The role of women in Jihad has often been overlooked in discussions. But like any other aspect of Islam, women have a significant role in Jihad. This blog will delve deeper into the role of women in Islamic warfare and what the Shariah states about females in armed combat.
Is Jihad Obligatory on Women?
Islam has not made Jihad obligatory on its women because one of the seven requirements to be accountable for Jihad is being a male. Al-Sarkhasi, a scholar of the Hanafi school, stated that:
“We do not like for women to fight alongside men in a war because a woman does not possess the right physical body for war. Furthermore, when a woman fights, it is very possible that her awrah can be exposed (due to physical combat, such as moving her weapons), and the mushrikeen will be happy at that and rejoice. This can lead to them thinking that they have a higher chance of defeating the Muslims. They can also lead to them thinking that the Muslims are weak and need the help of women to fight them. Therefore, for this reason, it is not recommended for women to take part in Jihad and fighting directly.”
Similarly, it is stated in Khishshaaf al-Qinaa’ regarding women in Jihad that:
“The reason women are not allowed to fight in Jihad is because women are a source of temptation, and also, they are not qualified for physical fighting. This is because they tend to be weak. Furthermore, another reason is that there is no certainty that the enemy won’t capture them and do things to them that Allah SWT has forbidden.”
The Exception
Engaging in Physical Combat
There are certain situations stated in Shariah where women are allowed to participate in Jihad and where it also becomes obligatory for them to defend against the enemy.
The first situation is when a Muslim country or town is under attack from the enemy; then it becomes obligatory on women and everyone else to defend themselves and their country, according to their abilities. But even after this permission, if a woman is unable to fight (i.e., she is sick), then it is not obligatory for her.
The evidence for women going out for Jihad is found in the story of Hunayn, at the end of which Umm Sulaym bint Milhaan, who fought on that day while a cloth was tied around her stomach, said to the Prophet PBUH, ‘O Allah’s Messenger, what are your thoughts about the people who let you down and ran away? You shouldn’t grant them forgiveness if Allah gives you power over them.’ Replying to this, the Prophet PBUH said, ‘O Umm Sulaym, Allah’s forgiveness is immense.’ She repeated her question three times, and each time the Prophet PBUH responded with the same answer: that Allah’s forgiveness is immense.
Therefore, this story clearly states that there is no prohibition about women taking part in Jihad when it is necessary, because the Prophet PBUH allowed Umm Sulaym to fight.
Not Engaging In Physical Combat
It is also permissible for the wives of the mujahideen to go with them if they are going to another country and will stay there for several months. This is permissible only in cases where the safety and protection of women are specific and guaranteed. If there is no guarantee, then they are obliged to withdraw from the journey.
Furthermore, it is also permissible for old women to be present at the time of Jihad so they can tend to the wounded, cook food for the soldiers, or bring water to the mujahideen. And the evidence of this is from the Abd-Allah Ibn Qarat al-Azdi’s hadith, in which he said that the women of the Sahaabah (companions of the Prophet PBUH) and the women of Khalid had their sleeves rolled upwards. They were reciting encouraging poetry and bringing water to the mujahideen when he was fighting with the Byzantines. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the women mentioned here are older, as there is a concern that young women going out and performing these tasks may lead to fitnah.
What Is Jihad For Women?
There are several hadiths in which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has stated the Jihad for women.
Narrated by Aisha, the mother of the faithful believers: She said, “O Messenger of Allah (PBUH), we view Jihad as the greatest of deeds.” The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “For women, the best form of Jihad is a Hajj Mabrur.”
It was narrated that Aisha said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah, ‘Is Jihad obligatory for women?’ He replied, ‘Yes, there is a type of Jihad for them that involves no fighting: Al-Hajj and Al-Umra’h.”
Both of these hadiths clearly state that the Jihad for a woman is a hajj and umrah and that performing these pilgrimages has a reward equal to that of Jihad.