withstand twice his number and is on the verge of engaging in battle, then, if he stands firm, he may not turn away from them in retreat.

Al-Khiraqī said: “It is not permissible for a Muslim to flee from two disbelievers, but he is permitted to flee from three. If he fears capture, he must fight until he is killed.”

The second duty is that he must intend, by fighting, to support the religion of Allah Most High and invalidate whatever contradicts it among the other religions, thereby obeying Allah Most High in carrying out His commands. He must not intend, through his jihad, to acquire booty, thereby becoming one who seeks worldly gain rather than one of the mujahidin. The basis for this is that when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ransomed the captives of Badr in exchange for money, Allah reproached His Prophet for what he had done, saying: “It is not for a prophet to have captives until he has thoroughly subdued the land. You desire the commodities of this world, while Allah desires the Hereafter” (Quran 8:67)—that is, killing them; “you desire the commodities of this world”—that is, the ransom money; “while Allah desires the Hereafter”—that is, deeds that bring about the reward of the Hereafter.

The third of Allah’s rights is that he must faithfully discharge his trust concerning whatever booty he has acquired, and no one may secretly take anything from it before it is divided among all the combatants who were present at the battle and stood united against the enemy, because each of them has a right to a share of it.

The fourth of Allah’s rights is that he must not side with a close relative among the polytheists, nor show partiality toward someone he loves when supporting the cause of Allah. Allah Most High says: “O believers! Do not take My enemies and your enemies as allies, showing them affection, even though they have denied the truth that has come to you” (Quran 60:1). This verse was revealed concerning Ḥāṭib ibn Abī Baltaʿah, who wrote a letter to the people of Mecca informing them of the Prophet’s march toward them.

As for what is incumbent upon them concerning the commander’s rights over them, there are four matters. The first is to adhere to obedience to him and place themselves under his authority. Allah Most High says: “O believers! Obey Allah, obey the Messenger, and those in authority among you” (Quran 4:59). It has been said that these are the commanders, while it has also been said that they are the scholars. Abū Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever obeys me has obeyed Allah, and whoever obeys my commander has obeyed me. Whoever disobeys me has disobeyed Allah, and whoever disobeys my commander has disobeyed me.”