Tactics of War

Yet it is not necessary for all believers to march forth. Why not have some stay behind to gain deeper knowledge of religion and warn their people when they return, so they may be mindful?

O you who believe, when you set out in the path of God, be discerning. Do not say to one who offers you peace, “You are not a believer,” driven by desire for the fleeting spoils of worldly life. With God lie abundant treasures far greater than these. You were once like them, then God graced you with His mercy. So be discerning.

We also sent iron, with its mighty strength and many benefits for humanity, so that God may test who will support His cause unseen.

Fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight you, but do not transgress.

But if they incline toward peace, then accept it and trust in Allah.

If they intend to deceive you, then Allah is enough for you. It is He who strengthened you with His help and with the believers.

He united their hearts; if you had spent all the wealth on earth, you could not have joined them together, but Allah brought them together.

O Prophet! Allah is sufficient for you and for those who follow you among the believers.

If you must retaliate, let it be equal to the harm you suffered. But if you endure patiently, that is far better for those who persevere.

Fighting in the sacred months is serious, but retaliation is allowed. If they attack you, then respond in kind. However, be mindful of Allah and know that He is with those who are conscious of Him.

They ask you about fighting in the sacred month. Say, ‘Fighting in it is a grave matter, but hindering people from Allah’s path, denying Him, preventing access to the Sacred Mosque, and expelling its people from it, these are far worse in Allah’s sight.

When the sacred months have passed, then fight the polytheists wherever you find them, capture them, besiege them, and lie in wait for them at every ambush. But if they repent, establish prayer, and give charity, then let them go their way.

The number of months with Allah is twelve, as decreed on the day He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred. This is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves in them. Fight the polytheists collectively, as they fight you collectively.

Obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute among yourselves, lest you falter and lose courage. Be patient.

O believers, do not be like those who disbelieve and say about their brothers who travel or go to battle, ‘If they had stayed with us, they would not have died or been killed.’ Allah makes such thoughts a source of regret in their hearts. It is Allah who gives life and causes death.

If fortune comes your way, they say, as if no bond ever existed between you, ‘Oh, I wish I had been with them to gain such success!’

Those who remain seated while others strive in Allah’s cause are not equal, except those with valid excuses. Allah has elevated those who struggle with their wealth and lives above those who stay behind. He has promised all believers a great reward, but He has granted a higher rank and special forgiveness to those who strive.

Do not lose heart in pursuing the enemy. If you suffer, they suffer too, but you hope for Allah’s reward while they do not.

O believers! When you meet the disbelievers in battle, do not turn your backs.

Whoever retreats that day, unless manoeuvring for battle or joining another group, will incur Allah’s wrath.

Some people warned them, ‘Your enemies have gathered against you, so fear them!’ But this only strengthened their faith

So, they returned with Allah’s blessings, untouched by harm, seeking only His pleasure.

O believers! When you encounter an enemy force, stand firm and remember Allah often, so that you may succeed.

Prepare whatever strength you can muster, along with warhorses, to strike fear into Allah’s enemies and yours, as well as others unknown to you but known to Allah.

Your Lord inspired the angels: “I am with you, so strengthen the believers. I will cast terror into the hearts of the disbelievers, strike them above the necks and sever their fingertips.”

He brought down those among the People of the Book who supported the enemy, casting terror into their hearts. Some you slew, others you captured.

O Prophet and believers! Strive against the disbelievers and hypocrites, and be firm with them.

He granted you their lands, homes, and wealth, and a territory you had not yet set foot in.