EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK:
HOW CAN I TRAIN MYSELF FOR JIHAD?
Posted on an Islamic website
1.0 What
is Jihad
2.0
Military Training is an Islamic Obligation not an Option
3.0
Sincerity of Intention
4.0
Training in your Country of Residence
4.1
Physical Training
4.2
Martial Arts
4.3
Survival and Outdoors Training
4.4
Firearms Training
4.5
Important Note on Live-Ammunition Jihad Firearms Training within the
UK
4.6
Military Training
5.0
Jihad Training Abroad
"And
prepare against them all you can of power, including steeds of war
to terrorise the enemies of Allah and others besides whom you may
not know, but Allah does know. And whatever you shall spend in the
Cause of Allah shall be repaid unto you, and you shall not be
treated unjustly." [Quran 8:60]. In commenting on this verse,
the Messenger (SAWS) said: "Indeed, power is shooting, power is
shooting, power is shooting." [Sahih Muslim] . Narrated Abu
Hurairah (RA) that the Messenger (SAWS) said: "If anyone keeps a
horse for Jihad in the Way of Allah, motivated by his faith in Allah
and his belief in His Promise, then he will be rewarded on the Day
of Resurrection for what the horse has eaten or drunk and for its
dung and urine." [Sahih Al-Bukhari]. After receiving a number of
e-mails asking about this topic, we decided to include a small
article about this subject. It is broken down into sections, but
should be read from beginning to end for maximum benefit.
 1.0
What is Jihad?
Jihad
literally means ‘to struggle’. In the military sense it is meant in
the context, ‘to struggle against oppression’. Jihad is therefore an
act to liberate people from the oppression of tyrants. Jihad is not
illegal acts of terror against innocent people. When tabloid
journalism mistakenly informs the masses that Jihad is ‘to commit
illegal acts of terror’, they are revealing the lack of their
research and the extent of their unprofessional approach to the
subject.
2.0 Military Training is an
Islamic Obligation not an Option
According
to the verse above ("And prepare against them all you can of
power..."), military training is an obligation in Islam upon
every sane, male, mature Muslim, whether rich or poor, whether
studying or working and whether living in a Muslim or non-Muslim
country. The Prophet (SAWS) explained the meaning of the term
'power' in the above verse during a Friday Sermon by mentioning that
power was specifically shooting. The verse mentions 'what you
can...', meaning that the Muslims must prepare to the utmost of
their ability and circumstances. 'Steeds of war' refer to the
horses that were prepared for battle. In this day and age, the
scholars of Islam have explained this term to mean all forms of
modern weaponry such as infantry weapons, tanks, artillery,
aircraft, etc. The above verse is a clear evidence that military
training of all sorts is an Islamic obligation, not something
optional. Furthermore, the obligation is according to one's ability,
in that the Muslims must use every means at their disposal to
undertake military and physical training for Jihad. In Surah Taubah
of the Quran, Allah answers those hypocrites who made feeble excuses
to the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) so that they would not have to
participate in the Battle of Tabuk. The hypocrites came to the
Prophet (SAWS) and gave their excuses with the impression that they
really wanted to take part in the battle, but difficult
circumstances outside their control were preventing them from doing
so. Allah's response was: "And if they had really intended to
march forth, certainly they would have made some preparation for it;
but Allah hated them being sent forth, so He made them lag behind,
and it was said to them, 'Sit you among those who sit at home
(women, children, elderly, etc.)'" [Quran 9:46] These hypocrites
had not intended to participate in Jihad from the outset and their
lack of preparations was the evidence for this. Had they really
wanted to take part in the Jihad, they would have prepared
themselves and tried their utmost to join the battle, like the three
companions who approached the Messenger (SAWS) before the Battle of
Tabuk, requesting horses or mules so they could join the Battle.
