Jihad

Permission to Fight

Permission is granted to those who are fought against, because they were wronged, and God is capable of granting them victory. 22:39

Those who were unjustly expelled from their homes for saying, “Our Lord is God.” Had God not repelled some people by means of others, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, where God’s name is much mentioned, would have been destroyed. God will surely support those who support Him. 22:40

Tested

We will surely test you with fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives, and crops. But give glad tidings to those who endure 2:155, 2:177

Those who, when afflicted, say, ‘We belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.’ 2:156

Upon them are blessings and mercy from their Lord, and they are the rightly guided. 2:157, 2:177

It was not you who killed them, but Allah. And when you struck, it was not you who struck, but Allah, so that He may grant the believers a great victory. 8:17

This is how Allah undermines the schemes of the disbelievers. 8:18

Remember when you were on the near side of the valley, and they were on the far side, with the caravan below you. Had you planned for this encounter, you would not have arranged it, but Allah brought it to pass so that a matter already decreed could be fulfilled. So that those who perished would perish with clear proof, and those who lived would live with clear proof. 8:42

Allah showed them to you in your dream as few. Had He shown them as many, you would have faltered and disputed in the matter. But Allah saved you, He knows what is within hearts. 8:43

And when you met them, He made them appear few in your eyes, and made you appear few in theirs, so that Allah might fulfil His decree. To Allah all matters return. 8:44

Had the gain been near and the journey short, they would have followed you, but the distance seemed too far. They will swear, “Had we been able, we would have joined you.” They ruin themselves, for Allah knows they are lying. 9:42

O believers, remember God’s favour upon you when enemy forces gathered against you, and We sent against them a wind and unseen forces. God sees all that you do. 33:9

When they came upon you from above and below, and your eyes grew wide with fear, and your hearts reached your throats, and you harboured doubts about God. 33:10

That was the moment when the believers were tested and shaken to their core. 33:11

The hypocrites and those with diseased hearts said, “God and His Messenger promised us nothing but deception.” 33:12

Who Should Fight

Hypocrites stay behind

When a chapter is revealed, commanding, “Believe in Allah and strive alongside His Messenger,” the wealthy among them ask for exemption, saying, “Leave us with those who stay behind.” 9:86

They preferred to remain with those who lagged behind. Their hearts were sealed, so they do not understand. 9:87

Some desert Arabs came with excuses, seeking exemption 9:90

May Allah pardon you! Why did you grant them permission before verifying who was truthful and who was lying? 9:43

Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day do not ask to be excused from striving with their wealth and lives. 9:44

Only those who do not believe in Allah and the Last Day seek exemption; their hearts are filled with doubt, and they waver in uncertainty. 9:45

Had they truly intended to go forth, they would have prepared for it. But Allah disliked their participation, so He held them back, and they were told, “Stay behind with those who remain.” 9:46

Had they gone forth with you, they would have only spread discord and hurried among you, seeking to cause division. Some among you would have listened to them, but Allah knows the wrongdoers. 9:47

They had already sought to stir up trouble before, turning matters upside down until the truth prevailed and Allah’s command was fulfilled, despite their dislike. 9:48

Some say, “Grant me exemption and do not test me.” But they have already fallen into trial. 9:49

If Allah brings you back to a group of them and they ask to join you, say, “You will never march with me, nor fight an enemy alongside me. You were content to stay behind the first time, so remain with those who lag behind.” 9:83

And when a group among them said, “O people of Yathrib, you cannot withstand this retreat!” Yet another faction sought permission from the Prophet, claiming, “Our homes are exposed,” though they were not. They only wished to flee. 33:13

Had the city been breached and they were invited to treachery, they would have readily complied. 33:14

Yet they had already pledged to God that they would not turn away. A covenant with God is a solemn responsibility. 33:15

Say, “Fleeing will not benefit you if you escape death or killing, you will only enjoy life for a short while.” 33:16

Say, “Who can shield you from God if He wills harm or mercy for you?” 33:17

God already knows those among you who hinder others and secretly say, “Come to us,” while they themselves rarely join the battle. 33:18

