The Muslim Brotherhood - in its own words

PMW translation of

Jihad is the Way by Mustafa Mashhur

Leader of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt,

from 1996 - 2002

by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik

A member of the Muslim Brotherhood is now the president of Egypt. What does the

Muslim Brotherhood stand for? What are its beliefs, opinions and goals? In order to

understand the implications, Palestinian Media Watch has translated the book Jihad

is the Way by Mustafa Mashhur, who was the official leader of the Muslim

Brotherhood in Egypt 1996-2002. The book is the fifth volume of his full work called

The Laws of Da'wa (Islamic missionary activity).

In his book, Jihad is the Way, Mashhur explains in detail the Muslim Brotherhood’s

religious beliefs and aspirations, and especially the role of violent Jihad in bringing

about a world under Islam. Mashhur's teachings encompass subjects such as the

Muslim Brotherhood's goal of establishing an Islamic state, world domination under

Islam, the public and personal religious duty of military Jihad, and the warning not to

rush to Jihad until it is prepared and timed for maximum benefit.

PMW has selected the following quotes from Jihad is the way to illustrate

central ideas of Muslim Brotherhood ideology. PMW's translation of the book

follows below.

Muslim Brotherhood goal: Islamic world domination

- "...the Islamic Ummah [nation]... can regain its power, be liberated and

assume its rightful position which was intended by Allah, as the most exalted

nation among men, as the teachers of humanity..."

- "...know your status, so that you firmly believe that you are the masters of

the world, even if your enemies desire your degradation..."

- "It should be known that Jihad and preparation for Jihad are not only for the

purpose of fending-off assaults and attacks against Muslims by Allah's

enemies, but are also for the purpose of realizing the great task of

establishing an Islamic state, strengthening the religion and spreading it

around the world..."

- "...Jihad for Allah is not limited to the specific region of the Islamic countries.

The Muslim homeland is one and is not divided. The banner of Jihad has

already been raised in some of its parts, and it shall continue to be raised,

with the help of Allah, until every inch of the land of Islam will be liberated, the

State of Islam will be established..."

Means: Jihad - a mandatory religious duty

- "This is followed by the power of arms and weapons... This is the role

of Jihad."

- "Jihad is a religious public duty... incumbent upon the Islamic nation. Jihad is

a personal duty to fend off the infidels' attack on the nation..."

- "The youth should know that the problems of the Islamic world, such as

Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, Eritrea, or the Philippines, are not issues of

territories and nations, but of faith and religion. They are problems of Islam

and the Muslims, and they can be resolved neither by negotiation nor by

recognizing the enemy's right to the Islamic land he stole. Rather, the only

option is Jihad for Allah, and this is why Jihad is the way."

- "The symbol of the [Muslim] Brotherhood is the book of Allah [the Quran]

between two swords. The swords symbolize Jihad and the force that protects

the truth represented in Allah's book."

- "You should be prepared to answer the call of Jihad whenever you are

called, in any region of the Islamic world. Our Islam is universal not regional,

and all Islamic countries are one homeland. <go out to battle, oh believers,

young and old, by foot or on horseback, under all circumstances and

conditions<"

Timing: Don't rush, prepare carefully for Jihad

- "The [Muslim] Brotherhood will never rush after the youth's enthusiasm to

carry out immature and unplanned actions, which will not alter the corrupt

reality and may even harm Islamic activity, and will benefit the people of

falsehood..."

- "...it is not necessary for the Muslims to repel every attack or damage

caused by the enemies of Allah immediately, rather [this is required] when

ability and the circumstances allow for it."

- "Prepare yourself and train in the art of warfare, and possess the

components of power. You must learn the ways, manners and laws of war.

You must learn them and embrace them and adhere to them, so that

your Jihad will be accepted by Allah."

- "... every Muslim has an unavoidable personal duty to equip himself and

prepare for Jihad..."

Personal goal: Aspire to Shahada - Death for Allah

- "Allah is our goal, the Prophet is our leader, the Quran is our constitution,

Jihad is our way, and death for Allah is our most exalted wish."

- "Jihad is our way and Shahada (Martyrdom - Death for Allah) is our

most exalted wish. This is the call that we and the men of Da’awa (Islamic

missionary activity) have always called ... Many of our beloved ones have

already achieved this wish ... We ask Allah to accept all of them... May He join

us with them..."

Jihad against Israel:

- "Honorable brothers achieved Shahada (Martyrdom) on the soil of beloved

Palestine, in 1947 and 1948, in their Jihad against the criminal, thieving gangs

of Zion. The Imam and Shahid (Martyr) Hassan Al-Banna is considered

a Shahid (Martyr) of Palestine, even though he was not killed on its soil."