When the Prophet (SAWS) informed them that he could not provide them
with mounts, they turned back with their eyes full of tears that
they could not join the battle: "Nor is there blame on those who
came to you to be provided with mounts, when you said, 'I can find
no mounts for you,' they turned back, while their eyes were
overflowing with tears of grief that they could not find anything to
spend for Jihad." [Quran 9:92] Therefore, those Muslims unable
to participate in Jihad at this present time whatever the reason
have no excuse before Allah for not training for Jihad. The
Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: "Whoever dies without having
fought in battle, nor having the sincere wish in his heart to fight
in battle, dies on a branch of hypocrisy." [Sahih Al-Bukhari]
The one sincere to fight in battle is the one who makes suitable
preparations for battle. A Muslim that spends a life empty of any
physical or military training for Jihad, let alone Jihad itself,
should fear dying on a branch of hypocrisy according to the above
hadith. True Iman (faith) is manifested in actions and if someone
truly wishes to fight Jihad, he will prepare himself in all possible
ways.
Photo: Valuable possessions for a jihadist: The
Koran, the sword and freedom flag with the inscription of God is
Great and Mohammad is his messenger.
3.0
Sincerity of Intention
Training is
an Islamic obligation so a Muslim must undertake it for the correct
reason otherwise he will neither be blessed nor rewarded by Allah
for all his efforts. The correct reason to train is to train for
Jihad which is undertaken to please Allah alone. Therefore the
Muslim must not publicly display to the people what he is doing, nor
must he show off during his training, nor seek fame or reputation in
the eyes of human beings during his training. If he wishes to be
rewarded by Allah and blessed and helped in his training, all his
training must be done to obtain the Pleasure of Allah alone. In
practical terms, this would mean avoiding training in the company of
people (e.g. women) who might be impressed by the one training,
flouting muscles etc. This also means to avoid publicly announcing
to everyone that one is going for training or dropping subtle hints
such as leaving clothes and equipment in view of the people. The
beloved Companions of the Prophet (SAWS) used to hide their good
deeds more than they used to hide their sins, for fear of their
intention being corrupted. Train only to please Allah and He will
help you, reward you and bless you, for there is no benefit in
gaining the pleasure of human beings.
4.0
Training in your Country of Residence
4.1 Physical Training
The basis
of all Jihad training is something that can be done in every country
of the World: physical training. This requires little or no
equipment and is something that one can fit round one's daily
routine. This comprises four main areas: stamina, strength, speed
and agility. In order to benefit from your physical training, it is
important that it is done regularly, ideally at the same time of the
day if possible, three times a week, which leaves a rest day between
exercise sessions to allow the body to recuperate. Some general
suggestions are given below though there are many variations to this
type of training. Consult an expert or read books or Internet
articles on the topic. There are books available to the general
public of physical training within the Army (US Army Field Manuals
and books written by ex-British soldiers). Stamina involves being
able to sustain the body at a high rate of activity for prolonged
periods of time. Stamina is built up by aerobic exercise in sessions
of at least 20 minutes duration. Aerobic exercise is any activity
that keeps the heart rate at a level higher than normal for a
sustained amount of time. It differs from anaerobic exercise in
which the heart rate increases to a very high level but only for
short bursts of time. Running, swimming, rowing are some exercises
which build up stamina. For the exercise to be of benefit, it must
be sustained for at least 20 minutes. Running by far is the best and
most practical form of stamina training for Jihad. Start your
session by running for about five minutes in order to warm up. Then
proceed to stretch the major muscles in your body by holding them in
a stretched position for at least 30 seconds. Avoid 'bouncing'
stretching as this can lead to serious injury. After this, run at a
steady pace for a fixed period of time. Start easy, e.g. 10 minutes,
then gradually build up every session until you can continue running
at that pace for 20 minutes, 30 minutes or more. Inhale deep breaths
through your nose and exhale through your mouth whilst running. It
is better to run in boots as running in boots reflects the reality
of running in Jihad. It is also advisable to add shock absorbing
insoles into your boots before running, as these cushion the stress
on the leg bones and joints. These insoles, e.g. Sorbothane, are
available in camping and sports stores. Once you can sustain running
at a constant pace for 30 minutes or more, you can add variety into
the sessions by running up and down hill, running with ankle weights
or running carrying loads, e.g. a bag full of books. Strength
training can be undertaken in the form of press-ups, squats,
abdominal crunches, etc. or by following a regular routing in weight
training at a gymnasium. It is better to go to the gym with another
brother if possible, or go at a time when there are as few women as
possible. Public gymnasiums are generally un-Islamic places with
loud music and improperly dressed men and women. Such an atmosphere
is not befitting for the training of a Mujahid. In all cases, learn
how to use the equipment properly, start easy and build up gradually
and make sure you stretch and warm up enough before each session.