They are miserly toward you. When fear grips them, you see them staring at you with eyes rolling in terror, like one fainting at the moment of death. But when the fear passes, they lash out at you with sharp tongues, greedy for wealth. Such people have no true faith, and that is easy for Allah 33:19

They think the enemy has not withdrawn. If the enemy were to return, they would wish to be far away in the desert, merely hearing news of the battle rather than fighting in it. Even if they were among you, they would barely participate. 33:20

Say to those desert Arabs who stayed behind: “You will be summoned against a people of great might, you will fight them unless they surrender. If you obey, God will grant you a fine reward. But if you turn away, as you turned away before, He will punish you with a painful punishment.” 48:16

Chastised for staying at home

If good comes to you, it grieves them. But if hardship befalls you, they say, “We had already taken precautions,” and they turn away rejoicing. 9:50

Those who remained behind rejoiced in their refusal to march with the Messenger. They disliked striving with their wealth and lives in Allah’s cause and said, “Do not go forth in the heat.” Say, “The Fire of Hell is far hotter, if only they understood.” 9:81

So let them laugh a little, for they will weep much as a consequence of what they earned. 9:82

Those who lied to Allah and His Messenger remained behind. A painful punishment will afflict the disbelievers. 9:90

Say, “Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed. He is our protector. In Him, the believers should place their trust.” 9:51

Say, “Are you waiting for anything to happen to us except one of two good outcomes? But we await that Allah will afflict you with punishment from Himself or at our hands. So, wait—we too are waiting.” 9:52

Blame is upon those who seek exemption despite having the means. They preferred to stay behind with those who lagged. 9:93

They will offer excuses when you return. Say, “Do not make excuses, we will never believe you. Allah has already informed us about you. Allah and His Messenger will observe your actions, then you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the seen, and He will inform you of what you did.” 9:94

They will swear to you to make you pleased with them. But even if you are pleased, Allah is not pleased with rebellious people. 9:95

They swear to you so that you accept them, but even if you do, Allah does not accept rebellious people. 9:96

Chastised for not Fighting

And indeed, among you is one who will hold back, dragging his feet, then if hardship strikes you, he says, 'Ah, how gracious was God to me, that I was not there to witness their fate.'" 4:72

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!’ 4:73

What holds you back from fighting for the oppressed men, women, and children, who cry out, ‘Our Lord, rescue us from this unjust land and grant us a protector and a helper!’ 4:75

O believers! What is wrong with you when you are told, “March forth in Allah’s cause,” but you cling heavily to the earth? 9:38

If you do not march forth, He will punish you severely and replace you with another people. 9:39

If you do not support him, Allah has already helped him, when the disbelievers drove him out, and he was one of two in the cave. He said to his companion, “Do not grieve; Allah is with us.” Then Allah sent down His tranquillity upon him, strengthened him with unseen forces, and made the word of the disbelievers the lowest, while Allah’s word is supreme. 9:40

Those who believe say, “Why has a surah not been sent down?” But when a decisive surah is revealed and fighting is mentioned, you see those with sickness in their hearts looking at you as if death looms over them. 47:20

Obedience and good words would be better for them. But when the matter is resolved, if they had been true to God, it would have been better for them. 47:21

So, would you perhaps turn away, causing corruption in the land and severing family ties? 47:22

These are the ones God has cursed; He made them deaf and blinded their sight. 47:23

Chastised for not Giving Money

When a chapter is revealed, commanding, “Believe in Allah and strive alongside His Messenger,” the wealthy among them ask for exemption, saying, “Leave us with those who stay behind.” 9:88

Say, “Spend willingly or unwillingly, it will never be accepted from you. You are a rebellious people.” 9:53

Their donations are only rejected because they disbelieve in Allah and His Messenger, come to prayer lazily, and give reluctantly. 9:54

What holds you back from giving in His cause, when all that is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him? Those who gave and struggled before victory are greater in rank than those who did so later, yet to all, God has promised the best, and God is fully aware of what you do. 57:10

Believe in God and His Messenger, and strive in God’s cause with your wealth and your lives, that is better for you, if only you knew. 61:11

Ill and poor, not chastised

No blame is upon the weak, the sick, or those who lack the means, if they are sincere toward Allah and His Messenger. There is no cause for blame against the righteous. 9:91

Nor upon those who came to you asking for mounts, but you said, “I have nothing to carry you on.” They turned away with tears in their eyes, grieving that they could not afford to join the struggle. 9:92

There is no blame on the blind, nor on the lame, nor on the sick. Whoever obeys God and His Messenger, He will admit him into Gardens beneath which rivers flow. But whoever turns away, He will punish him with a painful punishment. 48:17

Fear of Fighting

Martyrdom

If hardship touches you, know that others have faced hardship too. These days of triumph and trial rotate among people so that Allah may distinguish the believers, select martyrs from among you, and expose the wrongdoers. 3:140

Do you think you will enter Paradise without Allah testing who among you truly strives and remains steadfast? 3:142

You once wished for martyrdom before facing it, now you have seen it with your own eyes. 3:143

Muhammad is only a messenger. Many messengers came before him. If he were to die or be killed, would you turn back? Whoever turns away does not harm Allah, but Allah will reward the grateful. 3:144

No soul dies except by Allah’s decree, at a fixed time. Whoever seeks worldly gain will receive some of it, and whoever seeks the reward of the Hereafter will receive from it. 3:145

Many prophets fought alongside devoted believers. They did not falter in adversity, nor did they weaken or surrender. 3:146

Their only words were, ‘Our Lord, forgive our sins and excesses, make our steps firm, and grant us victory over the disbelievers.’ 3:147

So, Allah granted them the rewards of this world and the best reward in the Hereafter. 3:148

Losing Courage

Allah fulfilled His promise to you when, by His will, you were victorious. But when you faltered, disputed the command, and disobeyed after seeing what you desired, some of you sought worldly gain while others sought the Hereafter. Then He turned you away to test you, yet He forgave you. 3:152

Badr

Just as your Lord brought you out of your home for battle in truth, though some believers were reluctant. 8:5

They argued with you about the truth after it had been made clear, as if they were being driven toward death while they looked on. 8:6

True Believers and Hypocrites

What befell you on the day the two armies met was by Allah’s permission, so He could distinguish the true believers. 3:166

And so, He could expose the hypocrites, those who were told, ‘Come, fight in Allah’s cause or at least defend yourselves,’ but they replied, ‘If we knew there would be fighting, we would have joined you.’ They were closer to disbelief that day than to faith. They spoke with their mouths what was not in their hearts. Allah knows what they conceal. 3:167

Remember when Allah promised you victory over one of the two enemy groups, but you wished for the unarmed one. Yet Allah intended to establish the truth through His words and uproot the disbelievers. 8:7

To affirm the truth and nullify falsehood, even though the guilty disliked it. 8:8

Pray if Fearful

If you fear danger, pray however you can, standing, sitting, or lying down. But when you are safe, remember Allah as He has taught you what you did not know. 2:239

Distress from Satan

Remember when you fled without looking back, while the Messenger called to you from behind? Allah repaid you with distress upon distress so that you would not grieve over what you lost or what befell you. 3:153

Then, after hardship, He sent down tranquillity upon you, a drowsiness that overtook some of you, while others were anxious, thinking wrongly about Allah, like the thoughts of ignorance. They asked, ‘Do we have any say in the matter?’ Say, ‘All matters belong to Allah.’ They conceal within themselves what they do not reveal to you, saying, ‘If we had any say, we would not have been killed here.’ Say, ‘Even if you had stayed in your homes, those destined to die would have gone to their places of death. Allah tests what is within you and purifies what is in your hearts. 3:154, 8:11

Indeed, those who turned away on the day the two armies met were made to slip by Satan due to their past deeds. But Allah has forgiven them. 3:155

Do not be like those who left their homes arrogantly, showing off to people and turning others away from Allah’s path. 8:47

