for once waging jihad against them with the hand has been legislated, doing so with the tongue is even more deserving.

The Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said:

“Strive against the polytheists with your hands, your tongues, and your wealth.”

He would even place a pulpit in his mosque for Ḥassān ibn Thābit so that he could satirize the polytheists, combating them with sharp poetry; and this occurred after the verses on fighting had already been revealed. Now, what is the benefit of mere lampooning when set beside the benefit of establishing clear proofs for the truth of Islam and demolishing the arguments of the unbelievers, whether pagan or People of the Book?

Sixth Argument:

It is acknowledged that fighting was only legislated out of necessity. Had people believed on the strength of evidence and signs, there would have been no need for combat. Therefore, presenting the signs of Islam and its proofs is an absolute, original obligation, whereas armed jihad is prescribed only for cases of necessity. How, then, could the latter ever negate the former?

If it is said, “The emblems and evidences of Islam have already become manifest, so there is no longer any need for…"