in the path of Allah; for purifying Allah’s path, His religion, His way, and His law, and repelling these people’s oppression and aggression against them, is a collective obligation by the agreement of the Muslims. Were it not for those whom Allah raises up to repel the harm these people cause, religion would be corrupted. This corruption would be worse than the damage caused when an enemy at war with the Muslims takes control. For when such enemies take control, they corrupt hearts and the religion within them only as a secondary consequence, whereas those others corrupt hearts directly. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Allah does not look at your appearance or your wealth; rather, He looks at your hearts and your deeds.”

This is because Allah says in His Book:

“We have certainly sent Our messengers with clear proofs and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance so that people may uphold justice. And We sent down iron, wherein is great might and benefits for people, and so that Allah may make evident those who support Him and His messengers without having seen Him.”

He thus states that He sent down the Book and the balance so that people may uphold justice, and that He sent down iron as He described. Religion is therefore upheld by the Book that guides and the sword that supports:

“And sufficient is your Lord as a guide and helper.”

The Book is the foundation. Thus, when Allah first sent His Messenger, He sent down the Book to him. He remained in Mecca, and Allah did not command him to take up the sword until he had emigrated and had supporters to assist him in jihad.

The enemies of religion are of two kinds: the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Allah has indeed commanded His Prophet