—a place that can be entered only with effort, whether because its entrance is narrow or for some other reason. In other words, somewhere they could enter, even with difficulty and hardship. “They would turn”—away from jihad—“towards it, rushing headlong.” That is, they would rush so swiftly that nothing could hold them back, like a runaway horse whose bridle cannot restrain it once it bolts. This description applies to many people in the events we are experiencing, as well as in events before and after them.

Likewise, He said in Surah Muhammad—may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“But when a decisive surah is revealed and fighting is mentioned in it, you see those in whose hearts is a disease looking at you like someone overcome by the throes of death. So woe to them!”

That is, may they be cast far away!

“Obedience and proper speech would be better. Then, when the matter is decided, if they were true to Allah, it would be better for them.”

Allah Most High also said:

“The believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger, then never doubt, and strive with their wealth and their lives in Allah’s cause. It is they who are truthful.”

Thus, He identifies believers exclusively as those who believe and strive in jihad.

Allah Most High said:

“Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day do not ask your permission to be excused from striving with their wealth and their lives. And Allah knows those who fear Him.”

“Only those who do not believe in Allah and the Last Day ask your permission. Their hearts are filled with doubt, and in their doubt they waver.”

Here Allah declares that a believer does not ask the Messenger’s permission to refrain from jihad; only someone who does not believe asks his permission. What, then, of someone who refrains without even asking permission? Whoever reflects upon the Quran will find many similar passages that reinforce this meaning.