Jubn

Jubn refers to cowardice or the lack of courage, which is considered a blameworthy trait in Islamic ethics. The Prophet (PBUH) frequently sought refuge in Allah from cowardice in his daily supplications, praying: "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from cowardice" (Bukhari, Muslim). It is viewed as a spiritual weakness that prevents a person from standing up for justice or fulfilling their duties to God and society.

Courage (shuja'ah) is essential for a believer to stand for truth, defend the oppressed, and resist evil. The Quran praises those who stand firm: "How many a small company has overcome a large company by permission of Allah" (2:249). Cowardice can take many forms: fear of speaking truth to power, fear of being different for the sake of faith, and fear of taking risks for justice. The believer is called to balance,courage is not recklessness but measured resolve.

In modern contexts, jubn can manifest as silence in the face of injustice or unwillingness to stand for Islamic values in public life. The Prophet said: "The best jihad is speaking a word of truth to an unjust ruler" (Abu Dawud). This shows that courage includes using one's voice for justice. The opposite of jubn is shaja'ah (courage), which is essential for fulfilling the obligation of enjoining good and forbidding evil.

The cure for cowardice includes: strengthening faith (iman), remembering that Allah is with those who stand for truth, and gradually practicing courage in small matters. Courage does not mean absence of fear; it means acting rightly despite fear. The believer may feel fear but does not let it prevent doing what is right. The path of Islam is the path of courage,the courage to believe when others mock and to stand for justice when others remain silent.