[47] Surah Muhammad; Ayat 004

৪. অতএব, যখন তোমরা কাফেরদের (মধ্যে যুদ্ধ), তাদের নেক এ যন্ত্রণা মেটাতে; অবশেষে, যখন পুঙ্খানুপুঙ্খভাবে তোমরা তাদের দমিত, দৃঢ়ভাবে একটি মুচলেকা বাইন্ড (তাদের) অতঃপর হয় তাদের প্রতি অনুগ্রহ কর, না হয় তাদের নিকট হতে মুক্তিপণ লও। তোমরা যুদ্ধ চালিয়ে যাবে যে পর্যন্ত না শত্রুপক্ষ অস্ত্র সমর্পণ করবে! একথা শুনলে। আল্লাহ ইচ্ছা করলে তাদের কাছ থেকে প্রতিশোধ নিতে পারতেন। কিন্তু তিনি তোমাদের কতককে কতকের দ্বারা পরীক্ষা করতে চান। যারা আল্লাহর পথে শহীদ হয়, আল্লাহ কখনই তাদের কর্ম বিনষ্ট করবেন না।

Ayat 4. So, when you meet (in fight Jihad in Allah’s Cause), those who disbelieve smite at their necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives). Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity (i.e. free them without ransom), or ransom (according to what benefits Islam), until the war lays down its burden. Thus [you are ordered by Allah to continue in carrying out Jihad against the disbelievers till they embrace Islam (i.e. are saved from the punishment in the Hell-fire) or at least come under your protection], but if it had been Allah’s Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight), in order to test you, some with others. But those who are killed in the Way of Allah, He will never let their deeds be lost,

Tafseer of Surah Muhammad  Peace be upon him] Ayat 4. Therefore, when ye meet the Unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks; At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are ye commanded): but if it had been Allah's Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the Way of Allah, He will never let their deeds be lost. When once the fight (Jihad) is entered upon, carry it out with the utmost vigour, and strike home your blows at the most vital points (smite at their necks), both literally and figuratively. You cannot wage war with kid gloves. In the first onset there must necessarily be great lass of life; but when the enemy is fairly beaten, which means, in a Jihad, that he is not likely to seek again the persecution of Truth, firm arrangements should be made to bring him under control. I thus construe the words "bind a bond firmly (on them)", but others have construed the words to mean, "After the enemy's numbers are fairly thinned down, prisoners may be taken". With this passage may be compared 8:67. When once the enemy is brought under control, generosity (i.e., the release of prisoners without ransom) or ransom is recommended. The Believers are tested in Faith by the extent to which they are willing to make sacrifices, even to the laying down of their lives; and the enemies are tested as to whether they would repent and let the righteous live in freedom and security. There are two alternative readings. (1) qatalu, "those who fight", and (2) qatilu, "those who are slain". The meaning under the first reading is wider, and includes that under the second. I have translated on the basis of the second reading, which is in accordance with the text of the Royal Egyptian edition. 

Hazrat Abu Bakr bin Abu Musa Al-Ashari reported: I heard my father saying in the presence of the enemy: The Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) said, "The gates of Jannah are under the shades of the swords.'' A man with a shaggy appearance got up and said, "O Abu Musa! Did you hear the Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) say that in person?'' Abu Musa replied in the affirmative; so he returned to his companions and said: "I tender you farewell greetings.'' Then he broke the scabbard of his sword and threw it away. He rushed towards the enemy with his sword and fought with it till he was martyred. [Muslim Chapter 41, Book 020, Hadith # 4681]

Lesson: as mentioned above in Surah Muhammad  Peace be upon him] Ayat “4. So, when you meet (in fight Jihad in Allah’s Cause), those who disbelieve smite at their necks” Besides highlighting the distinction of Jihad, this Hadith tells us about the Companions' passion for Jihad and ardent love for Allah and His Prophet [SAWW](PBUH). It also tells about their firm faith in what was ordained by Allah and His Prophet [SAWW](PBUH). In fact, it was this certitude which inclined them more to the Hereafter rather than this world.