Chapter: Fighting Those Who Rebel

If a group possessing force and the ability to resist rises against the imam on the basis of a plausible interpretation, then they are rebels, …

His statement, “Those who rebel”: baghy (rebellion) is the verbal noun of baghā yabghī. What is meant by “those who rebel” is the Khawarij who rise against the leaders of the Muslims.

His statement, “If a group possessing force and the ability to resist rises against the imam on the basis of a plausible interpretation, then they are rebels”: a qawm refers to men, whereas women are females. Allah the Exalted says:

“O you who believe, let not a people ridicule another people; perhaps they may be better than them. Nor let women ridicule other women; perhaps they may be better than them.” [Surah al-Hujurat 49:11]

The poet said:

I do not know—and I do not think that I shall know—
Whether the family of Hisn are men or women.

This is when qawm is mentioned alongside women. When used without such qualification, however, it includes both men and women, as in the saying of Allah the Exalted:

“The people of Noah denied the messengers.” [Surah al-Shu'ara 26:105]

and similar verses.

Thus, his statement, “If a group rises,” means a body of men, since they are the ones who possess force and the ability to resist.

His statement, “force,” means strength. Strength is called shawkah because of its penetrating effect, just as a thorn penetrates the body. Allah the Exalted says:

“And when Allah promised you one of the two groups—that it would be yours—while you wished that the unarmed one would be yours.” [Surah al-Anfal 8:7]

His statement, “the ability to resist,” means being able to hold out; that is, they are a numerous people.