and ramām means dry vegetation. Hutām is that which crumbles and breaks apart. By “range far afield,” he means that the campaigns become distant. By “onerous commands,” he means the ruler’s imposing harsh orders upon them and insisting on what burdens them, whether because of the distance of the campaign, the little assistance he gives them, or other such reasons. His words thus indicate that jihad conducted according to the Sunnah is better than guarding the frontiers. This is likewise what Ibn al-Qāsim related from Mālik in the Book of Jihad in al-Mustakhrajah.

In my view, the more plausible interpretation is that this refers to times of grave danger for the inhabitants of that frontier, when an enemy attack is anticipated that may leave them, their wives, and their children overpowered. Undoubtedly, coming to their aid at such a time and protecting them against the anticipated danger is better than campaigning in enemy territory. Neither, therefore, can properly be declared unconditionally superior to the other; rather, this depends on the circumstances observed and the events that arise. This is borne out by Mālik’s words in Ibn al-Qāsim’s reports in the aforementioned book.

Guarding the frontiers for forty nights is recommended, for it is related that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “A complete term of guarding the frontiers is forty nights.” Many reports describe the merits of guarding the frontiers. Among them is the report that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “One night guarding the frontiers in Allah’s cause is better than a thousand nights spent in prayer, with their days spent fasting without a single day’s break.” He also said: “Whoever guards the frontiers for a she-camel’s milking interval, Allah will forbid the Fire to touch him.” Ibn Habīb said: “This is the time it takes to milk her.” Someone who resides at a frontier post with his family and children is not counted as one guarding the frontiers. Rather, it is someone who leaves his home intending to guard a frontier where danger is feared. And Allah grants success.

Section
On Rulings Concerning Captives

Allah, Mighty and Majestic, says:

“If you encounter them in battle, make a fearsome example of them to those who follow them, so that they may take heed.” [al-Anfāl: 57]

And He, Most High, says:

“When you meet those who disbelieve in battle, strike their necks until you have thoroughly subdued them; then bind them firmly. Thereafter, either release them as a favour or for ransom, until the war lays down its burdens.” [Muhammad: 4]