Do not wish to face the enemy (in a battle)
Narrated Salim Abu An-Nadr:
The freed slave of `Umar ibn 'Ubaidullah who was `Umar's clerk: `Abdullah ibn Abi `Aufa wrote him (i.e. `Umar) a letter that contained the following:-- "Once Allah's Messenger (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) (during a holy battle), waited till the sun had declined and then he got up among the people and said, "O people! Do not wish to face the enemy (in a battle) and ask Allah to save you (from calamities) but if you should face the enemy, then be patient and let it be known to you that Paradise is under the shades of swords." He then said,, "O Allah! The Revealer of the (Holy) Book, the Mover of the clouds, and Defeater of Al-Ahzab (i.e. the clans of infidels), defeat them infidels and bestow victory upon us."
Islam is the religion of peace. It rejects all the forms of aggression. Islam does not force anyone to embrace it, as well it calls for virtuous matters only, and forbids only that which is evil.
All the signs confirm that Islam did not spread by the sword; the Messenger of Allah ( may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him ) did not fight unless he was forced to do so. He never attacked people unless he saw from them a sign of aggression.
Therefore, the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) recommended his companions to be heedful of this commandment ; that is to ask Allah for the well being is better for you than to be harmed. Yet if you have to submit to the command of Allah to fight if there is no escape from fighting.
This is the utmost justice.
He, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, commanded them to stand firm and to guard against the state of division, because the steadfastness is a reason of victory. Make sure to seek the death, you will find many chances to live honorably. Frighten the enemy of Allah with your swords, bear patiently the hardships out of seeking the reward from Allah the Almighty. All these meanings fall under the banner of patience; it is the striking force in the battlefields.