And when Satan made their deeds seem fair to them, saying, “No one can defeat you today, and I am at your side.” But when the two forces met, he turned and fled, saying, “I have nothing to do with you! I see what you do not see, I fear Allah.” 8:48

Encouragement to Fight

Greater Sin

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. 2:217

Encouraged to Fight

O Prophet! Inspire the believers to fight. If twenty among you remain steadfast, they will overcome two hundred; and if one hundred remain steadfast, they will overcome a thousand of the disbelievers, for they are a people who do not understand. 8:65

Now Allah has lightened your burden, knowing that there is weakness among you. If one hundred remain steadfast, they will overcome two hundred; and if one thousand remain steadfast, they will overcome two thousand, by Allah’s permission. Allah is with the steadfast. 8:66

So do not falter or call for peace when you have the upper hand. God is with you and will never deprive you of your deeds. 47:35

Indeed, those who have embraced faith, migrated with purpose, and strove with heart and hand in the path of God, they are the ones who truly hope for God’s mercy. 2:218

Will you not fight a people who broke their oaths, plotted to expel the Messenger, and attacked you first? Do you fear them? Allah is more deserving of your fear, if you are believers. 9:13

Fight them, Allah will punish them at your hands, disgrace them, grant you victory over them, and heal the hearts of a believing people. 9:14

He will remove the anger from their hearts. Allah accepts repentance from whomever He wills. 9:15

Do you think you will be left alone without Allah distinguishing those among you who strive and take none as allies except Allah, His Messenger, and the believers? 9:16

March forth, whether light or heavy, and strive with your wealth and lives in Allah’s cause. That is better for you, if you only knew. 9:41

Allah has purchased the lives and wealth of the believers in exchange for Paradise. They fight in His cause, slaying and being slain. This is a true promise in the Torah, the Gospel, and the Quran. Who fulfils His promise better than Allah? So, rejoice in your transaction; this is the supreme triumph. 9:111

So, fight in Allah’s cause, you are responsible only for yourself. Encourage the believers, and perhaps Allah will restrain the might of the disbelievers. 4:84

Among the believers are those who have remained true to their covenant with God; some have fulfilled their vow, while others await their time, never wavering. 33:23

That God may reward the truthful for their sincerity and punish the hypocrites if He wills, or turn to them in mercy. 33:24

God repelled the disbelievers in their rage, leaving them empty-handed. God sufficed the believers in battle. 33:25

So, when you meet the disbelievers in battle, strike their necks. Then, once you have subdued them, bind them firmly. Afterward, release them graciously or for ransom, until the war lays down its burdens. Had God willed, He could have defeated them Himself, but He tests some of you through others. And those who are slain in God’s cause, He will never let their deeds go to waste. 47:4

So do not falter or call for peace when you have the upper hand. God is with you and will never deprive you of your deeds. 47:35

Truly, God loves those who fight in His cause as one solid rank, like a wall forged of iron. 61:4

Fighting is good for you

Have you not seen those who were told, ‘Restrain yourselves, establish prayer, and give charity’? But when fighting was ordained, some feared people as they should fear Allah, or even more. They said, ‘Our Lord, why have You commanded us to fight? If only You had delayed it for a while!’ Say, ‘The enjoyment of this world is brief, but the Hereafter is far better for the mindful. You will not be wronged even by the width of a thread.’ 4:77

Fighting has been ordained for you, though you dislike it. Yet perhaps you dislike something that is good for you, and perhaps you love something that is harmful to you. 2:216

Reward for Dying in Battle

And if you are killed or die in Allah’s cause, His forgiveness and mercy are far better than all the wealth they amass. 3:157

Whether you die or are killed, you will all return to Allah. 3:158

They rejoice in what Allah has granted them, and they celebrate the good news of those who have yet to join them, knowing that no fear or sorrow will touch them. 3:170

They delight in Allah’s favour and bounty, realizing that He never lets the reward of the faithful go to waste. 3:171

Those who responded to Allah and His Messenger after suffering injury, those who remained steadfast and mindful, will have a great reward. 3:172

O believers, those whom Allah has blessed with guidance will be among the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous, what an excellent company! 4:71

So let those who trade this life for the Hereafter fight in Allah’s cause. Whoever fights and is slain or victorious, We will grant them a great reward. 4:74

Believers fight for Allah’s cause, while disbelievers fight for falsehood. So, battle against the allies of Satan, his schemes are weak. 4:76

Whatever you spend in His cause will be repaid in full, and you will not be wronged. 8:60

War Booty

They ask you about the spoils of war. Say, “The spoils belong to Allah and His Messenger. So be mindful of Allah, mend your relationships, and obey Allah and His Messenger, if you are truly believers.” 8:1

And know that whatever spoils you gain, a fifth belongs to Allah, His Messenger, the needy, the orphans, the poor, and the traveller, if you truly believe in Allah and what We sent down to Our servant on the Day of Distinction, the day the two armies met. 8:41

It is not for a prophet to take captives until he has fully subdued the land. You desire the gains of this world, but Allah desires the Hereafter. 8:67

Had it not been for a prior decree from Allah, a severe punishment would have befallen you for what you took. 8:68

So, consume what you have gained, lawful and good. 8:69

O Prophet! Say to the captives in your hands: “If Allah knows goodness in your hearts, He will grant you better than what was taken from you and forgive you. 8:70

But if they intend to betray you, they have already betrayed Allah before, and He has given you power over them. 8:71

Those who stayed behind will say, when you set out to collect the spoils, “Let us follow you.” They want to change God’s words. Say: You will not follow us, God has already said so. Then they will say, “You’re just jealous of us.” No, they understand little. 48:15

God was pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you under the tree. He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down tranquillity upon them and rewarded them with a near victory, 48:18

And abundant spoils they will soon take. 48:19

God has promised you many gains to come, and He has hastened this one for you, and withheld the hands of others from you, so that it may be a sign for the believers and that He may guide you on a straight path. 48:20

It is not for a prophet to betray trust. Whoever does so will carry the burden of their deceit on the Day of Judgment. Then every soul will be repaid in full for what it has earned, and none will be wronged. 3:161

Who Should be Fought

Jews Fighting

Have you not seen the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses? They said to their prophet, ‘Appoint for us a king so we may fight in Allah’s cause.’ He replied, ‘What if you refuse to fight when commanded?’ They said, ‘Why would we not fight when we have been driven from our homes and children?’ Yet when fighting was ordained, they turned away, except for a few. 2:246

Fighting Jews and Christians

"You are the best community raised for humanity, you enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah. If the People of the Book had believed, it would have been better for them. Some among them are faithful, but most are rebellious. 3:110

They will not harm you except with minor annoyance. If they fight you, they will turn and flee, and they will find no help. 3:111, 59:12

Fight those who do not believe in Allah or the Last Day, who do not forbid what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden, and who do not follow the true religion—among those who were given the Scripture, until they pay the tax willingly, humbled. 9:29

Fighting Unbelievers

O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and hypocrites, and be firm with them. 9:73

Believers fight for Allah’s cause, while disbelievers fight for falsehood. So, battle against the allies of Satan, his schemes are weak. 4:76

If you sought judgment, then judgment has come to you. If you desist, it is better for you. But if you return to battle, We will return, and your forces, no matter how great, will not benefit you. Allah is with the believers. 8:19

If they turn away, then know that Allah is your protector, what an excellent protector and helper! 8:40

O believers! Fight the disbelievers around you and let them find you firm. Know that Allah is with the righteous. 9:123

God repelled the disbelievers in their rage, leaving them empty-handed. 33:25

Fighting Polytheists

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. 9:5

If any polytheist seeks your protection, grant it to him so that he may hear the words of Allah, then escort him to a place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know. 9:6

How can there be a treaty with Allah and His Messenger for the polytheists, except for those with whom you made a treaty at the Sacred Mosque? As long as they remain true to you, remain true to them. 9:7

