and the rest of the Companions began by fighting the apostates before fighting the disbelievers among the People of the Book. Fighting these people safeguards the Muslim lands already conquered and brings within Islam those who wish to leave it. Fighting those polytheists and People of the Book who have not fought us, by contrast, further extends the ascendancy of the religion. Preserving one’s capital takes precedence over making a profit.
Moreover, the harm these people cause the Muslims is greater than that caused by the others. Indeed, their harm is of the same kind as that caused by the polytheists and People of the Book who fight the Muslims. The harm they inflict upon many people’s religion is more severe than that caused by those warring polytheists and People of the Book.
Every Muslim must fulfil his duty in this matter to the extent of his ability. No one may conceal what he knows about them; rather, he must disclose it and make it known so that the Muslims may understand their true condition. No one may help them remain in military or other service. No one may remain silent instead of taking the action against them that Allah and His Messenger have commanded. Nor may anyone forbid carrying out what Allah and His Messenger have commanded. This is among the greatest forms of enjoining right, forbidding wrong, and jihad in the cause of Allah Most High. Allah Most High said to His Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:
“O Prophet, strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be firm with them.”
These people fall into one of those two categories: disbelievers or hypocrites. Whoever helps restrain their evil and guide them as far as possible will receive a reward and recompense known only to Allah Most High. For the primary objective is to guide them, as Allah says: