Fight against non-believers

Author: Abu Hena Muhammad Rafique

Question no 10: Fight against those who do not believe in Allaah  -arguments.
قَـٰتِلُوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَلَا بِٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْءَاخِرِ وَلَا يُحَرِّمُونَ مَا حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُۥ وَلَا يَدِينُونَ دِينَ ٱلْحَقِّ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ حَتَّىٰ يُعْطُوا۟ ٱلْجِزْيَةَ عَن يَدٍۢ وَهُمْ صَـٰغِرُونَ [٩:٢٩]
“Fight against those who do not believe in Allaah, nor in the Day of Final Judgment, nor they forbid what Allaah has forbidden and also the Rasool has forbidden, nor they accept the true   way of both the lives, from among the peoples of the divine Books; until they (surrender) and pay Jizya by their own hand (hand to hand); as a mark of their being subdued.”
Look, these words were sent by Allaah, the Almighty Lord of the universe for those who being His creation had so long been opposing and fighting against the messenger of Allaah and against his associates. Now they are completely defeated and fell at the mercy of the prophet sm..and to his associates, seeking shelter and security. It is the unique generosity of the prophet sm. that he forgot and forgave their atrocities and cruelty done hitherto. In such an atmosphere the people of the divine Books were given chance by the Almighty Lord to believe in Allaah and in the Day of Judgment and accept the conditions (as mentioned above ,which are practically beneficial for them  . The bearers of divine Books, the two peoples: the Jews and the Christians were informed, through their holy Books about the arrival of the Last Prophet with the same mission and same Laws, as had been revealed in their Books, so, they were hereby reminded, because they had neglected those instructions or obliterated. Still, if in this subdued condition they would not be ready to obey or accept the invitation to Islam then they should be fought until be defeated. After defeat if they do not flee away and are exonerated; not even made slaves on their request, then in such circumstances, petition would be accepted if they pay jizya (security tax) by their own hands. This hand to hand payment will prove their submissiveness.
Another point should be carefully examined): “Fight against” is used for facing those who attack. It means face or encounter the attackers. Should Almighty Allah’s force show any weakness? No, never, Allah’s force should be predominant or invincible, because they fight for the cause of Allaah; so, Allah’s help is must if His force is determined and steadfast.
Last, but not the least point is: The bearers of the Holy Books are not only defaulters in obedience to Allaah, rather they are the traitors, as they, ignoring Allah’s wish to establish His Supremacy, are trying to establish their own supremacy and deceiving and exploiting the common people.

Let AllaahSWT. help us to get right understanding - Ameen.