DoI BloG

The obvious question is: With whom is the talibul 'ilm making jihad?

The answer is: With his nafs.

The mufassirin (authentic commentators of the Quran Sharif) have written lengthy commentaries on this hadith sharif. You are advised to read them.

Let us summarize their findings:

What are the trials facing the mujahidin?

One: I'la'e Deen, also called I'la'e Kalimatullah-to uphold the Deen (or Kalimah of Allah Ta'ala). Jihad is not territorial gain and aggrandizement. Jihad is for the sake of Deen-the purpose is to enable those who have the Deen to practise Deen properly by removing the obstacles that others had placed in their path, also, to stop the torment that others are inflicting on them. This is the first point in jihad-I'la'e Deen.

Incidentally, this amazing feat of Shaitan is not termed a karamat (miracle) but istidraj (deception). Any feat that appears to be supernatural or wondrous, shown by one not following the shariat, cannot be termed as karamat. It is istidraj and a trap for the unwary-a trick to lead them astray. Shaitan, as we all know, is the head of the kuffar-his kufr is the greatest-yet he has the capability of manifesting this amazing feat of setting his takht on the sea and gathering all his fellow shayatin on it. Despite being weighty, the takht does not sink into the sea. This is istidraj, which Allah Ta'ala sets forth as a test. This is mentioned by the way, to warn the unwary not to be hoodwinked by those disobedient to Allah Ta'ala.

The genuine talibul 'ilm, with the qualities mentioned above, has another claim as well. He performs what is fardh and wajib; he is punctual with his sunnate mu'aqqidah; he acts with taqwa-such a talibul 'ilm enjoys a station no less than that of one performing abundant nawafil and making abundant zikr. In comparison, this talibul 'ilm may not be performing much nawafil, his zikr and tasbihat may be minimal, but abstaining fromsin and performing what is fardh, not allowing his namaz to become qadha, performing what is wajib and sunnate mu'aqqidah, he has a stage even higher. He is in obedience all the time; he is with taqwa all the time; he is in ibadat all the time; he is a zakir all the time. he is the misdaq of the Hadith Sharif: