19- COWARDICE ( J U B N )

"Jubn" means being cowardly. The necessary amount of anger (Ghadab) or treating harshly is called bravery (Shajaat). The anger which is less than the necessary amount is called cowardice (Jubn). Cowardice is a vice. Imam-i Muhammad bin Idris Shafi'i, may Allahu ta'ala be pleased with him, says, "The person who acts cowardly in a situation which demands bravery resembles a donkey. A person who is given a punishment by the Judge will look like the devil if he does not accept the punishment". A coward would not be able to stand up for his wife or for his or her relatives when the situation requires it. He would not be able to protect them and thus will suffer oppression (Zulm) and being looked down by others (Zillat) or degradation. He would not say anything when he sees a prohibited act (Haram) being committed and he would also be greedy toward other people's money or property. He would not be able to hold a steady job nor would he appreciate the importance of a duty that is assigned to him. Allahu ta'ala in the chapter of "Tawba" of the Qur'an praises bravery (Shajaat) and in the chapter of "Nur" of the Qur'an orders us not to pity while punishing adulterers.

In one hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said, "If my darling daughter Fatima steals others' property, I will cut her hand." Allahu ta'ala in the chapter of "Fath" of the Qur'an praises the companions of the Prophet, peace be upon him, by saying, "They get angery 'Ghadab' toward disbelievers." He praises them because they get angry toward disbelievers and treat them harshly in the war. The meaning of 73th verse of the chapter of "Tawba" of the Qur'an is, "Be hard and rough toward disbelievers!" It means we should not be cowardly when the disbelievers attack. In one hadith, Rasulullah, peace be upon him, said, "The best of my community (ummat) is the one who is strong like iron." It is necessary to be stern and rough toward those who attack Islam or hold animosity toward Muslims. It is not permissible (Jaiz) to act cowardly toward these people. Escaping due to being scared would not change the Decree of Allahu ta'ala. When Allahu ta'ala's Decree about one's time of death arrives, the angel of death (Azrail) will find that person wherever that person may be. It is not permissible to put one's self into danger. It is a sin to stay in a dangerous place alone or to walk in a dangerous road alone.