contrary to Ahmad’s principles, is refuted by the Quran and by the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—in his dealings with most of those with whom he made treaties, for he did not set any term for their treaties. As for a treaty fixed for a specific term, however, it was not permissible for him to break it, as shown by His words:

“Except those polytheists with whom you have made a treaty and who thereafter have failed you in nothing and supported no one against you. Fulfil your treaty with them until the end of its term. Surely Allah loves the God-fearing.” [al-Tawba: 4] [al-Tawba]

He also said:

“Except those with whom you made a treaty at the Sacred Mosque. So long as they remain true to you, remain true to them. Surely Allah loves the God-fearing.” [al-Tawba: 7] [al-Tawba]

And He said:

“If you fear treachery from any people, terminate your treaty with them openly and on equal terms.” [al-Anfal: 58] [al-Anfal]

He permitted such repudiation only when signs of treachery became apparent, because the feared breach originated with them. Allah Most High also said:

“O you who believe, why do you say what you do not do?” [al-Saff: 2] [al-Saff]—and the verse that follows.

It is also related in Sahīh Muslim from Abū Mūsā al-Asharī: “Among the portions of the Quran whose recitation was abrogated was a surah resembling Barā'a: ‘O you who believe, why do you say what you do not do, so that it is recorded as testimony binding upon you and you are questioned about it on the Day of Resurrection?’”

Allah Most High also said:

“And those who faithfully observe their trusts and covenants.” [al-Mu'minun: 8]

This occurs in both Surah al-Mu'minun and Surah al-Ma'arij. It is among the qualities of those exempted from blameworthy impatience and greed in His words:

“Indeed, man was created impatient: when evil touches him, he becomes distressed, and when good touches him, he becomes withholding—except those who pray, who remain constant in their prayer; those in whose wealth there is a fixed right for the beggar and the deprived; those who believe in the Day of Judgment; those who fear their Lord’s punishment—for none can feel secure from their Lord’s punishment; those who guard their chastity, except with their wives or those whom their right hands possess, for then they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that—it is they who are the transgressors; and those who faithfully observe their trusts and covenants.” [al-Mu'minun: 19–8] [al-Ma'arij]

This entails that all of these qualities are obligatory, for He exempted from what is blameworthy only those who possess them all. For this reason, He mentions therein only what is