is in reality a generous gift from Allah, and for this trial that conceals an immense blessing. Indeed, by Allah, were the earliest forerunners among the Emigrants and the Helpers—such as Abū Bakr, ʿUmar, ʿUthmān, ʿAlī and others—present in this age, fighting these criminal people would be among their finest deeds. Only someone whose trade has brought him loss, who has shown himself a fool and been deprived of a great share of good in this world and the Hereafter would miss a campaign such as this—unless he is among those whom Allah Most High has excused, such as the sick, the poor, the blind and others. Anyone who possesses wealth but is physically unable to fight should support the campaign with his wealth.

It is reported in the two Sahīh collections that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever equips a fighter has himself taken part in the fighting, and whoever takes good care of the fighter’s family in his absence has himself taken part in the fighting.”

Anyone who is physically able but poor should obtain enough of the Muslims’ wealth to equip himself, whether it comes from zakat, a gift, the public treasury or another source. Even if a man has come into possession of unlawfully acquired wealth and cannot return it to its owners because he does not know who they are or for a similar reason, or if he holds deposits, pledged items or borrowed articles whose owners cannot be identified, he should spend them in Allah’s cause, for that is their proper destination.

For someone burdened with many sins, the greatest remedy is fighting in Allah’s cause, for Allah, Mighty and Majestic, will forgive his sins, as He has declared in His Book, saying—glorified and exalted is He:

“He will forgive your sins.”

Anyone who wishes to rid himself of unlawfully acquired wealth and repent, but cannot return it to its owners, should spend it in Allah’s cause on their behalf, for that is a sound path to