War and Fight in Islam =
AlHarb and AlJihad

Q: Are Muslims allowed to destroy themselves through suicide or through not spending to buy appropriate weapons, for example?
A: And spend in the cause of Allah; And do not throw yourselves into destruction; And be charitable for Allah likes the charitable.
Translation of: Ayah 195, Surat AlBaqarah.
Words: An'fiq = Spend, Sabeel = Path - Way - Cause, Alqa = Throw, Tahlukah = Destruction, Ahsinou = Be charitable (plural), Yuhib = Likes, Muhsineen = Charitable people.

Q: Nowadays what are Muslims supposed to do with the disbelievers?
Note: The Qur'an came down in stages to fasten faith in the hearts of muslims. At the beginning muslims were ordered to fight the disbelievers until they submit to Allah. When Islam became widespread muslims were ordered to leave the disbelievers alone.
A: And When you (Muhammad) ask them who created them, they will say: Allah so why are they deluded away (from Allah)? And (Allah knows) his (Muhammad's) saying: O God! For these are people who are not having faith! So turn away (order to Muhammad) from them; And say: Peace (to them) because they are going to know (between them and Allah).
Translation of: Ayat 87-89, Surat AlZukhruf.
Words: Sa'ala = Asked, Khalaqa = Created, Yu'fak = Is deluded away, Qeel = Saying, Yu'min = Have faith, Isfah = Turn away, Salam = Peace, Ya'lam = Knows.

Q: If two groups of those who have faith in Allah fight what should the other muslims do?
A: And if two groups of the believers were in a fight so reconcile between them; And if one of them oppressed the other so fight the one who oppresses until it complies with Allah's command; So if it complies then reconcile between them with justice; And be fair! For Allah likes who are fair. Indeed the believers are brothers so reconcile among your brothers; And fear Allah so that you may receive mercy.
Translation of: Ayat 9-10, Surat AlHujurat.
Words: Taifah = Group, Iqtatal = Was in a fight, Baghat = Oppressed, Qatilou = Fight, Tafee' = complies with - Returns, Aqsit = Be fair, Ikh'wah = Brothers, Itaqou = Fear.

Q: Is martyrdom restricted only to Islam?
Note: Martyrdom means to be killed trying to make Allah's Name and Word the highest. Intention is imporatant in martyrdom. For example if someone fights to gain land so his fight is for that.
A: Indeed Allah has purchased from the faithful their souls and their wealth that for them is The Paradise: They fight in The Path of Allah so they kill and they are killed; A Promise upon Him (Allah) truly in the Torah, the Bible (Gospel = Injeel) and the Qur'an; And who can be more Faithful to His Commitment than Allah?! So rejoice in the sale that you made a bargain with; That is the supreme victory.
Translation of: Ayah 111, Surat AlTawbah.
Note: In a summary of the Prophet 'Muhammad's saying: The martyr will go to The Paradise without judgment except for the debt that he owes (will hinder him).
Words: Ishtara = Purchased, Anfus = Souls - Selves, Yuqatil = Fights, Wa'd = Promise, Tawrah = AlTawrat, A'hd = Commitment - Promise - Agreement, Baye' = Sale, Awfa = More faithful, Fawz = Victory.

Q: If fighting to make Allah's Word the highest is important in Islam what is not less important to that?
A: And it was not proper for the faithful (believers in Allah) to depart into battle all together; Except for a group from every unit from them to stay clear (from battle) so as to have knowledge of the Religion and to warn their people when they come back to them perhaps they may be on their guard (agaist wrongdoing).
Translation of: Ayah 122, Surat AlTawbah.
Words: Yanfiroun = Depart into battle (plural), Kaf'fah =all together, Nafara = Stayed clear, Firqah = Unit, Ta'ifah = Group, Yatafaqah = To have knowledge of the religion, Yunthir = To warn, Qawm = People, Yahthar = To be on one's guard.

