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the whole process was much more heinous and far more serious than the act of the
Muslims:
·
“They ask you concerning fighting in the sacred months (i.e. 1st, 7th, 11th and 12th
months of the Islamic calendar). Say, ‘Fighting therein is a great (transgression) but a
greater (transgression) with Allâh is to prevent mankind from following the way of Allâh, to
disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to
Al-Masjid-Al-Harâm
(at Makkah), and to drive out its
inhabitants, and
Al-Fitnah
is worse than killing.” [2:217]
The Words of Allâh were quite clear and said that the tumult created by the polytheists was
groundless. The sacred inviolable sanctities had been repeatedly violated in the long process of
fighting Islam and persecuting its adherents. The wealth of the Muslims as well as their homes had
already been violated and their Prophet (Peace be upon him) had been the target of repeated
attempts on his life. In short, that sort of propaganda could deservedly be described as impudence
and prostitution. This has been a resume of pre-Badr platoons and invasions. None of them
witnessed any sort of looting property or killing people except when the polytheists had committed
such crimes under the leadership of Karz bin Jabir Al-Fahri. It was, in fact, the polytheists who had
initiated such acts. No wonder, for such ill-behaviour is immanent in their natural disposition.
Shortly afterwards, the two captives were released and blood money was given to the killed man’s
father.
After this event, Quraish began to realize the real danger that Madinah could present with. They
came to know that Madinah had always been on the alert, watching closely their commercial
caravans. It was then common knowledge to them that the Muslims in their new abode could span
and extend their military activities over an area of 300 miles. and bring it under full control.
However, the new situation borne in mind, the Makkans could not be deterred and were too
obstinate to come to terms with the new rising power of Islam. They were determined to bring their
fall by their own hands and with this recklessness they precipitated the great battle of Badr.
The Muslims, on the other hand, and at the behest of their Lord, were ordered to go to war in
Sha‘ban 2 A.H:
·
“And fight, in the way of Allâh those who fight you; but transgress not the limits. Truly,
Allâh likes not the transgressors. And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out
from where they have turned you out. And
Al-Fitnah
(polytheism or calamity) is worse than
killing. And fight not with them at
Al-Masjid-Al-Harâm
(the Sanctuary at Makkah), unless
they (first) fight you there. But if they attack you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of
the disbelievers. But if they cease, then Allâh is O ft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them
until there is no more
Fitnah
(disbelief and worshipping of others along with Allâh) and (all
and every kind of ) worship is for Allâh (Alone). But if they cease, let there be no
transgression except against
Az-Zalimûn
(polytheists, and wrong-doers, etc.)” [2:190-193]
Before long, Allâh again sent the Muslims a different sort of verses whereby teaching them ways of
fighting, urging them to go to war and demonstrating relevant rules:
·
“So, when you meet (in fight -
Jihâd
in Allâh’s cause), those who disbelieve smite at their
necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on
them, i.e. take them as captives). Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity (i.e. free
them without ransom), or ransom (according to what benefits Islam), until the war lays
down its burden. Thus [you are ordered by Allâh to continue in carrying out
Jihâd
against
the disbelievers till they embrace Islam (i.e. are saved from the punishment in the Hell-fire)
or at least come under your protection], but if it had been Allâh’s Will, He Himself could
certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test you,
some with others. But those who are killed in the way of Allâh, He will never let their deeds
be lost. He will guide them and set right their state. And admit them to Paradise which He
has made known to them (i.e. they will know their places in Paradise more than they used
to know their houses in the world). O you who believe! If you help (in the cause of) Allâh,
He will help you, and make your foothold firm.” [47:4-7]
Shortly afterwards, Allâh began to dispraise the hypocrites, the weak at heart and cowardly
elements:
·
“But when a decisive
Sûrah
(explaining and ordering things) is sent down, and fighting
(
Jihâd
— the holy fighting) is mentioned (i.e. ordained) therein, you will see those in whose
hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy) looking at you with a look of one fainting to death. ”
[47:20]
The prevalent exigencies required as a top priority exhorting the Muslims to fight. Any leader with a
deep insight would order his soldiers to get ready for any sort of emergency, let alone the All-
Knowing Exalted Lord, Who is at all times omniscient of the minutest details of affairs. The event of
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