(234) Chapter: Obligation of Jihad

'Abdullah bin Abu Aufa (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
On one occasion the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was confronting the enemy. He waited until the sun had declined. Then he stood up to address the people and said, "O people! Do not wish for an encounter with the enemy. Pray to Allah to grant you safety; (but) when you encounter them, show patience, and know that Jannah is under the shades of the swords." Then he (ﷺ) said: "Allahumma munzilal-kitab, wa mujriyas- sahab, wa hazimal-Ahzab, ihzimhum wansurna alaihim (O Allah, Revealer of the Book, Disperser of the clouds, Defeater of the Confederates, put our enemy to rout and support us against them)."

[Al- Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:
1. This Hadith has already been mentioned, and we learn from it that it is better to start war in the afternoon because this was the practice of the Prophet (PBUH).

2. The desire for war is prohibited, but when war becomes inevitable, one should not show his back to the enemy; rather, one should fight to the best of his ability and be steadfast in it.

3. Along with steadfastness and patience in fighting, one should also pray for victory because all powers lie with Allah and no one can gain victory without His Will.

The Hadith also mentions a supplication which one should make when he encounters the enemy.