212 ISLAM AT WAR
- That He may cut off a part of those who disbelieve, or overwhelm
them so that they retire, frustrated. - It is no concern at all of thee (Muhammad) whether He relent toward
them or punish them; for they are evil-doers.
Allah sending angels to support the Muslims when they are in battle is
surely an indication that their battle is a matter of Allah’s interest, thereby
making it a holy undertaking. Surah III, 126, says that “Victory (at Badr)
cometh only from Allah,” which states clearly that the fight at Badr was
Allah’s fight and the implication, when looked at in conjunction with
Surah IV, 74, which promises eternity in paradise to those who fall in
combat for Islam, is clearly that war for Islam is a holy act.
As history marched on, Islam, weaned on the field at Badr, would spread
across the Middle East, North Africa, and the Indian subcontinent in the
same manner. Jihad came to mean “holy war,” and its main goal would
evolve into the method by which infidels would be converted to Islam.
Scholars agree that jihad is a collective, not a personal, obligation. Ac-
cording to the majority of scholars, the compulsory nature of the jihad is
founded on Surah II, 216, “Prescribed for you is fighting, though it be
hateful to you.” Islamic scholars also agree that all polytheists should be
fought. This is founded on Surah VIII, 39, “Fight them until there is no
persecution and the religion is God’s entirely.” God, of course, refers to
Muhammad’s God.
The militarily aggressive nature of Islam is nowhere more apparent than
in the concept of jihad, the holy war. The ultimate aim of this holy warfare
is to conquer the entire world and force it to submit to Islam or the sword.
Islam alone has been granted the truth and salvation is impossible outside
it. It is the sacred duty of all Muslims to bring it to all humanity. Jihad is
a divine institution, birthed at Badr and specifically decreed for the pur-
pose of advancing Islam. Numerous scriptures in the Koran make it clear
that Muslims must strive, fight, and kill in the name of Allah:
Surah IX, 5. Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters
wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), besiege them, and prepare
for them each ambush.Surah IV, 76. Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah...Surah VIII, 12. I will instill terror into the hearts of the Infidels, strike off
their heads then, and strike off from them every fingertip.