Q: Why did Allah dictate fighting (AlJihad)?
A: Indeed Allah defends those who have faith in Allah for Allah does not like who is disloyal (to Allah), ungrateful (to Allah). Permission (to fight) has been granted to those who fight because injustice has been done to them and Allah of supporting them is Capable: Those who were driven out of their homes without any right except because they say 'Allah is our God'; And wasn't it for Allah's shoving aside (pushing) some people (righteous) against the others (vicious) then monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques where Allah's name is mentioned a lot would have been destroyed; And Allah will certainly support who supports Him for Allah is All-Powerful, AlMighty.
Translation of: Ayat 38 - 40, Surat AlHajj
Words: Yudafe' = Defends, Yuhib = Likes, Khawwan = Disloyal, Kafour = Ungrateful to Allah, Udhinna = Permission has been granted, Ukhrija = Was driven out, Dafe' = Pushing aside, Hudima = Was destroyed, Sawame' = Monasteries, Biye' = Churches, Salawat = Synagogues, Masajid = Mosques, Yuthkar = Is mentioned, Yansur = Supports.

Q: Who started the action of killing among humans who are all the offspring of the first man - Adam? And why do those who believe in Allah bury and not burn their dead?
A: And (order to Muhammad) do recite upon them the truth about the story of Adam's two sons (Abel and Cain)*. When they offered a sacrifice (to Allah) so it was accepted from one of them (Abel) and it was not accepted from the other.**. He said: Certainly I will kill you. He (Abel) said: Indeed Allah accepts only from the righteous. Indeed if you have raised your hand towards me to kill me I will not raise my hand towards you to kill you for I do fear Allah - the God of the inhabitants of the Worlds. For (then) I want you to be burdened with my sin (for killing me) and your sin ( other sins) so you become from the companions of the Fire (Hell) and that is the punishment of the wrongdoers. So his soul prompted him to kill his brother so he killed him and thus he became from the losers. Then Allah sent a raven scratching the earth to show him how to hide the naked body of his brother. He said: Woe to me! Could I have not been like this raven so that to cover up the naked body of my brother and he became from the remorseful. On account of that We (Allah) had decreed to the people of Israel that whoever kills a soul without (in retribution for) a soul or for corruption on earth so it is like he has killed all mankind and whoever saves it, it is like he has saved all mankind. And Our prophets reached them with the Clear Signs (from Allah) and then a lot of them after that are transgressors on earth.
Translation of: Ayat 27 - 32, Surat AlMaaidah.
* Abel and Cain = Habil and Qabil. Abel (= Habil) was the younger brother and the righteous. Cain was the eldest and arrogant
** According to Hassanain Mohammad Makhlouf, top scholar (ex-mufti) of Egypt: At that time a white fire came down to consume the sacrifice if Allah accepted it. Otherwise the wild animals and birds ate it.
Words: Utlu = Recite, Naba' = Story, BilHaq = The Truth, Qarraba = Offered, Qurban = Sacrifice, Yutaqabbal = Is accepted, Ahad = One, Akhir = Other, Aqtul = I kill, Basata = Raised, Tabou' = Be burdened, Is(th)m = Sin, Jaza' = Punishment, Dhalim = Wrongdoer - Transgressor, Tawwa't = Prompted, Khasir = Loser, Bas(th)a = Sent, Ghurab = Raven, Yuwari = Covers up, Naadim = Remorseful, Kataba = Decreed, Ghayr = Without, Fasaad = Corruption, Ahya = Saved life, Musrif = Trangressor - Violator - Goes beyond limits.

Q: When in Jihad (fighting in Allah's cause) what should the Muslims be very careful about?
Hint: Not to kill blindly.
A: O people who have believed! When you travel in the Path of Allah (Jihad) so do examine carefully and do not say to whoever surrenders to you that you are not a believer seeking the vanities (transient things) of This Life so with Allah a lot of gains, and such you were (disbelievers) before so Allah bestowed on you His favour so do examine carefully for Allah of what you do is Aware.
Translation of: Ayah 94, Surat AlNisa'.
Words: Dharaba Fi = Travelled in, Sabeel Allah = Path of Allah, Alqa Ilaykum AlSalam = Surrendered to you, Tabtaghi = Seeking, Aradh = Vanities - Perishable goods, Maghanim = Gains, Kas(th)eerah = A lot, Tabayyen = Examine carefully - Check, Manna = Bestowed His favour, Ta'mel = You do, Khabeer = Aware - Expert.

Q: In Islam what should Muslims fight for?
A: So let fight be in the Path of Allah by those who sell this Life for the Other Life and who fights in the Path of Allah and he is killed or he wins so We (Allah) will grant him a great reward. And why don't you fight in the Path of Allah and the helpless (without defense) from the men, women. and children who say: Our God take us out from this town whose people are unjust and prepare for us from You a protector and prepare for us from You a supporter.
Translation of: Ayat 74 - 75, Surat AlNisa'.
Words: Yuqatil = Fights, Sabeel = Path, Yashri = Sells, Yaghlib = Wins, Nou'ti = We grant, Mustadhaf = Helpless, Nisa' = Women, Wildan = Children, Akhrij = Take us out, Dhalim = Transgressor - Tyrant, Wali = Protector, Naseer = Supporter.

