Three things are from the root of faith: refraining from [harming] whoever says, 'There is no god but Allah,' not declaring him an unbeliever due to a sin, and not expelling him from Islam due to an action; Jihad continues from the time Allah sent me until the last of my nation fights the Dajjal—neither the tyranny of a tyrant nor the justice of a just ruler invalidates it; and belief in the divine decrees.
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.