Allah, and striking in the cause of Allah—all of these are among the things commanded by Allah Most High and His Messenger. Allah Most High has mentioned all three, saying:
“So when you meet those who disbelieve, strike their necks until, when you have thoroughly subdued them, bind them firmly. Then either release them graciously or ransom them, until war lays down its burdens.”
He Most High also says:
“Strike above their necks, and strike all their fingertips.”
And He Most High says:
“O you who believe, Allah will surely test you with some game within reach of your hands and spears.”
And He Most High says:
“Prepare against them whatever strength you can and steeds of war, to terrify thereby the enemy of Allah and your enemy, and others besides them.”
It is established in Sahīh Muslim and elsewhere that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, recited this verse from the pulpit and said:
“Indeed, strength is archery! Indeed, strength is archery! Indeed, strength is archery!”
It is also authentically reported that he, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“Practise archery and ride; practising archery is dearer to me than riding. Whoever learns archery and then forgets it is not one of us.”
Another narration reads:
“Whoever learns archery and then forgets it has been ungrateful for a blessing.”
In the Sunan collections, it is reported that he, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“Every amusement a man engages in is vain except shooting with his bow, training his horse, and playing with his wife, for these are worthwhile pursuits.”
He also said:
“Lands will be conquered for you, and Allah will provide for you; so let none of you fail to enjoy practising with his arrows.”
Makhūl said: ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb wrote to Syria: “Teach