Q: Is AlJihad (fighting in Allah's cause) fundamentally dictated in all of Allah's religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam)?
A: And those who believed in Allah say: Only if a chapter (surah) in the Qur'an* is sent down so when a chapter fundamental** (in its lines) is sent down and fighting (alJihad) is mentioned in it you see those in whose hearts is sickness (hypocrisy) looking towards you just like the one who becomes unconscious because of death (wide open eyes) so it (death) is more deserving for them; (Better for them) Obedience and good word so when the matter (fighting) becomes serious then if they were truthful to Allah it would have certainly been better for them.
Translation of: Ayat 20 - 21, Surat Muhammad.
* The chapters of the Qur'an were sent down in intervals.
** Dictated in all of Allah's Holy Books.
Note: Fundamental and Similar lines of the Qur'an..
Words: Nuzzilat = Is sent down, Surah = Chapter, Muhakkamah = Fundamental, Qalb = Heart, Maradh = Sickness, Maghshi = Unconscious, Mawt = Death, Awla = More deserving, Ta'ah = Obedience, Qawl Ma'rouf = Good word, Azama AlAmr = The matter becomes serious, Sadaqa = Truthful, Khairan = Better.

Q: Should AlJihad be postponed?
A: Have not you seen those to whom (Muslims) it was said: Hold back fighting*! And perform the prayer and give the fixed amount charity (Zakat)! Then when fighting was dictated on them suddenly a group of them feared people just as the fear of Allah or maybe more in fear and they said: O Our God! Why did you dictate upon us fighting? If only You delayed us for a short time. Say (order to Muhammad): The enjoyment of this Life is short and the Other Life is better for who feared Allah and no thread-like injustice will be done to you.
Translation of: Ayah 4, Surat AlNisa'.
* It was still not dictated upon them.
Words: Kuffou Aydeekum = Hold back fighting (plural) - Keep your hands for yourselves, Aqem AlSalat = Perform the prayer, Kutiba = Was dictated, Qital = Fighting, Fareeq = Group, Khashyah = Fear, Akhkhara = Delayed, LiAjal Qareeb = For a short time, Mata' = Enjoyment - Temporary pleasures, Qaleel = Short - Little, Khair = Better, Tuzhlam = Injustice be done to you, Fateelan = Thread-like.

Q: Why do some Muslims readily give their lives in the cause of Allah?
A: And do not think those who Were killed in the Path (cause) of Allah are dead but alive with their God - they are being fed; Rejoicing in what Allah has given them from His Grace and they cheerfully announce the good news to those who have not yet joined them after them: There is no fear upon them and they do not grieve; They cheerfully announce the good news about Favour from Allah and Grace and that Allah does not let the reward of the believers to be lost.
Translation of: Ayat 169 - 171, Surat AlImran.
Note: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: Reported by Anas may Allah be pleased with him, a woman named Um AlRabee' mother of Haristha Bin Suraqah came to the Prophet and said: O Prophet! Talk to me about Haristha! And he was killed in the Badr Battle, if he was in Paradise she will become patient otherwise she will mourn him a lot. The Prophet said: O mother of Haristha! They are Gardens and your son has been given the Highest Garden (AlFirdous AlA'la),
Note: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: Reported by Jabir Bin Abdulla may Allah be pleased with them both. He said: My father was brought to the Prophet and his body was mutilated (punished severely). So I wanted to uncover his face so the Prophet forbade me saying: The angels are still shading him with their wings.
Note: In a summary of the Prophet Muhammad: Reported by Abi AlA'war Saeed Bin Zaid - one of the ten persons whom the Prophet witnessed to be from Paradise, he said: I heard the Prophet saying: Who is killed defending his wealth then he is a martyr; And who is killed defending himself then he is a martyr; And who is killed defending his Religion then he is a martyr; And who is killed defending his family then he is a martyr.
Words: Tahsab = Think, Qutilou = Were killed, Sabeel Allah = Path of Allah, Amwat = Dead, Ahya' = Alive, Yurzaq = Being fed, Fareheen = Rejoicing, Aata = Gave, Fadhl = Favour, Yastabshir = Cheerfully announcing the good news, Khawaf = Fear, Yahzan = Grieves, Yudhee' = Let be lost, Ajr = Reward,

Q: Why does Allah allow injustice through war to be launched on a faithful community?
A: And We (Allah) certainly will put you to the grievous test (through war) so as to find out (by experience) the fighters in Allah's Path among you (= Mujahideen) and the patient ones and to have witnesses (angels etc.) by testing your experiences.
Translation of: Ayah 31, Surat Muhammad.
Words: Nablou = To put you to the grievous test, Na'lam = find out, Mujahid = Fighter in Allah's Path, Sabir = Patient one, Nablou = (from ibtila') To have witnesses by testing, Akhbar = Experiences Matters.

Q: Does Allah allow collective punishment? (A message for Muslims, Christians and Jews who believe in the Same God).
A: And if you punish then do punish equivalent to what you were punished and if you become patient certainly that is better for the patient ones.
Translation of: Ayah 126, Surat AlNahl.
Words: In Aaqaba = If he punishes, Mis(th)l = Equivalent, In sabara = If he becomes patient, Khair = Better.

Q: Which Line of the Qur'an, it seems, that some Muslims nowadays (April-May 2009) refer to when they are considering a tax (Jizyah) on the non-Muslims as a component of the implementation of the Sharia Law in Baluchistan, (Pakistan)?
Are Muslims, nowadays when Islam is wide-spread, allowed to take AlJizyah (tax in Islam) from the non_Muslims living in their territory? If they refuse, according to Islam, the Muslims are supposed to launch AlJihad on them. The question is are Muslims allowed to launch AlJihad on such citizens who live in peace and do not intend any war against the Muslims?
Hint: According to readingIslam.com, AlJihad is governed by two conditions: Self-defense and defending the helpless. Muslims' wars were never intended to convert people into Islam by force.
A: Fight those who do not believe in Allah neither in the Last Day (of Judgment) and they do not forbid what Allah and His prophet forbade and they do not acknowledge the True Religion (Islam) from those who were given the Book until they agree to hand in the tax (payment for return) while being subdued (to this act).
Translation of: Ayah 29, Surat AlNisa'.
Note: According to M.A.S. Abdel Haleem's translation of the Qur'an: AlJizyah is payment for return i.e. in return for the protection of the Muslim state with all the accruing benefits (a return for enjoying the same rights as the Muslims) and exemption from military service. AlJizyah was levied upon the capable adults. The amount was generally low.
Note: Remember Line 8, Chapter AlMumtahana in the Qur'an is translated: " Allah does not forbid you from doing good and justice to those who did not fight you in religion and they did not drive you out of your houses for Allah likes the just (fair) people.
Words: Qatil = Fight, Yuharrim = Forbids, La Yadeen = Does not acknowledge, Utou = Were given, Yu'tu An Yad = Agrees to hand in, Saghir = Subdued.

Q: Can a believer (Mou'min) kill any other believer who says there is no God but Allah and Mohammad is His prophet? Is the killer aware of the huge compensation that he has to pay to clear himself with Allah?
Note: Reference is the current events (May 2009) in Pakistan. Muslims take their weapons and proceed to fight other Muslims under the flag of purifing Islam. Remember there are innocent, non-fighting Muslims that can be trapped and Allah alone is the Judge of who are on the Right Path among the Muslims.
A: And never a believer (mou'min) should kill a believer but by mistake and who kills a believer by mistake then (compensation is) freeing a faithful slave and a ransom (blood-money) handed over to his family except if they forgo it charitably but if he (the killed) was from a people who are at war with you while he (the killed) was a believer so (compensation is) freeing a believing slave but if he was from a people where a (peace) treaty is (made) between you and them so a ransom (blood-money) is handed over to his family and freeing of a believing slave so who does not find (either) then fasting of two consecutive months as repentance (commanded) from Allah and Allah is Knowledgeable, All-Wise; And who kills a believer on purpose he will be punished in Hell - constantly in it and Allah has become angry with him and cursed him and prepared a severe punishment for him.
Translation of: Ayat 92 - 93 Surat AlNisa'.
Words: Ma Kana = Never, Mou'min = Believer, Yaqtul = Kills, Khata' = By mistake, Men = Who, Tahreer = Freeing, Raqabah Mou'minah = Believing slave, Diyyah = Ransom, Musallamah = Handed over, Yassadaq = forgoes it charitably, Qawm = People, Adou = At war - Enemy, Meesthaq = Treaty, Fidyah = Ransom, Musallamah = Handed over, Seyyam = Fasting, Shahrren = Two months, Muttatabe' = Consecutive, Tawbah = Repentance, Muta'amid = By mistake, Jaza' = Punishment, Jahanam = Hell, Gadiba = Has become angry, Alayhi = Upon him, La'anahu = Cursed him, A'adda = Prepared, Aza'b = Punishment, Azeem = Severe.

Q: If a war starts between two groups of Muslims what can stop the war?
Note: When two groups of Muslims fight usually at least one group calls the other group "disbelievers".
Important Note: Remember: In a summary of a saying by the Prophet Muhammad to the Muslims: Do not turn back after my death disbelievers beheading one another.
A: And let those who disbelieve not think that they have won for they cannot make (Allah) give up; And do prepare for them whatever power you could have and (prepare) from the war horses (armament) with which you frighten off the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others (hypocrites) besides them - you do not know them, Allah knows them and whatever you spend in the Path (cause) of Allah it will be repaid to you and you will not be wronged; And if they incline towards peace so do incline towards it and put your trust in Allah for He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. And if they want to deceive you so Allah is enough for you - He is Who aided you with His support and with (the company of) the believers.
Translation of: Ayat 59 - 62, Surat AlAnfal.
Words: La Yahsabanna = Let them not think, Sabaqa = Won, Yu'jiz = Makes give up, Aa'id = Prepare, Istata'a = Could have, Turhib = Frightens off, Adou = Enemy, Ta'lam = You know, Tunfiq = You spend, Yuwaffa = Will be repaid, Janaha = Inclined, Silm = Peace, Tawwakal = Put your trust - Depend, Yakhda' = Deceives, Hasb = Enough, Ayyada = Aided, Nasr = Support.

Q: Who has the right to fight back?
Note: Reference nowadays (May 2009) the displacement of families because of the war between the Taliban and the Government of Pakistan.
A: Haven't you considered (order to Muhammad) the assembly of the People of Israel after Moses (Moosa) when they said to a messenger (prophet)* (sent) to them: Send us a king so as to fight in the Path (cause) of Allah. He said: Is it not possible that when fighting is decreed upon you that you will not fight. They said: And why should we not fight in the Path of Allah and we were driven out of our houses and our children so when fighting was decreed upon them they turned away except some of them and Allah is All-Knowing about the transgressors (against Allah).
Translation of: Ayah 246, Surat AlBaqarah.
* According to the translator 'Abdullah Yusuf Ali' the prophet is Samuel (Shammil in Arabic). Remember the Prophets' Map includes only the prophets whose names are mentioned in the Qur'an.
Words: Tara = Considered, Bani = People, Ebasth = Send, Malik = King, Nuqatil = We fight, Aseetum = Is it possible, Ukhrijna = We were driven out, diyarina = Our homes, Abnaina = Our children, Kutiba = Decreed, Qaleel = Some.

Q: Where do the martyrs' souls go if they do not go to the Barzakh (The Barrier which is a waiting life between this life and the other life)?
Note: Martyrs are who die fighting in the Path (cause) of Allah and not after earthly gains.
A: And do not call those who are killed in the Path of Allah dead; Yet they are alive but you are not aware (of them).
Translation of: Ayah 154, Surat AlBaqarah.
Note: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: When 70 of the Prophet's companions died as martyrs in the Battle of Uhud, Allah made their souls inside green birds that frequent the trees and rivers of Paradise as they want. Then they come back to golden places on trees under Allah's Throne (until the Day of Judgment when the soul goes back to its body). When they saw their good lives they said they wish their alive brothers know what happened to them. Allah said: I will tell them and Allah sent down the mentioned Ayah (154). Source: The Abridged version of Tafseer Ibn Kastheer, page 336.
Words: Taqoul = Call - Say, Yuqtal = Is killed, Sabeel Allah = Path of Allah, Amwat = Dead, Ahya' = Alive, Tashur = Are aware - Feel.

Q: When 'There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is His prophet" is commonly observed in a country. What justifies a fight between a group of Muslims and their governing authority in such a country?
Note: Reference is the current fight (October 2009) among Muslims and their authority in Pakistan.
A: Say to the disbelievers if they cease (fight against Islam) it will be forgiven for them what is past and if they start again (to fight) so passed away the way of the ancient people (they were punished by Allah); And fight them (disbelievers who fight you) so that there is no persecution (=fitnah) and the entire Religion becomes Allah's then if they cease so Allah is with what you do Watchful; And if they turned away (from Allah) so do know that Allah is your (believers') Master - The Best Master, The Best Supporter.
Translation of: Ayat 38 - 40 , Surat AlAnfal.
Note: In a summary of a speech of the Prophet Muhammad to a companion called Usama, "You killed a man after he said: There is no god but Allah!" What are you going to do with "La Illaha illa Allah on the Day of Judgment? Usama who killed the man answered: But he said it only to protect himself. The Prophet said: Why didn't you open his heart to know? And the Prophet kept on repeating "What are you going to do with La illaha illa Allah" to the extent that as Usama said: I wished I only became Muslim on that Day. Source: Mukhtasar Tafseer Ibn Kastheer, who died 774 Hijri (in Arabic), volume 2, page 105.
Note: After the death of the Prophet Muhammad some Muslims became against others. Different Muslim leaders interpreted different judgment to make all Muslims back on the Path of Allah. Some Muslims said to Abdullah the son of the second Caliph in Islam 'Umar AlKattab': You saw what people did (riot of Ibn AlZubair) and you ,Abudullah, were a companion of the Prophet Muhammad! What prevents you from fighting? He said: What prevents me that Allah has made the blood of a Muslim "haram". They said: Does not the Qur'an read: And fight them so that there is no persecution (fitnah)? He said: We fought (at the time of the Prophet) and there became no persecution (fitnah) and the Religion (in Arabia) became Allah's. But now you want to fight to create a persecution 'fitnah' and to make the Religion for other than Allah. Source: Mukhtasar Tafseer Ibn Kastheer, volume 2, page 105.
Note: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: When two Muslims meet with their swords against each other the killer and the killed are in Hell. A Prophet's companion asked: The killer in Hell but why will the killed be in Hell? The Prophet said: He was trying to kill the other one. Source: AlLou'lou' walMarjan feema etafaqqa alayhi alSheikhan AlBukhari wa Muslim, page 657.
Words: Yantahou = They cease - They stop, Qad Salaf = Is past, Ya'oudou = If they start again, Madhat Sunnat AlAwwaleen = Passed away the way of the ancient people, Qatil = Fight, Fitnah = Persecution - Ordeal trial, Entahou = They cease - Stop, Tawwalaaw = They turned away, E'lamou = Know. Ni'ma AlMawla = Best Master.

Q: "I do not fear for my nation except the misleading religious leaders (A'imah)," the Prophet Muhammad said. What motivates a large Muslim group to fight another large Muslim group?
A: Say (command to Prophet Muhammad): He (Allah) is The Capable to send on you punishment from above you (violent wind) or from under your feet (earthquake) or divide you into religious sects and let some of you taste the violence of others - See how We (Allah) detail the Lines (Qur'an) so that they may understand. And your people (some companions of the Prophet) rejected it as a lie (above line) and it is The Truth say (command to Prophet Muhammad): I am not over you a protector; For every prophecy there is a settling point and you (Muslims) will come to know.
Translation of: Ayat 65 - 67, Surat AlAn'am.
Note: When the above Ayat were sent down the Prophet Muhammad said: Do not return after me disbelievers (kuffar) killing one another. Some companions said: While we witness: There is no god but Allah and you are a prophet of Allah? The Prophet said: Yes! So some of them said: This can never happen! We kill one anther when we are Muslims. So lines 66 - 67 were sent down "And your people did not believe it..." Source: Mukhtasar Tafseer Ibn Kastheer" (Imam Ibn Kastheer) who died 774 Hijri. Volume 1, page 588.
Note:The Prophet Muhammad said: "I was commanded to fight people until they say: There is no god but Allah so if they say it then they have protected their blood and their wealth from me except with their right (soul for soul or forgiveness and punishment for wealth taken or forgiveness) and their account is with Allah.
Note: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: I prayed to my God 1. not to destroy my (Muslim) nation at large with hunger (= sannah) and 2. not to let an outside enemy lay violent hands on my nation at large and 3. not to divide them into religious sects (shiyaan) and 4. not to let some of them taste the violence of others. The Prophet was granted the first two and was rejected the rest. The Prophet said: I do not fear for my nation except the misleading religious leaders (a'imah) and when the sword (weapon) is withdrawn among my nation it will not be laid down until the Day of Judgment. Source: Mukhtasar Tafseer Ibn Kastheer" (Imam Ibn Kastheer) who died 774 Hijri. Volume 1, pages 586 - 587.
Note: The Prophet Muhammad said that the Islamic nation "will be divided into 73 sects. All of them in Hell except one." Sheikh Anwar AlAwlaki explains it in his cassette on "The Hereafter": A lot of Muslims do not even know that they belong to a religious sect. They go to a mosque, perform the prayer, do other Islamic rituals and go about their routine work in life. It is to Allah either to punish those in sects or to be Merciful to them. Even when belonging to a sect the foundation of Islam should be observed: There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the last and the seal of prophets.
Words: AlQaadir = The Capable - Has the Power, Yabesth = Sends, Athab = Punishment, Arjul = Feet, Yalbis Shiya'an = Divides into religious sects, Ba's = Violence, Nusarrif = Detail, Yafqah = Understands, Kaththaba = Rejected as a lie, Wakeel = Responible - Dispenser of affairs, Likul = For every, Naba' = Prophecy - News, Mustaqar = A settling point. Ta'lam = You will come to know.

