with reed lances,’ and if we were to fight a nation against whom lances were of no use, while arrows and swords (1) were effective, then lances would not be employed at that time; rather, whatever weapons they most fear would be brought to bear.

Similarly, were we to besiege a stronghold and a qaws al-jarakh (mechanical crossbow) proved more advantageous there than a hand-drawn bow, shooting with the qaws al-jarakh would be preferable to shooting with a hand bow—indeed, it would become obligatory. If bombardment with a mangonel (2) were more conducive to breaching the fortress, that would take priority over arrows alone.

The unbeliever is an enemy, and the objective is to kill him by whatever means possible, just as one kills a snake or a rabid dog. Consequently, every contingent of Muslims should fight with the bows, implements, and methods of combat to which it is accustomed.

If the Muslim armies (3) of today were fighting in the presence of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ with these Persian bows, and Allah and His Messenger were granted victory through them (4), he would praise and commend them and would not forbid their use. Allah alone grants success.