Conclusion
From the foregoing discussion the following points become clear:

First: Islam safeguards human life because Allah has safeguarded it; therefore it forbids killing a person merely on account of his original unbelief. All of this will, God willing, be set out with decisive proofs and radiant evidence.

Second: Although the Muslims may appear to press the unbelievers by beginning hostilities, in reality it is the unbelievers who first take up arms. Had they allowed the soldiers of Allah and His messengers to convey the message for which they were sent, not a single sword would have left its scabbard. Yet envy and arrogance drive their possessor to ruin, and none perishes before Allah except one already headed for destruction.

Third: Islam makes every effort to avoid bloodshed, even with its opponents. The proof is that it places armed combat as the last resort, not the first. Moreover, our fighting and killing target only those who fight us; their liability arises from their aggression and warfare, not from their unbelief or obstinacy. So take heed!

Fourth: The rulings of jihad fall within the sphere of the Sharia, and in them the balance of benefit and harm must always be carefully weighed.