Q: According to the Islamic belief what affects the result of the war?
A: If you (old disbelievers of Arabia) imloring God for judgment (against your enemy) then the judgment has arrived you (disbelievers lost) and if you cease (attack) then it is better for you but if you return We (Allah) will return (to support believers) and your force will avail you nothing even if it multiplied for Allah is with the believers* .
Translation of: Ayah 19, Surat AlAnfal.
* Muslims with Faith (= Iman) that is reposed in the heart.
Note: Reference is to the War of Badr in Islam: Between the Prophet Muhammad with his companions against the polytheists of Mecca.
Note: Disbelievers of Arabia at the time of the Prophet Muhammad knew about Allah since they are descendants of the Prophet Ishmael (Ismaeel), Abraham's son. But as time passed some of their ancestors started to join with Allah gods in the form of more than 300 idols. They used to circle the Ka'bah as in AlHajj nowadays. They used to say what Muslims say nowadays: "There is no god but Allah - No partner with him '= La illaha illa Allah, La shareeka Lahu" except that they used to add blasphemy to it ("except a partner who is his '= illa shareek howa Lahu'". Source: Mukhtasar Tafsseer Ibn Kastheer.
Words: Tastaftehou = Implore God for judgement, Fateh = Judgment, Tantahou = Cease, Khair = Better, Ta'oudou = You return, Na'ud = We return, Tughni = Be of use, Fi'ah = Force - Group, Len Shaye'an = Nothing, Law Kastharat = Even if it multiplied.

Q: Before Allah dictated AlJihad people used to fight for personal causes. What is the Islamic philosophy behind Fighting in the cause of Allah?
A: Haven't you considered those to whom it was said (before AlJihad): Hold back your hands (do not fight) and perform the prayer and give the prescribed charity (Zakat) and then when fighting was dictated on them suddenly a group of them were fearing people as they fear Allah or more fearing and they said: Our God! Why did you dictate fighting on us? Only if you delayed us to a nearby time (another time) say (command to Prophet Muhammad): The enjoyment of this life is little and the Other Life is better for whoever protects himself by fearing Allah and no thread-like injustice will be done to you.
Translation of: Ayah 77, Surat AlNisa'.
Note: AlJihad first was decreed on the Jews. Before that Messengers of Allah used to leave their areas without AlJihad and Allah used to punish and sometimes destroy completely the transgressing nations.
Words: Kuffou = Hold back, Aydy = Hands, Kutiba = Was dictated, Fareeq = Group, Khashyat = Fearing, Lawla = If only, Akhkharra = Delayed, Ajal Qareeb = Nearby time - Future time, Mata' = Enjoyment, Qaleel = Little, AlAkhirah = The Other Life, Etaqqa = Protected himself by fearing Allah, Tuthlamouna Fateelan = No thread-like injustice will be done to you.

