A Lofty Benefit From Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullaah)

[Salafi-Markaz.Manch.]

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful The Bestower of Mercy

The Lofty Quality of Bravery

Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah) said:

This is a great quality commanded by Allaah in many of the verses concerning Jihaad. He (The One free from all Imperfections) has praised its people and that it is the path of the Messengers and the Truthful ones amongst the creation. He (The One free from all imperfections) forbade that which is in opposition to it, and that is cowardice, dismay and fear of the creation when striving in the path of calling to Allaah and with the sword. This sublime quality is innate within the slave and it is strengthened by virtue of Imaan. Bravery strengthens the heart and makes it firm. It gives it tranquillity in times of important events and distressful situations. It is a necessity, particularly for those leaders who are engaged in important affairs.



The Qur’aan commands fear of Allaah alone and that the slave is not to fear the creation. The slave’s heart is strengthened when he limits his fear to fearing Allaah Alone, and knows that the creation do not have the ability to either benefit or harm him, except by the will of Allaah. His heart is increased in strength when he places his reliance upon Allaah and is firm, just as Allaah (The Most High) stated about the best of the creation [i.e. the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)]: ”Those unto whom the people said, ”Verily, the people have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them.” But it (only) increased them in Faith, and they said: ”Allaah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)” (3:173)



The slave’s strength and bravery increases when he knows the good reward and recompense that follows on from being strengthened in Bravery and Religion, just as Allaah has stated: ”If you are suffering (hardships) then surely, they (too) are suffering (hardships) as you are suffering, but you have a hope from Allaah (for the reward, i.e. Paradise) that for which they hope not.” (4:104)


And that which is observed and known about the state of affairs and characteristics of the creation, is that they neither own anything of benefit nor assistance and protection. Exalting or dispraising them can neither benefit nor harm the slave in anything. They do not desire good for you, except with regards to that which is of benefit to them. Therefore, it must be known that attaching the heart to them with Fear, Veneration, Awe, Fervent Desire and Reverence is a loss, rather it is harm.


Indeed, it is obligatory upon the slave to attach his Fear, Hope, Expectation and Awe to Allaah (Alone), Who (Alone) owns everything. He (The Most High) is The One who wants good for you when you do not desire it for yourself. He (The Most High) knows what is for your well-being and you do not know. He (The Most High) enables you to receive that which you do not have any ability to (receive by yourself). The slave realizes that cowardice is an illness and a weakness in the heart, which causes abandonment of good and loss of beneficial things. It afflicts the weak ones, and the one afflicted by it is similar to timid women.


And amongst the benefits of Bravery are:



The commands of Allaah and His Messenger are fulfilled, and (because of it) one is described with the characteristics of the people of insight amongst the men of understanding. And there cannot be a greater means to obtaining that which is sought after and a means to safety from difficulties and troubles when the heart is strengthened with what Allaah sends down upon it of relief and tranquillity. The brave individual is enabled to guide and benefit the creation with wisdom and fair speech in accordance to their different social classes. As for the coward, he misses a great deal of good and fear prevents him from the blessings of his knowledge and from guiding and giving sincere advice to the slaves.


The slave is saved from a lot of hardships through bravery. He finds tranquillity when faced with afflictions and calamities. He responds with what Allaah loves of patience and firmness, whilst hoping for Allaah’s reward. As for the coward, he is distracted and that which is of benefit to him is wasted away when these affairs come to him. He is made to waiver through harmful views, which bring about painful things alongside calamities and difficulties. He loses good and the reward for being placed under hardship.

This praiseworthy quality (i.e. bravery) emanates from that excellent and all-inclusive quality of patience.

And Allaah knows best


[Abridged: Source:Fat-hul Raheemil Malikil Allaam Fee Ilmil Aqaa-id Wat-Tawheed Wal Akhlaaq Wal Ahkaam]