Speed and agility can be built up by sprinting, running around
obstacles, climbing over walls and similar activities. Practising
martial arts is the best way to develop speed and agility.
4.2
Martial Arts
It is vital
to join a martial arts club as part of the training for Jihad. In
addition to teaching you how to defend yourself and strengthen your
body, martial arts develop self-discipline and controlled
aggression. In some countries, there are martial arts run by Muslim
instructors, but one can join other clubs if there are no Muslim
clubs in his area. It is preferable to join clubs that emphasise on
street-fighting and self-defence such as kung-fu styles rather than
tournament fighting. You would never use high or flying kicks in a
real fight but you may in tournaments. As with any activity, regular
attendance for a number of months is necessary in order to benefit
from martial arts. Many people join martial arts clubs but are
unable to stick with them. Joining clubs that teach weapons such as
sword or knife-fighting are also good at advanced stages.
4.2 Martial
Arts
It is vital to
join a martial arts club as part of the training for Jihad. In
addition to teaching you how to defend yourself and strengthen your
body, martial arts develop self-discipline and controlled
aggression. In some countries, there are martial arts run by Muslim
instructors, but one can join other clubs if there are no Muslim
clubs in his area. It is preferable to join clubs that emphasise on
street-fighting and self-defence such as kung-fu styles rather than
tournament fighting. You would never use high or flying kicks in a
real fight but you may in tournaments. As with any activity, regular
attendance for a number of months is necessary in order to benefit
from martial arts. Many people join martial arts clubs but are
unable to stick with them. Joining clubs that teach weapons such as
sword or knife-fighting are also good at advanced stages.
4.3
Survival and Outdoors Training
The majority
of the time spent in Jihad is learning to cope with harsh,
physically and mentally demanding living conditions. It is not about
fighting glamourous battles for your pictures to appear on the
Internet. Jihad is tough and difficult, which is why the rewards for
it are so great. Although survival training is taught at centres in
some countries, it is expensive and, in many cases, nothing special
that you cannot learn and practise yourself by reading books on the
subject. The best way to learn these skills is to go camping into
the outdoors with a small group of brothers. Avoid going to a
camping site, since these are holiday areas where many facilities
are available such as hot showers, gas, etc. The best training is to
take some tents, food and water and warm clothes in a rucksack and
go on treks lasting 2-3 days at a time. If you do not have an
experienced person with you, then start easy and build up gradually.
Learn how to purify water, make wudu and istinja in cold water,
attend to the call of nature in the outdoors, cook or heat food out
in the open, making different types of knots with ropes, setting up
tents and other similar activities. Learning how to start and
maintain a fire in all conditions, wet or dry, with and without
lighting instruments is one of the most important survival skills.
Learning how to walk long distances carrying loads up to one-third
of your bodyweight, walking over difficult terrain at night without
the use of torches and navigational skills using a compass/ map or
the stars are also useful skills. Many of these skills can be learnt
from books and then practised out in the outdoors.
4.4
Firearms Training
Firearms
training differs from country to country. In some countries,
possession of firearms by the public is illegal, in other countries
it is legal. In some countries of the World, especially the USA,
firearms training is available to the general public. One should try
to join a shooting club if possible and make regular visits to the
firing range. There are many firearms courses available to the
public in USA, ranging from one day to two weeks or more. These
courses are good but expensive. Some of them are only meant for
security personnel but generally they will teach anyone. It is also
better to attend these courses in pairs or by yourself, no more. Do
not make public announcements when going on such a course. Find one,
book your place, go there, learn, come back home and keep it
yourself. Whilst on the course, keep your opinions to yourself, do
not argue or debate with anyone, do not preach about Islam and make
Salah in secret. You are going there to train for Jihad, not call
people to Islam. Useful courses to learn are sniping, general
shooting and other rifle courses. Handgun courses are useful but
only after you have mastered rifles. In other countries, e.g. some
states of USA, South Africa, it is perfectly legal for members of
the public to own certain types of firearms. If you live in such a
country, obtain an assault rifle legally, preferably AK-47 or
variations, learn how to use it properly and go and practice in the
areas allowed for such training. If you cannot get someone to teach
you, you can purchase books about shooting technique and practise
shooting stationary targets at different distances, with a partner.
