and at the close of the five daily prayers.

This practice is unique to them; no other nation—whether from the People of the Book or anyone else—shares it. The Jews gather the people with a trumpet, and the Christians with a bell, whereas proclaiming Allah’s greatness aloud is the distinctive emblem of Muhammad ibn ʿAbd Allah and his community.

His words, “Their hands hold double-edged swords,” refer to the Arabian swords with which the Companions opened up the lands; these swords are still recognised among them to this very day.

Likewise, his words, “They glorify Him upon their beds,” describe the believers—“those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides” (Āl ʿImrān 3:191).

It is therefore certain that this glad-tidings cannot apply to the Christians and does not befit them, for they do not raise their voices in takbīr, nor do they wield double-edged swords through which Allah exacts retribution from the nations. Indeed, the Christians reproach anyone who fights the unbelievers with the sword, and some of them even use this as a pretext to turn people away from Muhammad ﷺ. In their ignorance and misguidance they fail to realise that Moses fought the unbelievers, followed by Joshua son of Nun, then David, Solomon, and other prophets, and before them Abraham the Close Friend—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon them all.

(Eighth Proof) (1): David said, “Because of this God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword, O mighty one, for splendour is upon your face and praise predominates over you. Ride forth for the word of truth and the bearing of godliness. Your Law and statutes are coupled with the awe of your right hand; your arrows are honed, and the nations fall prostrate beneath you.” (2)