The Conditions of Jihad and Their Availability

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, what are the conditions of jihad? And are they currently met?

Answer:
The conditions of jihad are known: there must be strength among the Muslims such that they are able to fight the disbelievers. They must have strength and capability with which they can fight the disbelievers. This is necessary. If they do not have the capability or the strength, then there is no jihad required of them. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions were in Makkah before the migration, and jihad was not enjoined upon them because they were not able to do so.
Likewise, jihad must be under Muslim leadership and by the order of the one in authority. Jihad is among the prerogatives of the one in authority over the Muslims. He is the one who orders it, he is the one who organizes it, and he is the one who takes charge of it and supervises it. Are the prerogatives of the one in authority, or are they the prerogatives of every individual or every group to go or to take action without the permission of the one in authority? Yes.