According to Islamic jurisprudence, what is the ruling on a Muslim who refuses to participate in a defensive Jihad when the community is under direct attack?

1. They are considered apostates.
2. They commit a major sin, as defending one’s home and community becomes an individual obligation (Fard al-Ayn).
3. It is a personal choice with no spiritual consequence
4. They must pay a tax instead.

Islamic law distinguishes between offensive jihad (fard kifayah) and defensive jihad. When Muslim lands are under direct attack, the duty to defend becomes “fard al-ayn,” an individual obligation incumbent upon every able-bodied person in that community. Refusing to participate in this defense without a valid excuse is considered a major sin. It is a collective responsibility to repel the aggressor.