The following is Palestinian Media Watch’s expanded translation of the book Jihad

Is the Way. The book is the fifth volume of Mustafa Mashhur’s work called The Laws

of Da'wa (Islamic missionary activity), which describe the ideology beliefs and goals

of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood.

The Laws of Da'wa

(Islamic missionary activity) (Part 5)

Jihad is the Way

by Mustafa Mashhur*

[*Mustafa Mashhur was the fifth Supreme Guide, the official leader

of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt from 1996 until his death in 2002.]

Publishing House: "Dar al-Tawziah wal-Nashr al-Islamia" [Islamic Publishing and

Distribution House], 1995

Publishing House's Address: Al Sayeda Zainab Square 8 [Cairo, Egypt]

Translated by Palestinian Media Watch pmw@palwatch.org

PMW translation policy:

PMW has included all the main texts, ideologies, policies, views, and explanations

expressed in this book, while leaving out numerous repetitions as well as some of

the many Quran sources cited to support the ideology. Passages left out are

indicated by three dots.

Islamic terms referring to seeking and obtaining Martyrdom death are translated as

follows:

Shahada = "Martyrdom death for Allah", appears as: Shahada (Martyrdom)

Shahid = "Martyr for Allah", appears as: Shahid (Martyr)

Istish'had = "Seeking Martyrdom for Allah", appears as: Istish'had (Martyrdom-

Seeking)

or alternatively:

Istish'had = "Achieved Martyrdom for Allah", appears as: Istish'had (achieved

Martyrdom)

Quran translations are based on USC-MSA-Compendium of Muslim Texts

[http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/]

PMW TRANSLATION:

The Laws of Da'wa (Islamic missionary

activity) (Part 5)

Jihad is the Way

by Mustafa Mashhur

Introduction

Jihad is the way. We need to be fully aware of this and act to follow in its way. The

faltering of faith has led the Muslims to their current state: one of laxity,

disintegration, the dominion of Allah's enemies over Muslim resources, and the

succumbing of some to abandoning their faith. The revival of the faith is the starting

point for the revitalization of the Islamic Ummah (nation), so that it can regain its

power, be liberated, and assume its rightful position which was intended by Allah as

the most exalted nation among men, as the teachers of humanity so that they

[mankind] will be delivered from darkness into light through this religion of truth.

Together with the power of faith, there is no escaping from the power of unity among

the Muslims. This is followed by the power of arms and weapons, when nothing else

will suffice. This is the role of Jihad. The Imam (Muslim religious leader) and Shahid

(Martyr) Hassan Al-Banna (founder of the Muslim Brotherhood) learned about the

need for these three forces from the biography of the Prophet [Muhammad], may

Allah bless him and give him peace...

Many questions arise regarding the Muslim Brotherhood's stance on Jihad... Some

people ask: Is the meaning of Jihad to force non-Muslims to become Muslim by force

of arms? Others ask: Do you want to fight Allah's enemies in the East and West

while they are immensely powerful and you are weak? Some say: Do you want,

through Jihad, to send Muslim youth to their death and to hand them over as easy

prey to the enemies of Islam?

At the same time, we hear from some of the enthusiastic youth: Has the [Muslim]

Brotherhood grown weary from the challenges [it has faced], thrown down its

weapons and abandoned Jihad? Yet another says: Do you wish, with this passivity,

to weaken the youth's vigor and kill the spirit of Jihad in them?

Another asks: How long will you content yourselves with Da'wa (Islamic missionary

activity) and education without Jihad, while the enemies of Allah lie in wait and attack

you from time to time, and you confront their attacks with submissiveness and

without resistance?

These are all questions that arise regarding the [Muslim] Brotherhood’s position on

Jihad... We feel it necessary to make these matters clear to all of us so that there will

be a unified understanding and effort, with Allah's help.

Mustafa Mashhur

The nature of this religion: Da’wa (Islamic missionary activity), activity, and

Jihad as the pinnacle [of the religion]

...Our Islamic religion is not a religion of priests and monks, who worship their Lord

individually without taking interest in others... Rather, it is a complete religion which

regulates peoples' lives in this world as well as in the next. It regulates the economic,

social and political matters of Muslims and still [is] a religion of faith, law and ritual,

which addresses every minor and major issue related to man...

In addition, it is a religion of one nation, one society, one Qibla (prayer direction, i.e.,

Mecca) and one book. It transforms the Muslims into one body in their mutual

relations. If one of its limbs suffers, the whole body comes to its protection...

The religion [of Islam] requires its believers to perform its laws< and to deliver this

religion of truth to all of humanity.

Is it possible for such a religion to exist and for its believers to fulfill all of its

requirements without the adherents of other beliefs persecuting it and its

followers<? Would the believers cease to practice the religion just because the

enemies of Allah attack them? And if the Muslims endure patiently, does this mean

that this patience should have no end? Do they not have a right to repel the

aggression and to remove the hurdles from their path?

