Understanding Islam — Page 71
69 And if you desire to punish the oppressors, then punish them to the extent to which you have been wronged; but if you show patience, then, surely, that is best for those who are patient. 11 What was the reason for fighting? And kill them wherever you meet them and drive them out from where they have driven you out 12 What is the end goal for fighting? And fight them until there is no persecution, and religion is freely professed for Allah. 13 Explaining the context of such warfare, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as writes: It should also be remembered that Islam permits the taking up of the sword only in opposition to people who themselves take it up first and it permits the slaughter only of those who embark upon slaughter first. It does not lay down that Muslims, while they are the subjects of a non-Muslim sovereign who deals with them with justice and equity, should take up arms against him as rebels. 14