But when the enemy intends to attack the Muslims, repelling it becomes obligatory upon all those targeted, as well as upon those not targeted, who must assist them. Allah Most High says:

“If they seek your aid in matters of faith, then you must aid them” [al-Anfāl: 72].

Likewise, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded that a Muslim be aided, regardless of whether or not a man is among those paid to fight.

Everyone must fulfill this duty to the extent possible, with his person and his wealth, whether the Muslims are few or many, and whether on foot or mounted. Thus, when the enemy advanced against the Muslims (1) in the year of the Trench, Allah permitted no one to refrain from fighting. This was unlike offensive jihad undertaken to seek out the enemy, for which He permitted some to remain behind and divided them into those who stayed and those who went forth. Rather, He censured those who sought the Prophet’s permission:

“They say, ‘Our homes are exposed,’ though they are not exposed. They desire nothing but to flee” [al-Ahzāb: 13].

The former is defense of the faith, honor, and lives, and is fighting out of necessity. The latter is fighting undertaken by choice to extend and exalt the faith and thereby deter (2) the enemy, as in the expedition to Tabūk and similar campaigns. This form of punishment applies to resistant groups (3).

As for those among the inhabitants of Muslim lands and the like who do not offer resistance, they must be compelled to fulfill the obligations that constitute the five pillars of Islam, as well as other duties, such as discharging trusts, honoring agreements in transactions, and so forth.

Whoever among the people—male or female—does not pray must be commanded