Understanding the Warning Regarding Bay’ al-‘Inah and Abandoning Jihad

Authored by Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمه الله)

Hadith Explanation:​

The hadith states:

"When you engage in Bay’ al-‘Inah, hold on to the tails of cows, become content with farming, and abandon jihad, Allah will impose humiliation upon you that will not be lifted until you return to your religion."

Narration Source:​

This hadith is recorded by Imam Ahmad and Abu Dawood, with the specific wording cited from Abu Dawood.

Key Terms and Their Meanings:​

1. Bay’ al-‘Inah (بیع عینہ):
   
   • Bay’ al-‘Inah refers to a transaction where:
     • A seller sells an item to a buyer on credit at a higher price.
     • Then, before receiving the payment, the seller buys the same item back from the buyer at a lower cash price.
   • This practice is prohibited as it is a deceitful method to engage in riba (interest) under the guise of trade.
2. Holding on to the Tails of Cows and Farming:
   
   • This phrase symbolizes being excessively engrossed in worldly pursuits, such as agriculture or livestock, to the extent of neglecting religious obligations.
   • In the context of the hadith, it refers to prioritizing worldly activities over the duty of jihad, especially in times when jihad becomes an obligatory duty.
3. Abandoning Jihad:
   
   • Abandoning jihad refers to neglecting the obligation of fighting against oppressors or enemies when such a struggle becomes mandatory upon the Muslim community.
4. Humiliation (ذلت):
   
   • The humiliation mentioned in the hadith refers to a state of disgrace and subjugation imposed by Allah due to neglect of essential religious duties and indulgence in prohibited activities.
5. Return to Religion:
   
   • The hadith emphasizes that this humiliation will persist until people abandon sinful practices, such as Bay’ al-‘Inah, and fulfill their religious duties, particularly jihad.

The Warning in the Hadith:​

• The hadith serves as a stern warning against:
  1. Engaging in haram transactions like Bay’ al-‘Inah.
  2. Being consumed by worldly pursuits at the expense of obligatory religious duties.
  3. Neglecting jihad when it is a communal or individual obligation.
• Consequence:
  • Such actions invite Allah’s punishment in the form of humiliation and disgrace.

Significance of the Hadith:​

This narration is a powerful reminder to:

1. Maintain integrity in trade by avoiding deceptive or prohibited practices like Bay’ al-‘Inah.
2. Prioritize religious duties over excessive involvement in worldly matters.
3. Fulfill the obligation of jihad when necessary, as it is a key component of upholding justice and protecting the Muslim community.

—Referenced from the Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta (Al-Lajnah Ad-Daimah), Fatwa No. 9397.