Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

194 'Ali ibn Abi Tcilib in Makkah
Allah (s) says:
(Freedom from [all] obligations [is declared] from Allah and His
Messenger to those of the Mushrikoon [polytheists, pagans, idolaters,
disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah], with whom you made a treaty.
So travel freely [0 Mushrikoon] for four months [as yon will]
throughout the land, hut know that you cannot escape [from the
punishment of] Allah, and Allah will disgrace the disbelievers. And a
declaration from Allah and His Messenger to mankind on the greatest
day [the 10th of Dhul-&jjah - the 12th month of Islamic calendar]
that Allah is free from [all] obligations to the Mushrikoon and so is
His Messenger. So if you [Mushrikoon] repent, it is better for yon,
but if you turn away, then know that you cannot escape [from the
punishment of] Allah. And give tidings [O Muhammad] of a painful
torment to those who disbelieve.) (Qur'an 9: 1-3)
Those who had covenants were given respite until the end of
their covenants. Allah (&) says: (Except those of the Mushrikoon
with whom you have a treaty, and who have not subsequently failed
you in aught, nor have supported anyone against you. So fulfil their
treaty to them for the end of their term. Surely, AUah loves Al-
Muttaqoon [the pious].), (Qur'an 9: 4)
Respite was also given to those of the polytheists who had no
covenant until the end of the sacred months, at which point they
would be in a state of war with the Muslims. Allah (&) says: (Then
when the Sacred Months [the lst, 7th, 11th and 12th months of the
Islamic calendar] have passed, then kill the Mushrikoon wherever
you find them, and capture them and besiege them, and lie in wait for
them in each and every ambush. But if they repent [by rejecting Shirk
(polytheism) and accept Islamic Monotheism] and perform as-Sala
[Iqimat-as-Sal2h], and give Zakiih, then leave their way free. Verily,
AUah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Mercifu1.B (Qur'an 9: 5)