abu-bakr-naji-the-management-of-savagery-the-most-critical-stage-through-which-the-umma-will-pass

down His punishment if the people of faith hesitate or neglect to prohibit wrong and engage
in jihad or He sends it down partially as an aid to the mujahids, especially in light of their
weakness, which is one of the laws of missionary activities [see page 83]. He, exalted is He,
said: "Fight them, and God will chastise them at your hands and degrade them, and He will
help you against them, and bring healing to the hearts of the people who believe, and He will
remove the rage within their hearts; and God turns towards whomsoever He will; God is
All-knowing, All-wise." (Qur'an 9:14-15) And He, praise be He, said: "Say: ‘Are you awaiting
for aught to come to us but one of the two rewards most fair? We are awaiting in your case
too, for God to visit you with chastisement from Him, or at our hands; so await; we are
awaiting with you.’" (Qur'an 9:52)
God made the sword to stop the unbelievers at their border, to prevent their advance, and to
guide some of them. On the other hand, from the punishment of God which had previously
descended [i.e. the flood of Noah], none were spared save the believers.
Among the swords of the Muslims which descended upon those who deserved them is a
mercy to humanity:
A sword against the polytheists among the Arabs until they converted to Islam—He, exalted
is He, said, "Then, when the sacred months are drawn away, slay the idolaters wherever you
find them, and take them, and confine them, and lie in wait for them at every place of
ambush. But if they repent, and perform the prayer, and pay the alms, then let them go their
way; God is All-forgiving, All-compassionate." (Qur'an 9:5)