How can they be trusted? Whenever they gain the upper hand, they respect neither kinship nor treaty. They satisfy you with words, but their hearts reject you, and most of them are corrupt. 9:8

They traded away Allah’s revelations for a cheap price, turning others away from His path. How evil is what they did! 9:9

They respect neither kinship nor treaty toward a believer. They are the true transgressors. 9:10

But if they repent, establish prayer, and give charity, then they are your brothers in faith. We clarify the signs for those who understand. 9:11

But if they break their oaths after pledging and attack your religion, then fight the leaders of disbelief, they have no faith, so that they may cease. 9:12

Fighting Hypocrites

They wish you would disbelieve as they have, so you would be alike. Do not take them as allies until they migrate for Allah’s cause. But if they turn hostile, seize them and fight them wherever you find them. Do not take them as allies or supporters. 4:89

Except for those who seek refuge with a people bound to you by a treaty, or those who come to you with hearts unwilling to fight either you or their own people. Had Allah willed, He could have empowered them against you, and they would have fought you. So, if they withdraw, refuse to fight, and offer peace, then Allah does not permit you to harm them. 4:90

You will find others who wish to be at peace with you and their own people, yet whenever they are drawn into conflict, they plunge into it. If they do not withdraw, offer peace, or restrain their aggression, then seize them wherever you find them. Against such people, We have given you clear authority. 4:91

Have you not seen the hypocrites who say to their disbelieving allies among the People of the Book, “If you are expelled, we will go with you and never obey anyone against you. If you are attacked, we will help you.” But God bears witness that they are liars. 59:11

If they are expelled, they will not go with them. If they are attacked, they will not help them. And even if they did, they would turn and flee, then be left with no support. 3:111, 59:12

You strike more fear in their hearts than God does. That is because they are people who do not understand. 59:13

They will not fight you together except from behind fortified walls or from within villages. Their hostility toward each other is intense. You think they are united, but their hearts are divided. That is because they are people who do not reason. 59:14

Fighting Muhammad's Enemies

You who believe, do not take My enemies and yours as allies, offering them affection while they reject the truth that has come to you. They drove out the Messenger, and you, simply for believing in God, your Lord. If you left your homes to strive in My cause and seek My pleasure, do not secretly befriend them. I know what you conceal and what you reveal. Whoever does this has strayed from the straight path. 60:1

Tactics of War

Going forth into Battle

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? 9:122

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. 4:94

We also sent iron, with its mighty strength and many benefits for humanity, so that God may test who will support His cause unseen. 57:25

Do Not Transgress

Fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight you, but do not transgress. 2:190, 2:244

But if they incline toward peace, then accept it and trust in Allah. 8:61

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. 8:62

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. 8:63

O Prophet! Allah is sufficient for you and for those who follow you among the believers. 8:64

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. 16:126

Sacred Months

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. 2:194

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. 9:36

Do not Question

Obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute among yourselves, lest you falter and lose courage. Be patient. 8:46

Not holding back

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. 3:156, 3:168, 4:72

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!’ 4:73

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. 4:95

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. 4:104

O believers! When you meet the disbelievers in battle, do not turn your backs. 8:15

Whoever retreats that day, unless manoeuvring for battle or joining another group, will incur Allah’s wrath. 8:16

Some people warned them, ‘Your enemies have gathered against you, so fear them!’ But this only strengthened their faith, 3:173

So, they returned with Allah’s blessings, untouched by harm, seeking only His pleasure. 3:174

O believers! When you encounter an enemy force, stand firm and remember Allah often, so that you may succeed. 8:45

Terrify the enemy

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. 8:60

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.” 8:12

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. 33:26

O Prophet and believers! Strive against the disbelievers and hypocrites, and be firm with them. 9:73, 9:123, 66:9

He granted you their lands, homes, and wealth, and a territory you had not yet set foot in. 33:27

Fight until no more unbelief

And fight them wherever you encounter them, and expel them from where they expelled you. Oppression is worse than killing. But do not fight them near the Sacred Mosque unless they attack you there. If they do, then fight them, such is the penalty for the disbelievers. 2:191, 2:217

