✍ Adapted from Ḍiyā’ al-Islām fī Sharḥ al-Ilmām bi-Aḥādīth al-Aḥkām by Shaykh Taqī al-Dīn Abī al-Fatḥ (translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar)
Narrated by Abū Saʿīd al-Khudrī (رضي الله عنه):
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ sent a message to Banū Liḥyān stating that one man from every two should go forth for jihad. Then he said to those who remained: 'Whoever takes good care of the family and wealth of one who goes out, he will have a reward equal to half of that of the fighter.'"
Sahih Muslim: 1896
The Prophet ﷺ clearly stated that the one who sincerely assumes responsibility for the fighters’ families and property receives half the reward of those fighting in the path of Allah.
② This duty is a communal obligation (حق) upon Muslims.
When Mujahideen leave their homes, the community has a collective responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of their families, protecting their honor and property.
③ Those unable to fight should support the Islamic system from behind.
Whether due to age, illness, or other valid excuses, such individuals are not excluded from reward. Their role in maintaining internal stability and providing aid to the warriors' families is critically important.
④ Practical support includes:
This shows the comprehensive justice and inclusivity of Islam, where no sincere effort goes unnoticed, and no capacity is left unused in service of the Ummah.
“When the sword cannot be held, the trust of the sword-bearer must be upheld.”
◈ Hadith on Supporting the Mujahideen
Narrated by Abū Saʿīd al-Khudrī (رضي الله عنه):"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ sent a message to Banū Liḥyān stating that one man from every two should go forth for jihad. Then he said to those who remained: 'Whoever takes good care of the family and wealth of one who goes out, he will have a reward equal to half of that of the fighter.'"
Sahih Muslim: 1896◈ Key Lessons and Benefits
① Caring for the Mujahideen’s households is a great virtue.The Prophet ﷺ clearly stated that the one who sincerely assumes responsibility for the fighters’ families and property receives half the reward of those fighting in the path of Allah.
② This duty is a communal obligation (حق) upon Muslims.
When Mujahideen leave their homes, the community has a collective responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of their families, protecting their honor and property.
③ Those unable to fight should support the Islamic system from behind.
Whether due to age, illness, or other valid excuses, such individuals are not excluded from reward. Their role in maintaining internal stability and providing aid to the warriors' families is critically important.
④ Practical support includes:
- Assisting with household needs
- Supervising the education and well-being of the children
- Guarding property and assets from loss or theft
- Offering emotional and financial support
◈ Spiritual Merit of Support Roles in Jihad
Islam recognizes not only the front-line warriors but also the indispensable support roles behind the scenes. The Prophet ﷺ elevated their contributions by assigning them a proportional share of the reward, motivating those who stay behind not to feel spiritually deprived.This shows the comprehensive justice and inclusivity of Islam, where no sincere effort goes unnoticed, and no capacity is left unused in service of the Ummah.
❖ Conclusion
While jihad on the battlefield is a noble deed, those unable to physically participate should not feel excluded. Supporting the families of Mujahideen, protecting their assets, and maintaining societal structure are equally honored roles, bringing half the reward of the Mujahid himself. “When the sword cannot be held, the trust of the sword-bearer must be upheld.”