From this, it is evident that Jihad is an inevitable necessity. That's why it was made a

religious duty in Islam, [a duty] which applies until the Day of Resurrection. It is also

the reason why [Islam] rouses the desire for Jihad and hastens towards it, and made

it the pinnacle of Islam. Without it, the religion has no standing and the people of

falsehood will take over. The religion of Allah will become invalid, life will be

corrupted and will stray from the path that Allah wanted. Is this appropriate for the

religion of Allah, the Exalted and the Almighty?

In this book, we will clarify several issues pertaining to [the place of] Jihad in Islam...

Islam has dedicated much attention to the issue of Jihad, militancy, recruiting and

gathering the nation into one arrangement in order to defend the truth with all its

might. Islam has rendered Jihad a religious duty for every Muslim< and roused the

[people’s] will towards [waging] Jihad to the greatest degree. It [Islam] has greatly

increased the rewards for the Mujahidun (Jihad warriors) and the Shahids (Martyrs),

and has threatened the procrastinators and those who avoid Jihad with the most

terrible punishments...

The Imam and Shahid (Martyr) [Hassan Al-Banna, founder of the Muslim

Brotherhood] writes in his Treatise on Jihad: "All of the sages, the earlier and the

later ones... agree that Jihad is a religious public duty to spread Da'wa (Islamic

missionary activity), incumbent upon the Islamic nation. Jihad is a personal duty to

fend off the infidels' attack on the nation... As you know, Muslims today are

humiliated by others and dominated by infidels. Their land is overrun and their holy

places are desecrated... Therefore, every Muslim has an unavoidable personal duty

to equip himself and prepare for Jihad until the opportunity arises and Allah will

determine His word."

In another part of his Treatise on Jihad, the Shahid (Martyr) Imam (Hassan Al-

Banna) said about the Hadith [traditions attributed to Muhammad]: "We have

returned from the lesser Jihad to embark on the greater Jihad. They [Muhammad’s

companions] said, "What is the greater Jihad?” He said, “The Jihad of the heart, or

the Jihad of the spirit."

Al-Banna said, "This tradition is not a reliable Hadith (tradition) and some say that it

was said by Ibrahim b. 'Abla...

Allah has imposed the duty of Jihad on the Muslims, not as a tool for aggression or

for achieving personal aspirations, but in order to defend the Da'wa (Islamic

missionary activity), to ensure peace, and to fulfill the Muslims' greatest mission,

which is to guide people to truth and justice...

On the topic of mercifulness during Jihad, Hassan Al-Banna said: Since the goal of

the Islamic Jihad was the noblest of goals, the means employed were also the most

excellent of means. For God has forbidden aggression. Allah has instructed the

Muslims to have the utmost mercy. When they fight, they do not (instigate) attack,

they do not commit immoral acts, they do not mutilate bodies, they do not steal, they

do not plunder property, and they do not desecrate. Muslims do not come to harm

because in their war they are the best warriors, just as in their peace they are the

best peace-lovers. In addition, it is forbidden to kill women, children and the elderly,

or to finish off the wounded, to provoke monks, isolated people, and peaceful noncombatants.

What a great difference between that compassion and the suffocating attacks and

horrible atrocities [carried out by] the civilized [ones]! Where does their international

law stand in relation to this all-encompassing divine justice?

Then, Hassan Al-Banna turns to Allah and says: Allah, instruct Muslims in their

religion, and save this world from this darkness through the lights of Islam.

The Muslim Brotherhood's stance regarding Jihad

Jihad for Allah's sake has been forcing itself upon the Islamic region in recent years,

and has become tangibly noticeable in some parts of the Islamic world. In other parts

of the Islamic world, there has been an atmosphere of preparation for Jihad. There is

a sense that Jihad is unavoidable and that it is the only way to repel the

aggressiveness of Allah’s enemies and to liberate Islamic land from the occupiers

and invaders. [The Muslims] have been convinced that negotiations and peace

agreements with Allah's enemies instead of Jihad is surrender in the name of peace.

Additionally, without Jihad and preparation for it, the obligation upon every Muslim to

establish an Islamic state and the Islamic Caliphate and to consolidate this religion

will not be realized...

The path to restore the Rightly Guided Caliphate: Faith and work, love and

brotherhood, preparation and Jihad

<He (Hassan Al-Banna) felt the grave danger overshadowing the Muslims and the

urgent obligation which Islam places on every Muslim man and woman to act in

order to restore the Islamic Caliphate and to reestablish the Islamic State on strong

foundations...

