The Ruling on Jihad When the Parents Do Not Approve

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, a man went out to fight in jihad, but his parents were not pleased with it. Is his jihad valid, and is anything deducted from his reward?

Answer:
It is not valid. A man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wanting to go on an expedition. He said, “I will return.” His parents? He said, “Yes, I left them and they are weeping.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to him, “Return to them and give them good news as you gave them good news.” Obedience to the parents takes precedence. One does not deserve the displeasure of the parents after the right of Allah. The right of the parents comes after the right of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). So, if the matter revolves between going out and being dutiful to the parents, one must prioritize being dutiful to the parents. This applies to recommended jihad. As for obligatory individual jihad, a person must go forth even if he has parents. If the country is besieged, if the country is blockaded, or if the imam designates specific individuals, it is obligatory for them. If you are called to go forth, then go forth. But if the jihad involves no general call and no specific designation, it is recommended, and it is among the best acts of worship. However, being dutiful to the parents is obligatory, and the obligatory is prioritized over the recommended. Yes.