he presses in upon you parallels the opponent’s answer to the very objection he has raised against you.

Thus, martial prowess comes in two forms: the prowess of knowledge and clear exposition, and the prowess of archery and hand-to-hand combat (1). Since the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ were the most perfect of people in both kinds of prowess, they opened hearts with proof and evidence, and they opened lands with sword and spear (2). Mankind is essentially these two parties; whoever stands outside them—if he does not serve and assist them—is merely a burden upon the human race.

Allah commanded His Messenger ﷺ to dispute with the unbelievers and hypocrites and to fight His obstinate, warring enemies, so it is evident that combat and disputation are among the most important and beneficial disciplines (3) for people in both this life and the next. Nothing rivals the ink of the scholars except the blood of the martyrs, and elevation and loftiness of rank (4) in the two abodes belong to these two groups alone, while all others are their flock, following their leaders.

Section

If it is said: “Seeing that the spear enjoys the stature you have described (5), why did you not allow wagering on mastery with it just as you allowed it in archery contests and horse racing?”