You can also practise running a distance, e.g. 1km, then shooting
targets from a distance. Again, there are many variations and unless
you have an experienced, trained person to learn from, you will be
able to do little more than perfect your shooting technique at
different ranges. Under NO circumstances should you play or
experiment with firearms. NEVER EVER point a firearm at anyone for a
joke, whether loaded or unloaded. Keep firearms unloaded and out of
reach of children. If you feel that you will be unable to control a
firearm or your temper, do not purchase one. Respect the laws of the
country you are in and avoid dealing in illegal firearms. One can
learn to operate many arms legally, so there is no need to spend
years in prison for dealing in small, illegal firearms. Learn the
most you can according to your circumstances and leave the rest to
when you actually go for Jihad.
4.5
IMPORTANT NOTE ON LIVE-AMMUNITION JIHAD FIREARMS TRAINING WITHIN THE
UK
Recently we
heard many reports circulating in the British media about certain
Muslim personalities claiming the presence of Jihad training camps
in the UK in which firearms training is given with live ammunition
before sending the trainees for Jihad. We would like to inform both
Muslim and non-Muslim readers of this article that there are NO such
training camps within the UK. Rather, statements such as these are
made by Muslim personalities and individuals propped up by Western
Intelligence agencies in order to frighten the local population from
Muslims. We would also like to inform Muslims in the UK that if
anyone, Muslim or non-Muslims, approaches you offering training of
this type in the UK, it is a trap, you should stay away from that
person and warn other people against that person because he might be
an undercover agent. British National Intelligence MI5 does employ 'practising'
Muslims to live amongst Muslims as agent provocateurs and entice
them into traps such as these. Generally, these agents are amongst
the most popular and influential members of the community. The
Muslims are fooled by them because they fail to check up their
background (where they came from, their history etc.) One can obtain
almost any type of military training in some countries of the World,
legally, so there is no need to risk going to prison for years just
for learning how to use a single firearm illegally.
4.6
Military Training
Although
sometimes it is difficult to obtain comprehensive military training
in one's home country, it is very easy to do plenty of background
reading using freely-available books and CDs, before one actually
goes abroad. The US Army has produced a number of military field
manuals on CD on all topics from light weapons, tanks and artillery
to mines, military fieldcraft and combat medicine. The full set is
available on CD for less than US$100 and many field manuals are also
available on the Internet. One source of availability is
http://www.sgtquartermaster.net/CDROM.html
or by
searching for the term 'US Military Field Manuals CD' or just 'US
Military Field Manuals Online'. Even though the US Army Field
Manuals contain information specific to US Weapons, they still
contain a large amount of useful information applicable in all
circumstances. It is useful to get a full set of CDs for your mosque
or Islamic society that everyone can use.
Some topics to
read up about include: 1-Physical fitness training , 2-Ammunition,
3-Sniper training , 4-Mine/ Counter-Mine Operations and Recognition
of Different Mines, 5-Mortar, 6-AK-47 and other Soviet weapon
Operating Manuals, 7-Terrain Analysis, 8-Map Reading and Land
Navigation , 9-Camouflage and concealment , 10-Survival , 11-Combat
skills of the soldier , 12-First Aid for Soldiers , 13-Cold Weather
Training
5.0 Jihad
Training Abroad
There are some
countries where one can obtain Jihad training but we are not in a
position to comment on the suitability or insuitability of any
particular country. Contact individuals you know and trust and they
will be able to advise you better. If you are true to Allah, Allah
will be true to you and He will find you a way to do what you want
to do.
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