Salaam Dear David,

Thank you for your question.

This is a verse taken from Surat at-Tawba, known as Surat Bara’ah. In fact, this chapter of the Qur’an was revealed in the context when the newly organized Muslim community in Madinah was under severe attack from the Pagans of Makkah and was engaged in self-defense.

The major question dealt with here is how the Muslims should respond to those who break an existing treaty at will.

The first clause in the verse you quoted refers to the time-honored Arab custom – and maintained later by Islam – of four honored months, in which war is not permitted. It is a period of warning and waiting given to the offenders, after a clear violation. That is, they will be given four months to repair the damage or make peace. But if nothing changes after the expiry of these months where preemptive war is forbidden, then what should be done? This is what the present verse addressed.

According to this verse, war must be declared officially until one of two scenarios take place: either the enemy should be vanquished by relentless fighting - that is what is meant by *{… then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem [of war]; but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and pay zakat…}*

It is a fact that this is one of those verses of the Qur’an, which is frequently misunderstood by non-Muslims, if quoted or understood out of context. We must understand that this fighting was against a people, who forced Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his beloved companions to leave, not only their own homes, but also all their property and even their hometown of Makkah, to emigrate and live in Madinah.

Once the Muslims were organized into a community in those lawless times, the rules to be followed by the Muslims were clearly laid down, even in matters of war. Since Islam is a comprehensive socio-political system, no human situation could be ignored. And, given the nature of mankind, we cannot imagine a situation where fighting is completely ruled out either…

No Muslim, who knows the Qur’an well, would take this verse and turn it into a general rule. Islamic jurists, through centuries, set very strict rules for the declaration of war, POWs rights and - of course - the civilians’ as well…

Also remember that after having the upper hand in various battles and when the prophet and his army opened Makkah – peacefully - and returned back to their homes in Madinah, he issued a general amnesty declaration. He offered those who fought against him mercy and forgiveness!

So, the history of Prophet Muhammad’s life [the prophet of Islam] should also be carefully read, along with reading the Holy Qur’an, in order to reach a clear understanding of the Islamic logic.

Hope this answers your question and Allah knows best.

You may also find interest in the following:

When and How to Fight

Permit to Fight

No “Holy” War…