Socio Political Thought Of Shah WaliAllah Rahmatullahi Alaihi

300. God says: "Now God has lightened your burden, and He knows that
there is weakness in In my opinion, exalting the word of
God cannot be realized by any people without committing themselves
to an attitude of steadfastness, mutual aid, and perseverance in
the hardships of war. But if people become accustomed to escaping
from hardships, this goal cannot be achieved. Nay, such an attitude
might lead to utter disgrace. Also, running away is cowardice and a
weakness of character. In fact, it is the lowest level of morality.
301. Moreover, it is necessary to determine some limit by which the
difference between the obligatory and the non-obligatory could be
distinguished. Also mutual help and favour cannot be demonstrated
except when the factors of defeat outnumber the factors of victory.
So this was first measured by ten times, because disbelief at that
stage was rampant, and Muslims were quite small in number. If Muslims
of those days were given a concession to flee, there would not
have taken place any jihad at all. Later on, this measure of bravery
was reduced to double, because mutual help and perseverance cannot
be displayed in less than that measure.
302. Further, since jihad was prescribed for establishing the supremacy of
the word of God, the necessary means of establishing this supremacy
were also made obligatory. That is why it has been an obligation and
a consistent practice on the part of the imam to organize defence of
the frontiers of Ddr al-lsldm, to marshal fighting force, and to post
commanders in all comers and frontiers. The Prophet (peace be upon
him) and his successors have established practical precedents in this
behalf.
303. Whenever the Prophet (peace be upon him) appointed anyone as
commander of an army, or despatched a military detachment, he
counselled him to fear God in his personal conduct, and to be kind
toward the group of Muslims under his command. Thereafter, the
Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say: "Fight in the name of God
and in His cause; fight those who disbelieve in God, and do not be
perfidious..."205
304. The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade from perfidy, as this would
dishearten Muslims and might give rise to discord among them. As
a consequence of this, they might tend to prefer spoils to war. This
attitude often leads to defeat. He forbade deception so that the protection
of their pledges and guarantees is not nullified. Further, he