The Role of Women in Jihad: Understanding the Islamic Perspective
Question: Is it permissible for a woman to fight in jihad and work with non-mahrams?
Answer: The fundamental issue regarding jihad is that it is not obligatory for women; therefore, women do not engage in jihad. Jihad is primarily the duty of men. However, women can assist in jihad in certain capacities, as mentioned in the hadith from Sahih Bukhari.
Rabi’ bint Mu’awwidh (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that they used to participate in battles with the Prophet (peace be upon him), providing water to the Muslim soldiers, treating the wounded, and transporting the martyrs back to Medina (Bukhari: 2882).
In modern warfare, which involves missiles and artillery, there is no need for women to participate. Injured soldiers in such wars are immediately taken to hospitals, and these emergency facilities are available within the military organization.
If there are ever situations like the old times where battles are fought with arrows and swords, women can go to assist in certain tasks.
Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah
❪Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia❫