For entering into matters of jihad without knowledge turns jihad into sheer corruption and drags tribulations and evils upon Islam and the Muslims.

The sincere fighter—one who seeks neither domination on earth nor corruption—does not wrong, transgress, oppress, or betray. Both oppression and treachery are reasons for Allah to grant victory to the one oppressed over the oppressor. The Exalted has said: “That is so. And whoever retaliates with the like of that with which he was afflicted and is then wronged—Allah will surely aid him” (al-Hajj 22:60).

Likewise, the Muslim combatant does not fight in Allah’s cause out of a craving for killing, bloodshed, or the destruction of others. When he meets his enemy he combines two intentions: first, to make the word of monotheism supreme and to be firm with those who oppose it and prevent the Muslims from establishing it; and second, to show compassion to the unbelievers—shielding them first from the sword and finally from the punishment of Hell—such that his love for and joy at their embracing Islam outweigh his delight in seeing them slain or captured, for they are servants of Allah. The Exalted says: “You yourselves were like that before; then Allah showed you His favor” (al-Nisāʾ 4:94). 1

As for establishing the attribution of the book to its author: the author—may Allah have mercy on him—refers to it while discussing this very issue, where he says, “For this reason the Four Imams permitted the Muslim to plunge into the ranks …”