Author: Azzam
Publication: Jihad in
Chechnya, Facts and Figures
Date:
URL: http://63.249.218.164/html/chechnyajihadtrain.htm
"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]
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.
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.
4.3 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 fireams. 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.
Disclaimer: The Sergeant
Quartermaster logo is copyright protected and the company has no affiliations
with Azzam Publications or the Qoqaz web-sites. We have put their
details up as a source for obtaining these CDs. If anyone can suggest
other suppliers of these CDs, please let us know.
Some topics to read up
about include:
Physical fitness training
Ammunition
Sniper training
Mine/ Counter-Mine Operations
and Recognition of Different Mines
Mortar
AK-47 and other Soviet
weapon Operating Manuals
Terrain Analysis
Map Reading and Land
Navigation
Camouflage and concealment
Survival
Combat skills of the
soldier
First Aid for Soldiers
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.
