Preface
In the Preface to the English translation of the 9 volume book set of “The Translation of the Meaning of Sahih Al-Bukhari,” there is some information that provides perspective and insight into the ahadith. In addition, there are comments about the Christian doctrine of Jesus Christ.
The Glossary is helpful with the meaning of Arabic terms used in Sahih Al-Bukhari’s ahadith.
In addition, there is an extended article on Jihad or Islamic Holy War. Sheikh Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Hamad of the Sacred Mosque of Mecca presents the traditional view of Jihad or Holy War.
The Sheikh proclaims the necessity of Jihad, in spite of its horrific consequences to human populations. Even though a Mujahidin may be responsible for unjustly killing human beings and desolating a land, he is promised an unimaginable reward in paradise. On Page xxvi, he wrote,
“So “The fighting”; even though by its nature is disliked by the human soul because of the liability, of being killed, or being taken as a captive, or being injured, with the wasting of the wealth, the damaging of the industry, the destruction of the country, the spreading of fear and awe in the souls and the (possibility) of being exiled from one’s homeland. Allah has made ready an immensely good reward that can not be imagined by a human soul.”
His comments are in accordance with the words found in the Chapter entitled, Muhammad (or Al-Qitâl) of the Qur’an (47:4),
“So, when you meet (in fight Jihâh in Allâh’s Cause), those who disbelieve smite at their necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives). Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity (i.e. free them without ransom), or ransom (according to what benefits Islâm), until the war lays down its burden. Thus [you are ordered by Allâh to continue in carrying out Jihâh against the disbelievers till they embrace Islâm (i.e. are saved from the punishment in the Hell-fire) or at least come under your protection], but if it had been Allâh’s Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test you, some with others. But those who are killed in the Way of All?, He will never let their deeds be lost.” 1
فَإِذا لَقِيتُمُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَضَرْبَ الرِّقَابِ حَتَّى إِذَا أَثْخَنتُمُوهُمْ فَشُدُّوا الْوَثَاقَ فَإِمَّا مَنًّا بَعْدُ وَإِمَّا فِدَاء حَتَّى تَضَعَ الْحَرْبُ أَوْزَارَهَا ذَلِكَ وَلَوْ يَشَاء اللَّهُ لَانتَصَرَ مِنْهُمْ وَلَكِن لِّيَبْلُوَ بَعْضَكُم بِبَعْضٍ وَالَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَلَن يُضِلَّ أَعْمَالَهُمْ |
But Holy Scripture states that those who commit murder will have their place in Hell-Fire. It is tragic to think that, even though a Mujahidin believes he is a slave of Allah, he will be eternally damned, if he willfully murders an innocent person.
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars– their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21:8 (NIV)
أَمَّا الْجُبَنَاءُ وَغَيْرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ، وَالْفَاسِدُونَ وَالْقَاتِلُونَ وَالزُّنَاةُ، وَالْمُتَّصِلُونَ بِالشَّيَاطِينِ وَعَبَدَةُ الأَصْنَامِ وَجَمِيعُ الدَّجَّالِينَ، فَمَصِيرُهُمْ إِلَى الْبُحَيْرَةِ الْمُتَّقِدَةِ بِالنَّارِ وَالْكِبْرِيتِ، الَّذِي هُوَ الْمَوْتُ الثَّانِي.« |
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The Preface ends with a discussion of the question of the divinity of Jesus from a Muslim’s perspective.
1 The Noble Qur’an: A Summarized Version of Al-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir, with comments from Sahih Al-Bukhari, Translated by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali, Ph.D. and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan
Last edited 9/30/2000