weaponry such as infantry weapons, tanks, artillery, aircraft, etc.

The above verse is a clear evidence that military training of all sorts is an Islamic obligation, not something optional. Furthermore, the obligation is according to one's ability, in that the Muslims must use every means at their disposal to undertake military and physical training for Jihad.

In Surah Taubah of the Quran, Allah answers those hypocrites who made feeble excuses to the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) so that they would not have to participate in the Battle of Tabuk. The hypocrites came to the Prophet (SAWS) and gave their excuses with the impression that they really wanted to take part in the battle, but difficult circumstances outside their control were preventing them from doing so. Allah's response was:

"And if they had really intended to march forth, certainly they would have made some preparation for it; but Allah hated them being sent forth, so He made them lag behind, and it was said to them, 'Sit you among those who sit at home (women, children, elderly, etc.)'" [Quran 9:46]

These hypocrites had not intended to participate in Jihad from the outset and their lack of preparations was the evidence for this. Had they really wanted to take part in the Jihad, they would have prepared themselves and tried their utmost to join the battle, like the three companions who approached the Messenger (SAWS) before the Battle of Tabuk, requesting horses or mules so they could join the Battle. When the Prophet (SAWS) informed them that he could not provide them with mounts, they turned back with their eyes full of tears that they could not join the battle:

"Nor is there blame on those who came to you to be provided with mounts, when you said, 'I can find no mounts for you,' they turned back, while their eyes were overflowing with tears of grief that they could not find anything to spend for Jihad." [Quran 9:92]

Therefore, those Muslims unable to participate in Jihad at this present time whatever the reason have no excuse before Allah for not training for Jihad.

The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: "Whoever dies without having fought in battle, nor having the sincere wish in his heart to fight in battle, dies on a branch of hypocrisy." [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

The one sincere to fight in battle is the one who makes suitable preparations for battle. A Muslim that spends a life empty of any physical or military training for Jihad, let alone Jihad itself, should fear dying on a branch of hypocrisy according to the above hadith. True Iman (faith) is manifested in actions and if someone truly wishes to fight Jihad, he will prepare himself in all possible ways.

3. Sincerity of Intention

Training is an Islamic obligation so a Muslim must undertake it for the correct reason otherwise he will neither be blessed nor rewarded by Allah for all his efforts. The correct reason to train is to train for Jihad which is undertaken to please Allah alone. Therefore the Muslim must not publicly display to the people what he is doing, nor must he show off during his training, nor seek fame or reputation in the eyes of human beings during his training. If he wishes to be rewarded by Allah and blessed and helped in his training, all his training must be done to obtain the Pleasure of Allah alone.

In practical terms, this would mean avoiding training in the company of people (e.g. women) who might be impressed by the one training, flouting muscles etc. This also means to avoid publicly announcing to everyone that one is going for training or dropping subtle hints such as leaving clothes and equipment in view of the people. The beloved Companions of the Prophet (SAWS) used to hide their good deeds more than they used to hide their sins, for fear of their intention being corrupted. Train only to please Allah and He will help you, reward you and bless you, for there is no benefit in gaining the pleasure of human beings.

4. Training in your Country of Residence

4.1 Physical Training

The basis of all Jihad training is something that can be done in every country of the World: physical training. This requires little or no equipment and is something that one can fit round one's daily routine. This comprises four main areas: stamina, strength, speed and agility. In order to benefit from your physical training, it is important that it is done regularly, ideally at the same time of the day if possible, three times a week, which leaves a rest day between exercise sessions to allow the body to recuperate. Some general suggestions are given below though there are many variations to this type of training. Consult an expert or read books or Internet articles on the topic. There are books available to the general public of physical training within the Army (US Army Field Manuals and books written by ex-British soldiers).