to the utmost of his ability not to kill anyone. Yet if someone is slain at his hands while he is warding him off in self-defence during the clash, then may Allah cast the slain far away. And if this defender himself is killed in that state while protecting his life and property, I hope for him the rank of martyrdom, as is affirmed in the hadiths and in all the transmitted reports on the matter. He has only been commanded to fight the aggressor, not to kill him or pursue him, nor does this authorize