Mujaddideen of the 14th Century AH: A Case for the

Afghan and 'Arab' (non-Afghan) Mujahideen Who Fought Against the Soviets 

 

(See also The Dire Consequences of Holding Muslims in War-Torn Countries to a Standard That Has Never Existed​)

​

In my opinion, the story of the Afghan jihad shouldn't end without the Afghan and 'Arab' (non-Afghan) mujahideen who fought against the Soviets being rightfully honoured as the mujaddideen of the 14th Century AH.

 

It was narrated by the great sahabi Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Messenger of Allah (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), that he said:

 

“At the beginning of every century Allah will send to this ummah someone who will renew its religious understanding.”

 

Scholars have explained that the word “man” (translated here as “someone who”) is a relative pronoun that is general in application so it may be that the renewer (mujaddid) is an individual or it may be a group of people.

 

We are currently in 1441 AH. The beginning of this century was 41 years ago, which was 1979 CE. A quick Google search of major Muslim events in 1979 mentions the Soviet–Afghan War as one of the major events.

 

The Afghan mujahideen who fought the Soviets have inspired Muslims to defy oppressors who were mightier in size and strength while the non-Afghan mujahideen have instilled in Muslims the concept of being a 'global ummah' that didn't allow the borders between their countries to determine who deserved their help and who didn't.

 

I think that no other group of people have influenced more the path that 100s of thousands of Muslims have taken over the last 4 decades, in response to the oppression of their Muslim brothers and sisters.

 

In the absence of any real support from our Muslim armies, it is the Muslims who are following in their footsteps who have answered and continue to answer the call of the weak and oppressed of this ummah, from Bosnia and Kosovo to Chechnya and now to Iraq and Syria. Just like those who preceded them 4 decades ago, they respond regardless of how much might the oppressors possess and regardless of the colour, language and physical features of the oppressed.

 

From the first ones to the current ones, they have and are influencing the course of history in ways that no one would imagine was possible.

​

(See also The Dire Consequences of Holding Muslims in War-Torn Countries to a Standard That Has Never Existed​)

​

​Wal-hamdu lillahi rabbil 'alamin (March 2023 originally a comment made in 2020 in response to an article)

​

Umm Hafab

​

Home

Muslim News

Answering Disbelievers

Advising Believers

​