So the two of them parted company—one striking and the other being struck—and the evidence was lost between the claimant and the defendant.

Thereupon the respondent rolled up the sleeves (1) of resolve (2), rose upon the leg of earnestness, and stood for God’s sake—seeking His help, consigning the matter to Him, relying (3) upon Him to attain His good pleasure. He did not utter the feeble, ignorant remark: “The unbelievers are to be dealt with by the blade, not by debate.” Such a stance is nothing but flight from the battlefield and a surrender to incapacity and weakness. Yet Allah has commanded (4) that the unbelievers be contested with argument after they have been invited to the truth, so that proof may be established and excuses removed: “so that those who perish might perish upon clear evidence, and those who live might live upon clear evidence” (Al-Anfal 42).

The sword was sent only to carry the proof into effect, to straighten the stubborn (5), and to curb the obstinate denier. Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Indeed We sent Our messengers with clear evidences, and We sent down with them the Book and the balance so that people might uphold justice. And We sent down iron, wherein is fierce might and benefits for mankind, so that Allah may know who will support Him and His messengers unseen. Surely Allah is Strong, Almighty” (Al-Hadid 25).

Thus, the religion of Islam was established by the guiding Book, and it was the keen sword (6) that put its rulings into force.