a man asked the Prophet, when he had put his leg in the stirrup: "Which kind of Jihad is best?'" He said: " a word of truth spoken before an unjust rulers."
Hadith Text & Reference
A man asked the Prophet, when he had put his leg in the stirrup: "Which kind of Jihad is best?" He said: "A word of truth spoken before an unjust ruler."
Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 4209 | The Book of al-Bay'ah
Linguistic Analysis
"Kalimat Haqq" (word of truth) refers to speaking what is right and just according to Islamic principles, regardless of consequences.
"Sultan Ja'ir" (unjust ruler) denotes any oppressive authority figure who deviates from divine law and justice.
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith elevates verbal courage above physical combat in specific circumstances. The best jihad becomes confronting tyranny with truthful speech, requiring greater spiritual strength than facing enemy swords.
The timing - as the Prophet mounted for travel - emphasizes urgency and importance. This instruction wasn't theoretical but immediately actionable for companions facing oppression.
Classical scholars note this doesn't negate military jihad's validity but establishes a hierarchy where speaking truth to power becomes the pinnacle of spiritual struggle when conditions warrant.
Practical Application
The believer must courageously advise rulers through proper channels, rejecting both silent compliance and violent rebellion.
This jihad requires deep knowledge of Islamic law to distinguish truth from personal opinion, and wisdom to deliver counsel effectively.
The reward surpasses military jihad because the speaker faces direct personal risk without communal support or weapons.