that are established by mass transmission; for example, a group that refuses to perform the five daily prayers, to pay the obligatory zakat to the eight categories Allah Most High has named in His Book, or to fast during Ramadan; or those who do not refrain from shedding Muslims’ blood and seizing their property, or who do not settle their disputes according to the law with which Allah sent His Messenger. This accords with what Abū Bakr al-Siddīq and the other Companions—may Allah be pleased with them—said concerning those who withheld zakat, and with how ʿAlī ibn Abī Tālib and the Prophet’s Companions fought the Khawārij, concerning whom the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“One of you would consider his prayer insignificant compared with theirs, his fasting compared with theirs, and his recitation compared with theirs. They recite the Quran, but it does not pass beyond their throats. They pass out of Islam as an arrow passes through its quarry. Wherever you encounter them, kill them, for whoever kills them will have a reward with Allah on the Day of Resurrection.”

This is based on His words, Most High:

“Fight them until there is no more fitnah and religion is entirely for Allah.”

And His words, Most High:

“O you who believe, fear Allah and give up whatever remains of usury, if you are believers.”

“If you do not, then be warned of war from Allah and His Messenger.”

Usury was the last thing Allah and His Messenger prohibited; how much more, then, does this apply to things whose prohibition is graver!

Before fighting, they are to be called upon to commit themselves to the ordinances of Islam. If they do so, firm guarantees must be secured from them; their mere words are not enough. This is what Abū Bakr did with those whom he fought, after he had humbled them. He said:

“Choose: either a war that drives you from your homes or a peace that brings you humiliation.”

He also said:

“I am the successor of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.”

They replied:

“We understand this war of expulsion, but what is the peace