Fight them until there is no oppression and worship is devoted to Allah alone. 2:193, 2:217, 8:39

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. Persecution is worse than killing. They will not stop fighting you until they turn you away from your faith if they can. And whoever turns away from their faith and dies in disbelief, their deeds will be worthless in this world and the Hereafter. 2:217

But if they stop, then there should be no hostility except against the oppressors. 2:192, 2:193, 8:39

Specific Battles

Battle of Uhud

Remember when you set out early from your home to position the believers for battle. 3:121

Two groups among you nearly faltered, but Allah upheld them. In Him, the believers should place their trust. 3:122

When disaster struck you, though you had inflicted twice as much upon your enemy, you asked, ‘How did this happen?’ Say, ‘It is from yourselves.’ 3:165

Allah granted you victory at Badr when you were few. 3:123

There was a sign for you in the two armies that met, one fighting in Allah’s cause, the other in disbelief. They saw their opponents as twice their number. But Allah strengthens whomever He wills. Surely, in this is a lesson for those with insight. 3:13

When you pleaded with your Lord for help, He responded, “I will reinforce you with a thousand angels in succession.” 8:9

Allah made this a message of hope to reassure your hearts. Victory comes only from Allah. 8:10

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.” 8:12

This is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger. Whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger, Allah is severe in punishment. 8:13

“This is your fate, so taste it.” 8:14

When you said to the believers, ‘Is it not enough that your Lord supports you with three thousand angels sent down?’ 3:124

Indeed, if you remain steadfast and mindful of Allah, and the enemy attacks suddenly, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels, clearly marked. 3:125

Allah made this only as good news for you, so your hearts may be reassured. Victory comes only from Allah. 3:126

He may cut off a portion of the disbelievers or humble them so they retreat in defeat. 3:127

Allah will not leave the believers as they are without distinguishing the wicked from the righteous. Nor will He reveal the unseen to you, but He chooses messengers for this knowledge as He wills. So, believe in Allah and His messengers, if you do, and remain mindful, you will receive a great reward. 3:179

Battle of Hunayn

Allah has already helped you in many battles, including the day of Hunayn, when your numbers made you proud but did not benefit you. The earth felt narrow despite its vastness, and you turned away. 9:25

Then Allah sent down His tranquillity upon His Messenger and the believers, and He sent unseen forces against the disbelievers, punishing them. This is the fate of the disbelievers. 9:26

Yet Allah accepts repentance from whomever He wills. 9:27

Miscellaneous

Not Dead but Alive

Do not say of those slain in Allah’s cause, ‘They are dead.’ Rather, they are alive, though you do not perceive it. 2:154, 3:169

They rejoice in what Allah has granted them. 3:170

Infighting

If two groups of believers fight, make peace between them. But if one of them transgresses against the other, then fight the aggressor until they return to God’s command. If they return, reconcile between them with justice and fairness, surely God loves those who act justly. 49:9

Penalty for Fighting Allah and Muhammad

The punishment for those who wage war against God and His Messenger, spreading chaos in the land, is execution, crucifixion, or the severing of hands and feet on opposite sides, or exile. This disgrace is theirs in this world, and in the Hereafter, a severe torment awaits. 5:33

Except for those who repent before you overpower them. 5:34

Those who emigrated

Those who believed, migrated, and struggled with their wealth and lives in Allah’s cause, and those who sheltered and supported them, these are allies to one another. But those who believed without migrating, you owe them no protection until they do. However, if they seek your help in faith, you must aid them, except against a people with whom you have a treaty. 8:72

Those who believed, migrated, and struggled in Allah’s cause, and those who sheltered and supported them, these are the true believers. They will have forgiveness and a generous provision. 8:74

And those who believed afterward, migrated, and struggled alongside you, they are part of you. But those bound by blood relations are closer to one another in Allah’s decree. 8:75

Those who believe, migrate, and strive in Allah’s cause with their wealth and lives are of the highest rank in His sight. They are the ones who will succeed. 9:20