The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 2) — Page 641
ultimately. But the observance of good morals should also be accompanied by suitable preparation for war, because this also is in accordance with the divine law. The next two verses, i. e. vv. 62 and 63, contain the injunction that if, during hostilities, disbelievers sue for peace, their offer should not be rejected. Then, if they violate the terms of peace mutually agreed upon and restart hostilities, it will be to the advantage of Muslims who will not, in any way, suffer on account of this fresh breach of trust on the part of the disbelievers. This injunction implies a hint to the Truce of Hudaibiyyah when a breach of treaty obligations by the disbelievers led to the Fall of Mecca. In vv. 64-67, it is said that God has created love and unity in the hearts of Muslims for one another. This is a divine favour which helps the believers to win victory against heavy odds. Muslims should not, therefore, become discouraged by the smallness of their numbers. In the next five verses, i. e. vv. 68-72, Muslims are told that in their wars captives will fall into their hands; they should treat them with kindness. In vv. 73-76, they are advised to behave all the more affectionately towards one another in time of war and disturbance as do the disbelievers with each other; for whereas they are under Divine grace the disbelievers are deprived of it. The promises of victory given to Muslims in Anfal are declared to have been fulfilled in vv. 1-6 of Barā'at where it is stated that Muslims have become masters of the whole of Arabia; so the idolaters should go about the land and see for themselves whether or not the whole country has come under Muslim domination. In vv. 7-29, disbelievers are reprimanded for their repeated breach of treaties and agreements and Muslims are warned not to enter into any new treaty with them and also not to be afraid that their departure from Arabia would, in any way, adversely affect the prosperity of the country, because God Himself would provide for Muslims. In vv. 30-37, mention is made of the Israelites, and Muslims are told that they should not think that after the conquest of Arabia wars have come to an end and that they would now be allowed to live in peace. They are told that on account of the intrigues and secret plots of Jews and Christians, a new series of wars is about to start. These people are really given to idolatry and cannot bear to see true and perfect Unity of God established in the earth. Moreover, they have become morally depraved. Islam will establish true equality and freedom. How can then a Christian government view with equanimity the establishment by its side of a government based on equality and freedom, whose proximity would make its subjects inclined to rebellion against it? So having proper regard for the things which God has declared sacred, Muslims should make suitable preparations for the impending war. As there was an interval between the revelation of the first 37 verses of the Surah and those that follow, mention has been made in the latter verses 1081