Jihad in the Path of Allah and Changing Fate

Question

The question discusses whether jihad in the path of Allah can change one's fate or prolong life. It also touches on the concern of a mother who fears for her child going to jihad.

Answer 1

Peace be upon you.

Regarding the legal ruling:

Ayatollah Khamenei (may Allah protect him):

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

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

---

Ayatollah Sistani (may Allah protect him):

A child's duty towards their parents consists of two things:

First: To be kind to them, providing for their needs if they are in need, and fulfilling their requests regarding their daily affairs within reasonable limits, as neglecting this would be a denial of their kindness towards the child, which varies based on their strength or weakness.

Second: To treat them kindly, without harming them verbally or physically, even if they are unjust to the child. The text states: 'Even if they strike you, do not rebuke them and say: May Allah forgive you.'

This pertains to their affairs.

As for the child's own affairs, if it causes distress to one of the parents, it falls into two categories:

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

2. If the distress arises from their possessing some blameworthy traits, such as not wishing well for their child, whether in this world or the hereafter.

There is no consequence for the parents' distress if it falls into this category, and the child is not obliged to comply with their wishes of this nature. Thus, 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

Regarding the doctrinal aspect of the question, it is clear that human will and choice affect ongoing or potential events and influence the course of matters and their outcomes. In fact, this is part of Allah's decree regarding matters, as our understanding of fate involves the engineering of things, setting their limits, and charting their course and outcomes according to causes and effects, where human choice is a fundamental part of it, whether one does good or evil, as the results will inevitably relate to what one has chosen and decided.

There are numerous verses in the Holy Quran that indicate this, in addition to many narrations from the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his family:

'Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by what the hands of people have earned, so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return.' (Surah Ar-Rum: 41)

'Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.' (Surah Ar-Ra'd: 11)

If you mean by your question about jihad changing fate something beyond the individual lifespan, then the answer is yes, jihad alters outcomes, repels the enemies' plots, supports the people of truth, and protects religion, land, and honor. Without it, people's religion, wealth, honor, and lives would not be safe.

Allah says: 'Those who were expelled from their homes unjustly, except that they say, 'Our Lord is Allah.' And if Allah had not repelled some people by others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned. And Allah will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Exalted in Might.' (Surah Al-Hajj: 40)

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said in Nahj al-Balagha:

'As for what follows, jihad is a door from the doors of Paradise that Allah has opened for His special friends, and it is the garment of piety, the strong shield of Allah, and His secure refuge. Whoever abandons it out of desire for it, Allah will clothe him in the garment of humiliation, and he will be encompassed by calamity and will be subjected to disgrace and humiliation.'

The words of the Imam are clear regarding the consequences of abandoning jihad on the individual and the nation, and from this, one understands the positive effects of adhering to this obligatory duty and what it brings of honor and dignity for both the individual and the nation.

As for the individual’s lifespan, Allah, in His decree, has made certain actions influential in lengthening or shortening a person's life, such as maintaining family ties which prolong life and expand sustenance, and severing family ties or committing sinful oaths which cause a shortened lifespan. However, He did not make jihad itself a cause for shortening life or hastening death. This is confirmed by narrations and verses from the Holy Quran, as the Quran condemns those who flee from fulfilling their obligations, trying to save themselves out of a desire for a long life, informing them that this will not achieve their goal and that they will inevitably meet their end:

'They say, 'If we had any say in the matter, we would not have been killed here.' Say, 'Even if you were in your homes, those for whom killing was decreed would have gone forth to their places of death.' (Surah Al-Imran: 154)

The blessed verse is clear that death will reach a person at the appointed time, whether they are at home, far from the swords, or in the midst of battle. This is confirmed by experience; how many people have we known who fled from death in the path of Allah and met it in one way or another, and how many have survived amidst the thrusts of spears, sword strikes, or gunfire.

Thus, it is narrated from the Imam (peace be upon him): 'Sufficient is death as a guardian.'

Indeed, if a person's time has come and they are on the battlefield, and Allah wills to choose them as a martyr, He has determined, by His will, the manner and way of their death to be a martyr in the path of Allah.

May you be successful in all good.