Aim of Jihad Clarified in Quranic Verse
This is according to Hani Chitchian, a member of the Quran and Etrat School of the University of Tehran, speaking in the 17th session in a series on Surah At-Tawbah. Following are excerpts from his remarks in the session:
Surah At-Tawbah was revealed after the conquest of Mecca. After the conquest, a group of Arabs attacked the troops of Islam due to Abu Sufyan’s provocations. The troops of Islam gained spoils during this battle. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) then met with heads of tribes in Mecca and told them that whoever converts to Islam and leads their tribe to the religion will have a share of this spoil. They were actually shared among those who had not participated in the battle.
This was when the Ansar (people of Medina) become upset for not having any share. Even rumors were circulating that the Holy Prophet is distributing the spoil among his family of the Quraysh tribe.
Then Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) tells people that there were two privileges here; the spoils and his stay in a city. Referring to the efforts and sacrifices of the Ansar, the Prophet said they have the right to have him live in their city. He also said the spoils will remain in Mecca.
This is when the Ansar renew allegiance with the Prophet. Interpreters attribute the following verse to this development: “Would that they had been pleased with what God and His Messenger had given them and had said, ‘God is All-Sufficient for us. God and His Messenger will soon do us more favors and we have hope in God's mercy’.” (Surah At-Tawbah, verse 59)
Sadaqa and strengthening God’s religion
Verse 60 of this Quranic chapter points to the ways Sadaqa (alms) can be used: “Alms are only for the poor and the needy, and the officials (appointed) over them, and those whose hearts are made to incline (to truth) and the (ransoming of) captives and those in debts and in the way of Allah and the wayfarer; an ordinance from Allah; and Allah is knowing, Wise.”
The verse clearly notes that alms are not rewards or salaries for Mujahids. Spoils belong to God and the Prophet. An important point here is that war is only allowed when it aims to expand the religion of God, to “verify the truth” (Surah Al-Anfal, verse 8), and bring hearts closer to each other on the path of God.
So the goal of attending battles should not be for gaining spoils. There is only one reason for one to sacrifice his/her life and that is for God’s religion. People can only endanger their lives in matters which have been confirmed by Allah Almighty.
