Translation
God and His Messenger announce immunity to those polytheists with whom there is existing covenant, so they are free to move around for four months. But none can escape God; God will humiliate those who deny His grace [kafirun—who lack faith and goodness]. A similar announcement from God and His Messenger to all people on this day of greater Pilgrimage (ninth day of the month for Haj) that God disavows all who are polytheists. So, if they repent and mend their ways, it is good for them, but if they opt to resist, then there is no escape from God. Announce hereby a severe consequence to those who deny the grace of God, except those with whom you have agreements and who had neither failed in their commitment nor supported anyone against you. Therefore, you should honor such commitments until the end of their terms. God favors those who act responsibly. 420
Once the sacred months (period of no hostility) has passed, fight the polytheists wherever they engage you, take them captives, besiege them and take advantage of every opportunity they open up for you; but if they repent, worship God, purify themselves by helping the needy, then you should leave them free since God is Forgiving, Merciful. If any of the polytheists, seek your protection (but do not accept your faith), protect them so that they can hear and reflect on the word of God and then provide them safe passage. Such courtesy is appropriate since they are uninformed. 421
Interpretation
420 These verses, as they follow from the last few revelations from the previous surah, continue the theme of guidance on interactions between people of faith and goodness against those who deny faith and goodness, especially in the context of active aggression and conflicts. While predicting that the fate of those who deny or assign partnership to God and lack goodness will ultimately be doomed, as had been seen many times over the course of human history, the Prophet and his community are told that they can and should renege existing covenants against people who had violated such commitments repeatedly, while honoring those covenants where the other party had remained faithful. Such differentiation in conduct with respect to adversaries who fail to keep covenants or honor such covenants is termed as a key attribute of people of taqwa, or a responsible act in the eye of God. From an Islamic perspective, a lack of faith or flawed display and practice of faith itself should not cause conflicts with people of faith, as God takes responsibility for such conditions, but those who lack goodness and cause active mischief, corruption, and injustice in society and against people of faith in an aggressive manner and do not honor treaties and agreements for peaceful conduct of human freedom, justice, and worship of God, should be cause of concern and if need be, actively contained and disarmed.
421 While active pursuit against parties that deny faith and goodness cause injustice and actively harm those who wish to pursue human rights and freedom regarding faith and goodness is allowed and even encouraged as a sign of commitment to faith and goodness, limits are also put in place to ensure that if such parties repent, amend their ways and seek peace, that no revenge is taken for their past conducts and their freedom is not constrained in any way. If, on the other hand, any party of such adversaries seeks peace and protection and renege aggression, then such peace and protection should be put in place so that civil discourse and peaceful interactions can take place with regard to faith and goodness, which are essential for human development and spiritual growth.
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REFLECTION
Activism in the face of injustice and constraint of human freedom is a fundamental right and also an obligation that is the cornerstone of Islamic teaching and guidance that we need to deeply reflect on. This requires careful analysis of events and situations, reflection of human conditions prevailing at the time, and nuanced understanding of factors and forces at place to figure out the acts that can be responsibly taken to restore such freedom and justice.
ACTION
This is a fundamental challenge for each and every one of us and for each nation and community that aspires for faith and goodness. There is no faith without goodness, and goodness cannot be sustained without faith.
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Key Arabic Term
122. ashurul hurum (sacred months—months of Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qadah and Dhul Hajjah)