Life-of-Muhammad

112Life of Muhammad sa(ix) Fighting is to continue only so long asinterference with religion and religious freedom lasts.When religion becomes free and interference with it is nolonger permitted and the enemy declares and begins toact accordingly, then there is to be no war, even if it isthe enemy who starts it.(3) In 8: 39–41 we have:Say to those who disbelieve, if they desist, that which ispast will be forgiven them; and if they return thereto, thenverily the example of the former people has already gonebefore them.And fight them until there is no persecution and religion iswholly for Allah. But if they desist, then surely Allah isWatchful of what they do. And if they turn their backs,then know that Allah is your Protector. What an excellentProtector and what an excellent Helper.That is to say, wars have been forced upon Muslims.But if the enemy desists, it is the duty of Muslims todesist also, and forgive the past. But if the enemy doesnot desist and attacks Muslims again and again, thenhe should remember the fate of the enemies of earlierProphets. Muslims are to fight, while religiouspersecution lasts, and so long as religion is not for Godand interference in religious matters is not abandoned.When the aggressor desists, Muslims are to desist also.They are not to continue the war because the enemybelieves in a false religion. The value of beliefs andactions is well known to God and He will reward them asHe pleases. Muslims have no right to meddle withanother people's religion even if that religion seems tothem to be false. If after an offer of peace the enemycontinues to make war, then Muslims may be sure ofvictory even though their numbers are small. For Godwill help them and who can help better than God?These verses were revealed in connection with theBattle of Badr. This battle was the first regular fightbetween Muslims and disbelievers. In it Muslims werethe victims of unprovoked aggression. The enemy had