88 – Since the verse removes the obligation to stand firm against an enemy force greater than twice one’s own in every circumstance, then a fortiori it cannot be taken to impose—even by way of recommendation—an unconditional licence to do so.

Another verse and the clarification of its correct meaning

89 – Someone may object: Allah the Exalted has said, “And do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands” (Al-Baqara 2:195). Thus, if a man fights in a position where he is almost certain to be killed, he has, it is argued, hurled himself into destruction.

90 – ⦗1⦘ The reply is that construing the verse in this manner is mistaken!

The Companions’ rejection of this misinterpretation

91 – For that reason the Companions and the leading scholars have consistently repudiated anyone who interprets the verse that way. As we mentioned earlier: when a man charged single-handedly at the enemy, the people cried out, “He has thrown himself into destruction!”

Umar’s refutation

Umar ibn al-Khattab responded, “No! Rather, he is one of those about whom Allah has said: ‘And of the people is he who sells himself, seeking Allah’s pleasure’ (Al-Baqara 2:207).”

Abu Ayyub al-Ansari’s refutation

92 – Moreover, Abu Dawud, al-Nasa’i, and al-Tirmidhi have transmitted—through Yazid ibn Abi Habib, the foremost scholar of Egypt among the Followers—from Aslam Abu ‘Imran, who said: “We set out from Medina on campaign to Constantinople, with ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn Khalid ibn al-Walid commanding the army, and the Byzantines had massed…"