Q: In times of suffering when does the support of Allah reach the faithful?
A: Or did you (faithful) think that you are going to enter The Garden (of Paradise) and the similar of those (generations) who passed away before you did not reach you? They were afflicted with misery (because of fighting) and harm and they were shaken (with fear) until the prophet (then) and those who believed with him said: When is the support of Allah coming? Well certainly the support of Allah is coming soon.
Translation of: Ayah 214, Surat AlBaqarah.
Note: In a summary of the Prophet's speech, Khabbab Bin AlArt, a companion, said to the Prophet Muhammad: Prophet of Allah! Will you not ask Allah to support us? Will you not pray to Allah for us? The Prophet said: Before you there were generations when they used to saw the faithful person from the head to his feet without that turning him away from his Religion but you are people asking for haste. Source: Makhtasar Tafseer Ibn Kastheer, page 188.
Words: Em = Or, Hasibtum = Did you think, Lamma Ya'tikum = It did not reach you, Masthal = Similar - the like, Ba'ssa' = Misery (because of fighting), Dharra' = Harm, Zulzilou = Were shaken, Mata = When, Nasr = Support - Victory, Qareeb = Coming soon.

Q: How can faithful people win the hearts of those whom they do not like?
A: And good and evil cannot be equal - Repel (evil) with what is better so suddenly the one you have enmity with is like a close friend; And no one is granted it (goodness) except those who are patient and no one is granted it except who is with a great fortune (righteousness); And if you are prompted with a sly prompt (to fight) from Satan then seek refuge with Allah for He is the All-Listener, the All-Knowing.
Translation of: Ayat 34 - 36 , Surat Fusilat.
Note: In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: Any of you (faithful) should not point with a weapon towards his brother because you do not know when Satan slyly prompts his hand (uses the weapon) so he falls in a pit of fire (Hell).
Words: Tastawi = Are equal, AlHasanah = Good, AlSayye'ah = Evil, Edfe' = Repel - Push away, Baynaka waBaynahu adou = You have enmity with, Weli = Friend, Hameem = Close - Sincere, Yulaqqa = Is granted, Sabarou = Were patient, Thou Hath = With fortune, Atheem = Great, Yanzaghannaka = Are prompted, Nazagh = Sly prompt, Este'th = Seek refuge.

Q: If Allah says He supports the faithful then He does. Why do Muslims then lose wars?
A: And We (Allah) sent before you (Prophet Muhammad) prophets to their peoples so they brought them the Signs (miracles) then We took revenge against those who were criminals (sinners) and really it is upon Us (Allah) to support the faithful (= almou'mineen).
Translation of: Ayah 47, Surat AlRoum.
Note: Remember the Prophet's time was in the 6th-7th century. In a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: Nations are about to evoke one another against you (Muslims) as the eaters call each other to the bowl of food. A person asked: Is it because we are a little group then? The Prophet said: No! Rather you are then a lot but you are scum (worthless) like the scum of the stream. And Allah will pull out fearing you from the chests of your enemy. And Allah will throw powerlessness (= alwahn) in your hearts. A person asked: Prophet of Allah! What is powerlessness? The Prophet said: Love of this life and hatred of death. Source: A religious sermon in Arabic about "The Best Morals" by the Shaikh Wisam AlOthman (Kuwait).
Note: Also remember that in a summary of a saying of the Prophet Muhammad: The best generations (= khair alquroun) is my (the Prophet's) generation then the one who follows them then the one that follows them. (The narrater of the Prophet's speech could not recall if the Prophet said it three times or four times).
Note: AlMou'mineen from "Iman" (Faith).
Words: Arsalna = We sent, Min Qablika = Before you, Rusul = Prophets, Entaqamna = We took revenge, Ajrama = Was criminal (sinner), Haqqan Alayna = Really it is upon Us, Nasr = Support. AlMou'mineen = The Faithful (when Faith is rooted in the heart. It takes the Muslim a step higher in Faith).

Q: When in a war what do Muslims call those who believe in "AlTaghout" (other than Allah such as idols, nature forces...etc)?
A: Those who believe (in Allah alone) fight in Allah's Path and those who disbelieve* fight in the path of other than Allah (= AlTaghout) so do fight the supporters of Satan for the plotting of Satan is weak.
Translation of: Ayah 76, Surat AlNisa'.
* Joining any partner with Allah is a form of disbelieving in Allah and is called "AlShirk".
Note: Worshipping of AlTaghout.
Words: Yuqatiloun = They fight, Sabeel Allah = Allah's Path, Awliya' = Supporters, Kayd = Plotting - Planning, Dha'eefa = Is weak.