The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Three things are the roots of faith: to refrain from (killing) a person who utters, "There is no god but Allah" and not to declare him unbeliever whatever sin he commits, and not to excommunicate him from Islam for his any action; and jihad will be performed continuously since the day Allah sent me as a prophet until the day the last member of my community will fight with the Dajjal (Antichrist). The tyranny of any tyrant and the justice of any just (ruler) will not invalidate it. One must have faith in Divine decree.
Hadith Commentary: Foundations of Faith & Perpetual Jihad
This profound narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 2532 establishes essential principles of Islamic creed and the continuous nature of jihad. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) outlines three fundamental protections for Muslims and clarifies the enduring reality of spiritual struggle.
Protection of Muslim Identity
The first protection prohibits killing anyone who testifies to Allah's oneness (Shahadah), establishing the sanctity of Muslim life. This demonstrates that mere verbal affirmation protects one's blood, regardless of subsequent sins.
The second principle forbids declaring takfir (excommunication) against sinners, preserving community unity and acknowledging that only Allah knows the heart's true state. Major sins don't automatically remove one from Islam.
The third protection prevents excommunication based on actions, recognizing that faith exists alongside human imperfection. These three safeguards prevent extremism in judging others' faith.
The Nature of Continuous Jihad
Jihad here encompasses both spiritual struggle against sin and physical defense when necessary. Scholars interpret this continuity as meaning the obligation remains until Judgment Day, adapting to circumstances.
The hadith specifies that neither tyranny nor justice nullifies this obligation - jihad continues regardless of political conditions. This indicates it's an independent religious duty not contingent on worldly governance.
The mention of fighting Dajjal represents the ultimate manifestation of jihad against falsehood, showing its relevance until the end times.
Faith in Divine Decree
The concluding emphasis on belief in qadar (divine decree) completes the foundations of faith mentioned earlier. This connects all matters - including jihad and community relations - to Allah's ultimate wisdom and knowledge.
This comprehensive hadith from Kitab Al-Jihad thus integrates theology, law, and spirituality, providing guidance for individual conduct and community preservation throughout Islamic history.