After deep thought< with Allah’s help, the Imam and Shahid (Hassam Al-Banna)

reached the conclusion that the only way to fulfill this great duty is by following the

path of the Messenger of Allah and his followers when they established the first

Muslim state. This path is summarized in just a few words: faith and work, love and

brotherhood, preparation and Jihad. This is what the Prophet taught Muslims through

the Quran... and united them like brothers and rushed them towards Jihad and

sacrifice, until they were worthy of Allah's victory and support. This is how the

Arabian Peninsula was cleansed of idolatry, how the Persian lands were conquered,

how the Greeks [the Byzantines] were subdued, how the Jews were expelled, and

how the shadows were dispersed and the light was spread...

He knew the role of Jihad in leading the Da'wa (Islamic missionary activity) and the

importance of preparing for it, because the truth needs a force to protect it. He

noticed that the spirit of Jihad was almost absent from the Muslims of that time and

the spirit of surrender prevailed.

The Jihad is Our Way - The Motto of the Da'wa (Islamic missionary activity)

Hassan Al-Banna gave the proper amount of attention to Jihad in the Da’wa< He

stresses that Jihad is what the [Muslim] Brotherhood calls for: "Allah is our goal, the

Prophet is our leader, the Quran is our constitution, Jihad is our way, and death for

Allah is our most exalted wish."

The symbol of the [Muslim] Brotherhood is the book of Allah [the Quran] between

two swords. The swords symbolize Jihad and the force that protects the truth

represented in Allah's book...

In all his writings and teachings, he always urged [others] toward Jihad and roused

the [Muslims’] desire for seeking Shahada (Martyrdom)... He did not content himself

with only teaching and writing, and when the opportunity arrived for Jihad in

Palestine he hurried to seize it. The [Muslim] Brotherhood provided the most

magnificent models [for Jihad and courage]. Were it not for the [evil] scheming and

the treachery on the part of the leaders of the Muslim countries of the time, the

situation would have been different.

After Allah honored Hassan Al-Banna with Shahada (Martyrdom) - and his murder

was part of this scheme [of the Muslim leaders] - the [Muslim] Brotherhood continued

on the path of Jihad against the British on the banks of the Suez Canal in the early

1950's. The Brotherhood also continued their Jihad against the Jews in other Islamic

regions outside of Egypt, as Da'wa (Islamic missionary activity) was repressed in the

prisons during [President] Abdul Nasser's rule. Today we witness the [Muslim]

Brotherhood joining their brothers, the Mujahideen (Jihad warriors) in Afghanistan,

and fighting against the infidel and the repressive regime in Syria.

Has the [Muslim] Brotherhood grown weary of the challenges, thrown down

their guns and abandoned Jihad?!! No! ...

Thus, we see that the [Muslim] Brotherhood didn’t change< and they pass on the

entire Da’wa in all its purity to the next generations, and bequeath to them the spirit

of Jihad and the love of Martyrdom and sacrifice, until Allah’s victory is achieved and

his word is supreme.

Hardships did not exhaust the Brothers. They did not throw down their weapon or

abandon Jihad. Hardships toughened them and strengthened their beliefs< The

[Muslim] Brotherhood will never rush after the youth's enthusiasm to carry out

immature and unplanned actions, which will not alter the corrupt reality and may

even harm Islamic activity, and will benefit the people of falsehood...

The [Muslim] Brotherhood knows that hastiness without proper preparation is similar

to an abortion. Likewise, they know that once the right time [for Jihad] has come,

lagging and hesitating [to carry it out]< is similar to an incorporeal death<

When the [Muslim] Brotherhood sends their youth to Jihad at the appropriate time,

they are not pushing them towards destruction. Rather, abstaining from Jihad at its

appropriate time is destruction<

Similarly, it is not necessary for the Muslims to repel every attack or damage caused

by the enemies of Allah immediately, rather [this is required] when ability and the

circumstances allow for it.

In the early days of Islamic Da'wa (Islamic missionary activity), when the Muslims

were a persecuted minority, the Prophet Muhammad did not instruct the Muslims to

retaliate. Instead, he taught them 'Sabr', patience and resolve ... and when the

conditions were right, permission was given to fight in the words of Allah:

"Permission [to fight] is given to those upon whom war is made because they are

oppressed, and surely Allah is more than able to assist them." [Quran, Sura 22, 39]

Jihad is not only for repelling an assault but also for the purpose of

establishing an Islamic State

It should be known that Jihad and preparation for Jihad are not only for the purpose

of fending-off assaults and attacks against Muslims by Allah's enemies, but are also

for the purpose of realizing the great task of establishing an Islamic state,

strengthening the religion and spreading it around the world...

As for the incorrect saying that the aim of Jihad in Islam is to coerce people to joing

the religion under threat of the sword, we do not need to work hard to disprove it.

Many have already written on the subject, and it should suffice that it contradicts

Allah's saying, Exalted is He: "There is no compulsion in religion; truly the right way

has become clearly distinct from error." [Sura 2, 256] Reality and history negate this

false claim.

Now that we have clarified and answered questions about Jihad in general and the

Muslim Brotherhood in particular, we address our Muslim youth regarding several

basic issues that they must take with them in their Jihad and in their preparations so

that they will be ready for this immense honor.

To the Muslim youth on the course of Jihad

Previously, we clarified the nature of our Muslim religion, the status of Jihad and its

position in Islam... It may be useful, when we address the Muslim youth, to first

introduce a few quotes from the Imam and Shahid (Martyr), Hassan Al-Banna, in his

Treatise to the Youth...

He says: "First, we call upon you to believe in yourselves, so you will know your

status, so that you firmly believe that you are the masters of the world, even if your

enemies desire your degradation ..."

After this preface, we turn to the Muslim youth around the world with advice and

focus on the path of Jihad. We say to the youth: Know that Jihad in the way of Allah

will be - Allah knows - the most prominent characteristic of Islamic action, during the

next phase of the Islamic Da'wa (Islamic missionary activity). ...

The Muslim youth on the path of Jihad should know that the sphere of their Jihad for

Allah is not limited to the specific region of the Islamic countries. The Muslim

homeland is one and is not divided. The banner of Jihad has already been raised in

some of its parts, and it shall continue to be raised, with the help of Allah, until every

inch of the land of Islam will be liberated, the State of Islam will be established, and

Allah's Da'wa (Islamic missionary activity) will reach all mankind.

The youth should know that the problems of the Islamic world, such as Palestine,

Afghanistan, Syria, Eritrea, or the Philippines, are not issues of territories and

nations, but of faith and religion. They are problems of Islam and the Muslims, and

they can be resolved neither by negotiation nor by recognizing the enemy's right to

the Islamic land he stole. Rather, the only option is Jihad for Allah, and this is why

Jihad is the way...

Know that the sphere of Jihad is now far-reaching, and that the enemies of Allah are

numerous, and that war has many faces [lit. colors]. Therefore, the struggle between

truth and falsehood requires effort and time. Prepare yourself for this, and be among

those who are patient...

Fully trust your religion and know that it is the true religion accepted by Allah. Have

trust in your way, in your Society (the Muslim Brotherhood), and know that you are

on the path of truth. Trust yourself and your brothers, so that you can - with Allah's

help – establish the truth and abolish falsehood, even if it takes time.

Oh the Muslim Youth,

Feel your responsibility for each Muslim on the face of Allah's earth... who is subject

to oppression or control by Allah's enemies. Feel their pain, and may this pain

motivate you to action and to Jihad in order to save all of them. Feel also your

responsibility to guide mankind and take it out of the darkness of heresy and error,

into the light of Islam. Feel all of this tremendous responsibility, and gather with your

brothers under the flag of the serious Islamic activity. Go in the true path of Jihad, in

order to support Allah's religion and to strengthen the Islamic Ummah [nation], so

that mankind will return to what is good for them.

My young Muslim Brother,

Hurry towards goodness and make the profitable bargain, so that you merit the

supreme achievement and the clear triumph, and gain enduring blessing<according

to Allah's words:

"O you who believe! Shall I lead you to a bargain that will save you from a grievous

penalty? You shall believe in Allah and His Messenger, and you shall strive (your

utmost) in the Cause of Allah, with your property and your persons. That will be best

for you, if you but knew! He will forgive you your sins, and admit you to Gardens

beneath which rivers flow, and to beautiful mansions in Gardens of Eternity: that is

indeed the Supreme Achievement." [Sura 61, 10-13]

My young Muslim Brother,

Prepare yourself and your household members to obtain the honor of Jihad for Allah,

and equip your soul with everything that will help it on that path. Continue the

process until victory or the Shahada (Martyrdom)...

My young Islamic Brother on the path of the Jihad,

Prepare yourself and train in the art of warfare, and possess the components of

power. You must learn the ways, manners, and laws of war. You must learn them

and embrace them and adhere to them, so that your Jihad will be accepted by Allah.

...

Oh Muslim Youth on the Path of Jihad,

The most important and powerful weapon you must acquire for the Jihad against

Allah's enemies is the weapon of faith. It is the provision that renews itself... and

pushes its owner to turn to death without fear, ignoring hardships and choosing what

Allah has to offer. In my estimation, the young Jihad believer scares Allah's enemies

more than a nuclear reactor...

Know, my young Islamic Jihad [warrior] brother, Allah does not need us or our Jihad.

It is we who need his reward and grace and to achieve this honor.

"And whoever strives hard, he strives only for his own soul; most surely Allah is selfsufficient,

above the (needs of) the worlds." [Sura 29, 6]

My young brother in the path of Jihad,

Do not fear the strength of Allah's enemies, even if their numbers and equipment

outnumber yours, since Allah is the patron of the believers and strengthens and

supports them with his forces:

"...for to Allah belong the forces of the Heavens and the earth " [Sura 48, 4]

My young Muslim brother waging Jihad

Put your hand in the hand of your brothers in the ranks of Jihad, and embrace them

strongly in the tie of brotherhood for Allah, and you'll be like a solid structure, as in

the words of Allah: ...

[Translators' note: The text above is followed by examples from the Quran and gives

allegories of comradeship and brotherhood between Muslims and Jihad warriors.]

Beware of the words and positions of the hypocrites in regard of the Jihad, and

beware of the ones who refrain and procrastinate [about Jihad] ..

.

Oh young Jihad warriors

Our beloved Messenger, may Allah bless him, says: “Do not seek out the enemy, but

if you do encounter him, be strong and know that the Garden of Eden is found under

the shadow of swords (i.e., do not be afraid of death).” Thus, we do not attack and

do not wish to encounter the enemy, but we will repel the aggression, asking the

help of Allah...

Oh, young Islamic Mujahidun [Jihad warriors], go forward in the lines of the fighters

for Allah, filled with trust that you are about to meet one of the two great destinies,

victory or Shahada [Martyrdom] - victory that believers around the world will rejoice

in, or Shahada [Martyrdom] that will grant you the status of the Shuhada [Martyrs in

Islam] and their rewards.

"...and whoever fights in the way of Allah, be he slain or be he victorious, we shall

grant him a mighty reward." [Sura 4, 74]

Keep aware of the grave consequences for the Muslim and the grave threat of Allah

to whoever turns away from the [Muslim's] attack...

Beware of weakness or acceptance that the believers will be defeated in battle.

Know that defeat is in the heart and not on the battlefield. Therefore, we should rely

on Allah and continue the Jihad without weakness...

[Translator's note: The text continues with Quran verses exemplifying the above

statement, encouraging Muslims to wage Jihad without fear or hesitation.]

Know, my young Islamic Jihad [warrior], that we are called to action, but we are not

responsible for the results. Allah commanded us to fight Allah's enemies and to repel

their hostility, but did not require us to achieve victory, since victory is from Him.

Therefore, Allah will not prevent us from the award of the Mujahidun [Jihad warriors],

even when the outcome is not in favor of the believers.

Know, my Islamic brother on the ranks of the Mujahidun [Jihad warriors], that you are

an important target and valuable prey for Allah's enemies...

[Translator's note: The text continues with instructions to be disciplined, to study the

sections of the Quran about Jihad and even learn them by heart.]

My Islamic sister,

And you, the Islamic sister on the path of the Jihad, you have an important role in

Jihad, which starts at home with educating the [young] generations, and preparing

them for Jihad. The woman is the producer of the men, and Muslim women used to

teach their sons the stories of the military expeditions by heart, as they would teach

them the Quran... In addition, the Islamic sister who lives by the spirit of Jihad is a

help to her husband and encourages him in the path of the Jihad, and she doesn't

turn him away or weaken him... Likewise, she properly manages his possessions

and children, and takes care of them while he is away on the Jihad.

In the past, the Muslim women had a role in battle: she would give water to the

soldiers and bandage the wounded. Sometimes she would even participate with

weapons, like Nasiba the daughter of Ka'ab, protecting Allah's Messenger

[Muhammad] in the battle of Uhud.

The Istish'had (seeking or achieving Martyrdom) in the way of the Da'wa

(Islamic missionary activity)

Jihad is our way and Shahada (Martyrdom - Death for Allah) is our most exalted

wish. This is the call that we and the men of Da'wa (Islamic missionary activity) have

always called... Many of our beloved ones have already achieved this wish, among

them the founder of the Society (Muslim Brotherhood), the Imam and Shahid

(Martyr) Hassan Al-Banna. We ask Allah to accept all of them, and ask that He

widen His Gardens [of Eden] for them. May He join us with them when we are clean

of all impurity, and may He provide us with Shahada (Martyrdom) like them, Amen.

The procession of Shahids (Martyrs) in the way of Da'wa (Islamic missionary activity)

has been continuing for a long time. Honorable brothers achieved Shahada

(Martyrdom) on the soil of beloved Palestine in 1947 and 1948, in their Jihad against

the criminal, thieving gangs of Zion. These men of Da'wa, provided outstanding

examples of Jihad and Istish'had (Martyrdom-seeking) in the way of Allah. Even

today, the memory of them horrifies the Jews and the name Muslim Brotherhood

terrifies them...

Later, there was a plot planned by the enemies of Allah, which was carried out by

their agents among the Arab leaders at the time. In December 1948, the decision

was made in Egypt to dismantle the Muslim Brotherhood and arrest [members],

except for [Hassan] Al-Banna, whose murder was planned... They sent Arab armies

or symbolic armies into Palestine, in the name of saving it from the Jews, but actually [the goal was] to hand it over to the Jews...

The Imam and Shahid (Martyr) Hassan Al-Banna is considered a Shahid (Martyr) of

Palestine, even though he was not killed on its soil. ...

Later, the enemies of Allah [among the Arabs] forced another front of Shahada

(Martyrdom) upon us, one of tyranny..., in the prisons of [Egyptian President] Abd al-

Nasser and in the gallows. They [Muslim Brotherhood members] calmly accepted

Shahada, including... Khaled Islambouli [assassinated Egyptian president Anwar al-

Sadat on Oct. 6, 1981] and his brothers. May Allah's mercy be upon them all...

Many of the Da'wa (Islamic missionary activity) men in occupied Palestine and in

Lebanon also achieved Shahada (Martyrdom), and men of Da’awa continue to face it in their Jihad against the Jews...

Some think that Shahada (Martyrdom) causes loss and damages the [Muslim

Brotherhood] Society, since it has lost influential people in action and Jihad. This is

wrong, since the fall of the Shahid (Martyr) for the sake of Da'wa (Islamic missionary

activity) is [viewed as] fuel for the [next] generations, and as a symbol of selfsacrifice

for the sake of the Da'wa... until the realization of the goals which the

[Muslim Brotherhood] Society was established for: to establish the State of Islam,

headed by the Islamic Caliphate, in order to establish Allah’s religion on Allah's

land...

Muslim youth should know that the battle between truth and falsehood is hard, long,

and broad, and it reaches the entire Islamic Sphere. [They must] know that Jihad is

the way, and the sacrifice of lives and property is inevitable. The opportunity to

achieve Jihad and Istish'had [achieved Martyrdom] will grow in the coming decades,

and will be the preface to the stage of Jihad... Our youth should not give up hope of

victory due to the large number of enemies and the small number of believers. In the

past, the believers with the Messenger of Allah were a minority... But Allah supported his Prophet and the believers, with His battalions...

[Translators' note: The text above is followed by two Quranic verses concerning the

"Battalions of Allah"]

Indeed, oh youth, death for Allah is our most exalted wish. There are verses of the

precious Quran and sayings of the honorable Messenger that make us desire

Istish'had (seeking Martyrdom) for Allah, as they mention the status of the Martyrs

and the honor that Allah grants them.

Foremost among the status of the Shuhada' [Martyrs] is that they become alive with

their Lord, they are provided with sustenance from their Lord, and they rejoice in the

kindness which Allah gives them.

Allah says [in the Quran]... "Think not of those who are slain in Allah's way as dead.

Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord." [Sura 3, 169]<

We shall move to [discuss] some of the sayings of Allah's Prophet, may Allah's

blessing be upon him, regarding Jihad and Istish'had [Seeking Martyrdom for Allah]:

[Translator's note: Additional Quran verses and Hadiths (traditions attributed to

Muhammad) about Jihad and Martyrdom are quoted, for example:]

Abu Hurayra said: “...the Messenger of Allah was asked: ‘What is the value of Jihad

for Allah?’ He said: ‘You can not imagine it.’ He was asked again and again... then

he said: ‘The Jihad Fighter in the way of Allah is like one who continually fasts,

stands up to pray at night, and reads Quran verses...’"

[Also] it was told that the Prophet said: "Not one of those who enter Paradise want to

return to this world... except for the Shahid (Martyr) who wishes to return to this

world and be killed ten times, due to the honor which he sees"...

Oh my Brother to the path of Da'wa (Islamic missionary activity),

Oh you who chose the path of the honest believers who committed before Allah

service and Jihad... and you called from the depths of your heart: [bold in original]:

"The Jihad is our way and Shahada (Martyrdom for Allah) is our most exalted

wish." Oh Brother, this is indeed an exalted wish...

There are matters which need to be taken into account and adhered to, among them:

First of all: Make the profitable deal with Allah: "Surely Allah has bought of the

believers their persons and their property for this, that they shall have the Garden;

they fight in Allah's way, so they slay and are slain; a promise which is binding on

Him in the Torah [Bible] and the Injeel [Gospels] and the Quran; and who is more

faithful to his covenant than Allah? Rejoice therefore in the pledge which you have

made; and that is the mighty achievement." [Sura 9, 111]...

Second: In order for the deal to be carried out and for the sale to be accepted, you

must impose on yourself the attributes of the believers...

Third: Your intention in Jihad and in Istish'had (seeking Martyrdom for Allah) should

be to raise Allah’s word in His land purely...

Fourth: You will ask Shahada (Martyrdom) from Allah truthfully, not only in speech

but also in your heart, and with honesty and decisiveness, and by awaiting

opportunities. This way, you will reach the status of Shahids (Martyrs) and their

reward, with Allah's will, even if you die in your bed, as said in the Hadith of the

Prophet..." He who sincerely asks for Shahada (Martyrdom) from Allah, Allah brings

him to the status of the Shahids (Martyrs), even if he died in his bed"...

At the same time, there is a warning to those who do not go on a raid or do not hope

for it... The Messenger of Allah said: "He who died without leaving on a raid, and

without making up his mind to leave on a raid, died as a hypocrite."

Sixth: You should be prepared to answer the call of Jihad whenever you are called,

in any region of the Islamic world. Our Islam is universal not regional, and all Islamic

countries are one homeland. You must overcome the earth's attraction... as in the

verse: "O you who believe! What (excuse) have you that when it is said to you: Go

forth in Allah's way, you should incline heavily to earth; are you contented with this

world's life instead of the hereafter? But the provision of this world's life compared

with the hereafter is but little. If you don't go [out to war], he will punish you

ruthlessly, and will switch you with other people..." [Sura 9, 38]

According to His saying: “March forth, whether you are light or heavy” [Sura 9,41]

that is, go out to battle, oh believers, young and old, by foot or on horseback, under

all circumstances and conditions...

Seventh: As long as you are a soldier in the ranks [of the warriors], you must

respect every request regarding the Jihad, and what was determined for you, both in

time and place. Do not carry out personal actions... since there are negative

consequences to personal disobedient actions. Many times, the enthusiasm pushes

some of the young [soldiers] to personal hasty actions, which harm the overall

[Jihad] process...

The reason for this narrow and limited perspective is that some of the young

[fighters] think that this bitter struggle between truth and falsehood can come to an

end by killing a couple of people and blowing up bombs and actions of that sort,

without grasping the [long term] results...

It was not hard for one of the Muslims, during the period of Mecca, to kill Abu Jahl or

Abu Lahab [Muhammad's enemies], or to shatter the idols around the Ka'ba when

they were being worshipped instead of Allah, in order to remove the evil. However,

none of the Muslims actually did any of this, due to the great harm that would befall

the Da'wa (Islamic missionary activity) as a result of this...

Eighth: My Brother, study Islam's laws of combat so that you will become bound by

them, so that your Jihad will be sound, healthy, and flawless, because when the

Muslims fight they do not attack, and do not blow up [anything], and do not mutilate

[dead] bodies, and do not steal, and do not plunder property, and do not desecrate

[sanctity], and do not come to harm. In their war they are the best warriors, just as

they are the best peace-lovers in their peace.

Burayda (Companion of Muhammad the Prophet), may God be pleased with him,

reported: "When the Messenger of Allah, God bless Him and grant Him salvation,

was commanding an army commander< he said, 'Raid but don't exaggerate and do

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not act with treacherousness, and do not molest (dead) bodies, and do not kill

newborns' reported Muslim [Hadith]...

Ninth: [The Muslims must study and perfect the skills of fighting...] However,

achieving victory should not be attributed to preparation and skills but to the help of

Allah and to the support he gives to his servants, the believers.

Tenth: My Brother, nurture your home and your family with an Islamic

consciousness, and prepare them for the atmosphere of Jihad and Istish'had

(seeking Martyrdom for Allah). Thus, they will not weaken you, but will support and

encourage [you] to Jihad, and they will receive the news that you have fallen as a

Shahid (Martyr) - Allah willing - with devotion and joy...

Eleventh: You should make sure that you have no debt. If it is not possible for you to pay it off

while you are alive, command [your heirs] to pay it for you [after your

Martyrdom]<

The Imam, the Shahid (Martyr), [Hassan Al-Banna] said in the end of the Treatise on

Jihad:

"Oh [Muslim] brothers, the nation that excels in the death industry and knows how to

die a noble [death], Allah grants it a precious life in this world and eternal bliss in the

Afterlife. The only weakness that shall humiliate us is the love of this world and

hating death. Therefore, we have prepared your souls for great action, to strive for

death - and life will be given to you. Know that there is no escaping death, and that it

will happen only once. If you carry it out (death) for the sake of Allah, there will be

profit in this world and reward in the Afterlife, and nothing will harm you except what

Allah has decreed [for] you... Work for an honorable death, you will be thus granted

full happiness. May Allah provide us and you the honor of achieving Shahada

(Martyrdom) for Him."

Indeed, Allah has already answered Hassan Al-Banna's prayer and provided him

with Shahada (Martyrdom). We ask Allah to also provide us with it, for He is near

and answers [prayers].