and compensation and a bonus from the spoils, if they are people of this world. Allah Most High says: “Whoever desires the reward of this world, We shall give him some of it; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter, We shall give him some of it” (Quran 3:145).
Eighth: He must consult people of sound judgment regarding difficult matters and refer to people of resolve concerning whatever is unclear, so that he may avoid error and be protected from missteps, thereby coming closer to victory. Allah Most High said to His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): “Consult them in the matter; then, when you have reached a decision, place your trust in Allah” (Quran 3:159). He commanded him to consult them despite the guidance He had granted him and the support with which He had aided him.
Ninth: He must hold his army to the duties Allah Most High has made obligatory as His rights, so that they do not take liberties with the religion.
Tenth: He must not allow anyone in his army to occupy himself with trade or agriculture, allowing concern for it to distract him from standing firm against the enemy.
Among the rulings governing this command are the duties incumbent upon the fighters serving under him with respect to jihad. These are of two kinds: the first consists of what is incumbent upon them with respect to Allah Most High, and the second of what is incumbent upon them with respect to the commander’s rights over them.
As for what is incumbent upon them with respect to Allah Most High, there are four matters. The first is standing firm against the enemy when the two forces meet, and not fleeing before an enemy force twice their number or fewer. At the beginning of Islam, Allah Most High had made it obligatory upon every Muslim to fight ten disbelievers, as He says: “Now Allah has lightened your burden, knowing that there is weakness among you. So if there are one hundred steadfast among you, they will overcome two hundred; and if there are one thousand among you, they will overcome two thousand by Allah’s permission” (Quran 8:65).
Allah forbade every Muslim to flee before twice his number, except in one of two situations: either he maneuvers for battle, withdrawing to rest or to employ a stratagem, and then returns to fight them; or he withdraws to another contingent, joining a force that will fight them. Allah Most High says: “Whoever turns his back on them on such a day—unless maneuvering for battle or joining another group—has certainly incurred the wrath of Allah” (Quran 8:16). It makes no difference whether the contingent to which he withdraws is near or far. If he is unable to