Therefore, it is incumbent upon the Muslims to fight them until the word of Allah is supreme, which will be achieved either when they embrace Islam or when they pay the jizyah in humbled submission. We do not compel anyone to enter Islam; we do not say, “You must become Muslim.” Rather, we say, “Islam must be manifest.” So: either accept Islam—welcome and may Allah honour you—or remain upon your religion while paying the jizyah in subservience. If they refuse both Islam and the jizyah, then fighting them becomes obligatory for us.

Yet before engaging them we must prepare whatever force we can, for Allah the Exalted says, “And make ready against them whatever you can of power.” Power is of two kinds: moral power and tangible, material power. Moral power is faith—faith in Allah accompanied by righteous deeds. Before we embark on jihad against others, Allah says, “O you who believe! Shall I guide you to a trade that will save you from a painful torment? You believe in Allah and His Messenger and strive in the path of Allah with your wealth and your lives; that is best for you, if only you knew.” Thus, faith comes before jihad, followed by the acquisition of material strength.

Regrettably, because Muslims have long been at odds with one another, they have neglected both. We possess neither robust faith nor adequate material means. The disbelievers have outstripped us in material power—weaponry and the like—while we have fallen far behind in the faith that is obligatory upon us, and our aggression is now directed inward. We ask Allah for safety and well-being.

Fighting is therefore a duty, but like every duty it is conditioned on capability. Today the Muslim community is undeniably incapable; it lacks both moral and material strength. Consequently, the obligation is suspended due to the absence of ability. So fear Allah as much as you are able.