Some Additional Qur’ānic Verses Relevant to Jihād

At this occasion, it seems appropriate to record various other verses of the Holy Qur’ān as well on Jihād by the sword, which were revealed to the Holy Prophet(sa) from time to time. The reason being that they shed such light on the circumstances of these early Islāmic wars, as cannot be attained anywhere else. Allāh the Exalted states:

“O ye Muslims! And fight in the cause of Allāh against those who fight against you, but do not transgress, because Allāh loves not the transgressors. And fight those disbelievers who fight against you wherever you meet them. And drive them out from where they have driven you out, i.e., wherever they desire to forcefully abolish your influence, oppose them. Undoubtedly, the persecution which these people are inflicting is far worse than killing. And fight them not in the area of the Ḥaram.1 But if they initiate war against you in the Ḥaram, then undoubtedly you should also fight them therein: such is the requital for the ungrateful. And if the disbelievers desist, then know that surely Allāh is Most Forgiving, Merciful. And O ye Muslims! fight the disbelievers until there is no persecution in the land and religion is freely professed for Allāh, i.e., there remains no fear of anyone except God in the matter of religion and every individual can profess any faith he so desires with freedom of conscience. But if these disbelievers desist from war, then you should also desist immediately. Remember that no hostility is allowed except against the aggressors.”2

The purport of this verse is very clear as well, and it becomes evident that Muslims were only given permission for Jihād against those people who fought against them in the matter of religion, and desired to revert them from their faith at the dint of the sword. Moreover, the Muslims were also ordered that if these disbelievers desisted from war then they should also stand down immediately. Furthermore, the wisdom behind war has also been mentioned in this verse, and it is so that persecution no longer remains in the land and religious freedom may be established.

Then He states:

“And if these disbelievers incline towards peace, then O Messenger! you should also incline towards it, and put thy trust in Allāh. Surely, it is He Who is All- Hearing, All-Knowing.”3

Then He states:

“And if anyone of the idolaters wish to come into your protection in order to investigate religion then let him come, then convey him to his place of security in your protection.”4

Then He states:

“And those who have believed but have not migrated, i.e., they do not support you in your afflictions are not entitled to your political friendship. Albeit, if they seek your help in the matter of religion, then it is your duty to help them, except against those disbelievers between whom and yourselves there is a treaty. And O ye believers! Be aware that God the Exalted sees what you do.”5

Then He states:

“And fulfill the covenant; for surely you shall be answerable to God with respect to the covenant.”6

Then He states:

“Allāh forbids you not, respecting those who have not fought against you on account of your religion, and who have not driven you forth from your homes, that you be kind to them and act equitably towards them and show benevolence; surely Allāh the Exalted loves those who are equitable and benevolent. Allāh the Exalted only forbids you from befriending those who have fought against you on account of your religion, and have driven you out of your homes, and have helped others in driving you out. And whosoever makes friends of them - it is these that are the transgressors.”7

Then He states:

“O ye who believe! establish equity and justice in the world for the sake of Allāh; and let not a people’s enmity incite you to act unjustly towards them. Rather, be always just and equitable, even with your enemy, for justice and equity are requirements of virtue. And fear Allāh. And remember that Allāh closely watches over your deeds.”8