What is the ruling regarding Jihad?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Jihad
Primary text
Jihad is considered a collective obligation (Fard al-Kifayah) by the majority of scholars. If no sufficient number of people undertake it, the entire community incurs sin. If enough people fulfill it, the obligation is lifted from the rest. The initial address regarding Jihad includes everyone, similar to an individual obligation (Fard al-'Ayn), but it differs in that the collective obligation is fulfilled by some, whereas the individual obligation is not discharged by another person's action.
Supporting text
It is held by Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib that Jihad is an individual obligation ('Ayn), based on the Quranic command to march out light and heavy, striving with wealth and self in God's way, and the warning of severe punishment if one fails to march out.