and so every person is obliged to do whatever lies within the utmost limit of his ability; while those who are lawfully excused from going forth must, for that very reason, look after the warriors’ families and property.” End of quote.

The ruler, moreover, must review the army as it sets out for jihad, barring from the ranks anyone—whether man, mount, or the like—who is unfit for combat. He must exclude the defeatist who discourages the people from fighting, the alarmist who strikes fear into the volunteers, and anyone who would leak information to the enemy or sow discord among the troops. He should appoint over the fighters a commander who will direct the army in accordance with the principles of the Sacred Law.

The army, for its part, is duty-bound to obey that commander in what is right, to offer him sincere counsel, and to remain steadfast alongside him, as the Almighty says: “O you who believe! Obey Allah, obey the Messenger, and those in authority among you.”

Jihad in Islam has been legislated for exalted purposes and noble ends:

• Allah ordained jihad to rescue people from worshipping tyrants and idols and bring them to worship Allah alone, without partner—the One who created and sustains them. He says: “Fight them until there is no persecution and religion belongs wholly to Allah.”

• Allah likewise prescribed jihad to remove oppression and restore rights to those who deserve them,