and if you lay siege to the people of a fortress and they ask you to let them surrender under the judgment of Allah, do not grant them the judgment of Allah; rather, let them surrender under your own judgment, for you do not know whether you will reach Allah’s judgment concerning them or not.” (1) Narrated by Muslim.

— “Appointed a commander”: i.e. he put someone in charge as leader.
— “Over an army”: that is, a large body of soldiers.
— “Or a detachment (sarīyya)”: a unit split off from the main force that goes out, raids, and returns.
— “And those with him”: meaning those under his command.
— “Treat them well”: i.e. act kindly toward them.
— “March”: meaning begin the military campaign.
— “In the path of Allah”: in obedience to Him and for His sake.
— “Those who deny Allah”: on account of their disbelief, except for those disbelievers it is unlawful to kill, such as women or those under covenant, etc.
— “Do not embezzle”: al-ghulūl is taking from the spoils before they are formally divided.
— “Do not act treacherously”: i.e. do not breach a treaty.
— “Do not mutilate”: at-tamthīl is disfiguring the dead by cutting off limbs.
— “A walīd”: a child or a slave.
— “Three courses (khiṣāl or khilāl)”: the narrator was uncertain which word was used; both mean “qualities” or “options.”
— “Accept it from them”: i.e. accept their embrace of Islam and refrain from fighting them.