Hijrat o Jihad is one of Ayatullah Murtaza Mutahhari’s profound works in which he explores two fundamental Quranic concepts that shaped Islamic civilization: Hijrah (migration) and Jihad (struggle in the path of God). Mutahhari presents these themes not as historical incidents isolated to the early days of Islam but as living, dynamic principles essential for the ethical and spiritual progress of Muslim society.
1. Hijrah – The Journey of Transformation
Mutahhari explains that Hijrah is far more than a physical relocation. It represents:
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A transition from ignorance to awareness
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A movement away from corruption toward purity
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A personal and collective transformation for the sake of truth
He highlights how the Prophet’s migration from Makkah to Madinah was not only a geographical move but a revolutionary step that established the foundations of an Islamic society based on justice, unity, and moral strength. Hijrah symbolizes the courage to leave behind anything that obstructs spiritual or social growth.
2. Jihad – Striving in the Path of God
According to Mutahhari, Jihad is a comprehensive concept rooted in:
He distinguishes between the greater jihad (jihad al-nafs)—the internal battle against ego, ignorance, and desires—and the lesser jihad, which involves defending the community against aggression. Mutahhari clarifies misconceptions by emphasizing that jihad is never a tool of aggression; it is an ethical obligation to stand for truth and protect the oppressed.
3. Islam as a Movement, Not a Passive Faith
Mutahhari stresses that Islam was never meant to be a passive or static belief system. Through the concepts of Hijrah and Jihad, he shows how Islam promotes:
He insists that these two principles are necessary for Muslims who aim to uplift society and remain faithful to divine values.
4. Relevance for the Modern World
One of the strengths of Mutahhari’s work is his ability to connect classical Islamic teachings with contemporary realities. He argues that:
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Modern Muslims must also perform “Hijrah” by leaving behind harmful ideologies, injustices, or environments.
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“Jihad” in the modern context includes fighting corruption, ignorance, exploitation, and moral decline.
Thus, Hijrah and Jihad are presented as perpetual duties for believers seeking a balanced moral, spiritual, and social life.
Conclusion
Hijrat o Jihad is not merely a historical study but a philosophical and spiritual examination of two powerful forces that shaped the destiny of early Islam. Ayatullah Mutahhari guides the reader to see these concepts as universal and timeless—principles that inspire personal discipline, societal responsibility, and unwavering commitment to justice
