Must a person under specific military assignment seek permission to proceed?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Jihad

Book 54 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If participation in Jihad becomes an individual obligation (fard 'ayn) upon a person, the permission of the creditor is no longer required because the obligation is specific to the individual and takes precedence over matters related to their liability, like other individual obligations. However, it is recommended that such an individual avoids situations of high risk of death, such as dueling or standing at the forefront of battle, as this risks forfeiting the creditor's right.

Supporting text

If the debtor leaves sufficient funds or provides a guarantor, they may proceed with the expedition without the creditor's permission. This is based on the precedent of Abdullah ibn Harith, the father of Jabir ibn Abdullah, who went to Uhud with a large debt, was martyred, and his son paid the debt with the Prophet's knowledge and subsequent praise for the martyr and acceptance of the son's action.