We shall once again use the same approach in understanding this verse as we had done previously in understanding 2:191. We shall read the exact verse and read the verses before and those that come after. We'll let the Qur'an speak and will discover how Qur'an alone answers all doubts without any additional information from outside. Let us begin by reading the verse,
"And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." [Qur'an 9:5]
The verse very clearly says to kill the polytheists wherever you find them and continues with strategies for fighting against them. Eventually, it says that if they repent and pray and give charity, let them go. But what are they to repent from? What wrong did they do? Also, the verse starts with a waiting period to let the sacred months pass. So, did something happen in the scared months, that Muslims are to act upon after the month has passed? We are at the 5th verse now. Let us read from the beginning to find out more.
"[This is a declaration of] disassociation, from Allah and His Messenger to those with whom you had made a treaty among the polytheists." [Qur'an 9:1]
The verse talks about a treaty signed between the Messenger and the polytheists which is to be dissolved now. So why is the Qur'an commanding to end a peace treaty? Let us read a couple of verses ahead i.e. 9:4, which will give us a more vivid picture.
"Excepted are those with whom you made a treaty among the polytheists and then they have not been deficient toward you in anything or supported anyone against you; so complete for them their treaty until their term [has ended]. Indeed, Allah loves the righteous [who fear Him]." [Qur'an 9:4]
This makes an exception of those polytheists who have not shown enmity of any form towards the Muslims. The Qur'an commands to uphold the treaty with them and be righteous towards them. This exception follows verse 9:5 which, leaving these polytheists aside, includes those polytheists who have either shown enmity and aggression towards Muslims or supported anyone against the Muslims in a similar cause.
So, does it end here or once again, is there any hope for mercy and forgiveness like we saw in the verse following 2:191? Actually, there is. The subsequent verse i.e. 9:6 talks about showing mercy to the same polytheist who, at one point, had been an enemy. The verse says,
"And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah. Then deliver him to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know." [Qur'an 9:6]
Notice how beautifully the Qur'an commands to not fight if the enemy ceases to fight. If the enemy surrenders and seeks protection, the responsibility of a believer should be to provide him safety and take this opportunity to deliver him the message of Islam which is the message of peace. And through these actions can one win over the hearts of their enemies and exemplify before him, the teachings of the Qur'an.
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