Women's participation in Jihad


A: Jihad against disbelievers through fighting them is not obligatory on women. However, she must take part in the Jihad of calling people to truth and manifesting Shari`ah so far as her honor is not violated and provided that she wears clothes concealing her body, does not intermingle with non-Mahram (not a spouse or an unmarriageable relative) men, is not too soft of speech and does not stay in seclusion with non-Mahram (not a spouse or an unmarriageable relative) men. Allah (Part No. 12; Page No. 35) (Exalted be He) states addressing the wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him): And remember (O you the members of the Prophet’s family, the Graces of your Lord), that which is recited in your houses of the Verses of Allâh and Al-Hikmah (i.e. Prophet’s Sunnah - legal ways, so give your thanks to Allâh and glorify His Praises for this Qur’ân and the Sunnah ). It is also authentically reported from `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that she asked Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) whether Jihad was incumbent on women, and he replied, "Yes, jihad which does not include fighting is incumbent on them. It is the Hajj and the `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage)." (Recorded by Ahmad and Ibn Majah.) She is also authentically reported to have said: O Allah's Messenger! We consider Jihad as the best deed. Should we not fight for Allah's Cause? He said: The best Jihad (for women) is Hajj-Mabrur (i.e. Hajj which is done according to the Prophet's tradition and is accepted by Allah). (Recorded by Ahmad and Al-Bukhari.) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


Tags: