Jihad Without Parental Consent

Question

What is the ruling on participating in defensive jihad without the consent of one's parents? [AR_ID:5341]

Answer 1

Peace be upon you.

Ayatollah Khamenei (may Allah protect him):

Defending Islam and Muslims is an obligation and does not depend on parental permission. However, one should strive to gain their approval as much as possible.

Source: Official website - Answers to Inquiries - Jihad - Q1049

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Ayatollah Sistani (may Allah protect him):

A child has two obligations towards their parents:

First: To treat them kindly, by providing for them if they are in need, securing their living necessities, and fulfilling their requests regarding their life affairs within the bounds of what is customary and in accordance with sound nature. Neglecting this is considered a denial of their kindness, and it varies in extent based on their condition of strength or weakness.

Second: To associate with them in a good manner, without causing them harm through words or actions, even if they are unjust to him. The text states: "And if they strike you, do not rebuke them, and say: May Allah forgive you both."

This pertains to their affairs.

As for the child's own affairs, which may cause distress to one of the parents, it is divided into two categories:

1. If the distress arises from the parent's compassion for their child, then any action leading to that distress is prohibited, whether they forbid it or not.

2. If the distress arises from the parent's possession of some blameworthy traits, such as not wishing well for their child, whether in worldly matters or in the Hereafter.

In this case, the distress of the parents does not have an effect, and the child is not obliged to comply with their desires of this nature. Thus, it becomes clear that obeying parents in their personal commands and prohibitions is not obligatory in itself. And Allah knows best.

Source: Fiqh for Expatriates - Social Relations - Disobedience to Parents

May you be successful in all good.