The Wish that the Order for Jihad be Delayed

In the beginning of Islam, Muslims in Makkah were commanded to perform the prayer and pay some charity, so as to comfort the poor among them. They were also commanded to be forgiving and forbearing with the idolators and to observe patience with them at the time. However, they were eager and anticipating the time when they would be allowed to fight, so that they could punish their enemies. The situation at that time did not permit armed conflict for many reasons. For instance, Muslims were few at the time, compared to their numerous enemies. The Muslims’ city was a sacred one and the most honored area on the earth, and this is why the command to fight was not revealed in Makkah. Later on when the Muslims controlled a town of their own, Al-Madinah, and had strength, power and support, Jihad was then legislated. Yet, when the command to fight was revealed, just as Muslims wished, some of them became weary and were very fearful of facing the idolators in battle.

meaning, we wish that Jihad was delayed until a later time, because it means bloodshed, orphans and widows. In a similar Ayah, Allah said,

Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Ibn ‘Abbas said that ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Awf and several of his companions came to the Prophet while in Makkah and said, “O Allah’s Prophet! We were mighty when we were pagans, but when we embraced the faith, we became weak.” The Prophet said,

«I was commanded to pardon the people, so do not fight them.»

When Allah transferred the Prophet to Al-Madinah, He commanded him to fight (the idolators), but they (some Muslims) held back. So, Allah revealed the Ayah;

This Hadith was collected by An-Nasa’i and Al-Hakim.
Allah’s statement,

means, the destination of the one who with Taqwa is better for him than this life.

for your good deeds. Rather, you will earn your full rewards for them. This promise directs the focus of believers away from this life and makes them eager for the Hereafter, all the while encouraging them to fight in Jihad.

There is No Escaping Death

Allah said,

meaning, you shall certainly die and none of you shall ever escape death. Allah said,

{Everyone shall taste death}, and,

Therefore, every soul shall taste death and nothing can save any person from it, whether he performed Jihad or not. Everyone has an appointed time, and a limited term of life.

In the illness that preceded his death, Khalid bin Al-Walid said, while in his bed, “I participated in so and so number of battles, and every part of my body sustained an injury due to a stab or a shot. Yet here I am, I die in my bed! Let not the eyes of the cowards ever taste sleep.” Allah’s statement,

Allah’s statement that all things are from Him means, everything occurs by the decision and decree of Allah, and His decision shall come to pass for both the righteous and the wicked, the faithful and the disbelievers. Allah then said while addressing His Messenger, but refering to mankind in general.

meaning, of Allah’s bounty, favor, kindness and mercy.

{But whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself.}, meaning because of you and due to your actions. Similarly, Allah said,

As-Suddi, Al-Hasan Al-Basri, Ibn Jurayj and Ibn Zayd said that,

{from yourself} means, because of your errors. Qatadah said that,

{From yourself} means, as punishment for you, O son of Adam, because of your sins. Allah said,

so that you convey to them Allah’s commandments, what He likes and is pleased with, and what He dislikes and refuses.

{and Allah is sufficient as a Witness.} that He has sent you. He is also Witness over you and them, having full knowledge in what you convey to them and the disbelief and rebellion with which they respond to the truth.