We read in this book: “Say: If your fathers, and your sons, and your brothers, and your wives, and your tribe, and the wealth ye have acquired, and merchandise for which ye fear that there will be no sale, and dwellings ye desire are dearer to you than Allah and His messenger and striving in His way: then wait till Allah bringeth His command to pass. Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.” (Quran, 63:24) These words are addressed to those who are either inclined to compromise their principles or outright hypocrites. It stresses the need to sacrifice life and property and suffer privation and loss for the sake of a higher struggle. It is significant that in the above verse, out of all duties, jihad in the way of God has been mentioned as being second only to the love of God and the Prophet. Jihad for the divine cause surmounts all other religious duties, for it protects and safeguards the very basis of the faith. We are also warned that in case of failure to fulfill this duty we shall face dire consequences. We may suffer disgrace, slavery, and destruction of Islamic and human values. Whatever we hold dear and are afraid to lose, the lives of our young and old and the freedom of our family, may be doomed to destruction. All such calamities may befall us if we fail to carry out the duty of jihad, especially in the form of defense, something in which we are involved presently.
Sahifeh, vol.20, Page: 294
Message, July 28, 1987