Surah Al-Baqarah 2:216

Jihad is made Obligatory

In this Ayah, Allah made it obligatory for the Muslims to fight in Jihad against the evil of the enemy who transgress against Islam. Az-Zuhri said, "Jihad is required from every person, whether he actually joins the fighting or remains behind. Whoever remains behind is required to give support, if support is warranted; to provide aid, if aid is needed; and to march forth, if he is commanded to do so. If he is not needed, then he remains behind." It is reported in the Sahih:

(Whoever dies but neither fought (i.e., in Allah's cause), nor sincerely considered fighting, will die a death of Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic era of ignorance).)

On the day of Al-Fath (when he conquered Makkah), the Prophet said:

(There is no Hijrah (migration from Makkah to Al-Madinah) after the victory, but only Jihad and good intention. If you were required to march forth, then march forth.)

Allah's statement:

(...though you dislike it) means, `Fighting is difficult and heavy on your hearts.' Indeed, fighting is as the Ayah describes it, as it includes being killed, wounded, striving against the enemies and enduring the hardship of travel. Allah then said:

(. ..and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you) meaning, fighting is followed by victory, dominance over the enemy, taking over their lands, money and offspring. Allah continues:

(...and that you like a thing which is bad for you.)

This Ayah is general in meaning. Hence, one might covet something, yet in reality it is not good or beneficial for him, such as refraining from joining the Jihad, for it might lead to the enemy taking over the land and the government. Then, Allah said:

(Allah knows, but you do not know.) meaning, He has better knowledge than you of how things will turn out to be in the end, and of what benefits you in this earthly life and the Hereafter. Hence, obey Him and adhere to His commands, so that you may acquire the true guidance.

Dengan turunnya ayat ini hukum perang itu menjadi wajib kifayah dalam rangka membela diri dan membebaskan penindasan. Bila musuh telah masuk ke dalam negeri orang-orang Islam, hukumnya menjadi wajib 'ain. Hukum wajib perang ini turun pada tahun kedua Hijri. Ketika masih di Mekah (sebelum Hijrah) Nabi Muhammad saw dilarang berperang, baru pada permulaan tahun Hijrah, Nabi diizinkan perang bilamana perlu.

Berperang dirasakan sebagai suatu perintah yang berat bagi orang-orang Islam sebab akan menghabiskan harta dan jiwa. Lebih-lebih pada permulaan Hijrah ke Medinah. Kaum Muslimin masih sedikit, sedang kaum musyrikin mempunyai jumlah yang besar. Berperang ketika itu dirasakan sangat berat, tetapi karena perintah berperang sudah datang untuk membela kesucian agama Islam dan meninggikan kalimatullah, maka Allah menjelaskan bahwa tidak selamanya segala yang dirasakan berat dan sulit itu membawa penderitaan, tetapi mudah-mudahan justru membawa kebaikan. Betapa khawatirnya seorang pasien yang pengobatannya harus dengan mengalami operasi, sedang operasi itu paling dibenci dan ditakuti, tetapi demi untuk kesehatannya dia harus mematuhi nasehat dokter, barulah penyakit hilang dan badan menjadi sehat setelah dioperasi.

Allah memerintahkan sesuatu bukan untuk menyusahkan manusia, sebab di balik perintah itu akan banyak ditemui rahasia-rahasia yang membahagiakan manusia. Masalah rahasia itu Allah-lah yang lebih tahu, sedang manusia tidak mengetahuinya.