At other times, they do not attack the underlying principle, but criticize the particular matter at hand. They say: “This is due to the Messenger’s poor planning.” Such was the statement of ‘Abd Allāh ibn Ubayy ibn Salūl on the day of Uhud. His view had agreed with that of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, that they should not leave Medina. However, some who were eager to fight in Allah’s cause asked the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, to go out. He agreed, entered his house, and put on his armor. Once he had put it on, they regretted their request and said to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace: “You know best. If you wish us not to go out, we will not go out.” He replied:

“It is not fitting for a prophet, once he has put on his armor, to remove it until Allah judges between him and his enemy.”

This means that jihad becomes binding once it has been undertaken, just as Hajj does. One may not abandon what one has begun, except when unable to continue, as when prevented from completing Hajj.

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The Quran commentators have mentioned both explanations concerning His words:

“But if evil befalls them, they say, ‘This is from you.’”

It is reported from Ibn ‘Abbās, al-Suddī, and others that they say this because they regard his religion as an evil omen. And ‘Abd al-Rahmān ibn Zayd ibn Aslam is reported to have said: “Because of your poor planning”—meaning