The Afghan Martyrs — Page 146
Hadeeth that when returning to base from an expedition - Tabook - the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: "After having been engaged in 'Jehad-e-Asghar' we are returning now for a 'Jehad-e-Akbar' i. e. 'Jehad' against one's ego, vanity and pride. II (Kashaf) It is narrated in Tirmizi that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: liThe foremost 'Jehad' which is greater than the other two kinds is the one when one clashes with one's own ego. II The life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) can be divided into two distinct phases i. e. his life in Mecca and his life in Medina. During his days in Mecca before emigration, the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and his companions were not permitted to engage in 'Jehad' with a sword. However, after his arrival in Medina in response to the cruel assaults by the disbelievers, the Almighty granted him permission to use his sword in 'Jehad'. It is evident that through every moment of his life he was involved in 'Jehad' of one kind or another. It would be a grave sin to imagine that, God forbid, while he was in Mecca he was not engaged in 'Jehad' and he waited until he was in Medina. The truth is that in every moment of the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the lives of his companions they constantly remained engaged in 'Jehad' of one kind or another. Although there was no armed struggle nor was there any war even while in Mecca he was continuously engaged in 'Jehad'. 'Jehad' continued throughout his days in Medina although whilst there he had been permitted the use of arms in a defensive posture. Now let us examine the belief of the Promised Messiah (PBUH) concerning 'Jehad with a sword'. In the life of the Promised Messiah (PBUH) the British ruled the Indian sub continent. The Sikhs had ruled before them and they had completely taken away religious freedom. Muslims were particular targets and were not even permitted to worship freely. 146