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lations endangered the very lives of Muslims They mixed with those whom they regarded as their friends, under covenants, but they, the Muslims, were often cheated, and a large number of them were killed. The only alter native left to them was to declare war. Many were under no obligation to the people who proved to be untrue to their engagements; so the following proclamation was made:
"(This is a declaration of) immunity by Allah and His Apostle towards those of the idolaters with whom you made an agreement.
"So go about in the land for four months and know that you cannot weaken Allah and that Allah will bring disgrace to the unbelievers.
"And an announcement from Allah and His Apostle to the people on the day of the greater pilgrimage that Allah and His Apostle arc free from liability to the idolaters; therefore, if you repent, it will be better for you, and if you turn back, then know that you will not weaken Allah; and announce painful chastisement to those who disbelieve—
"Except those of the idolaters with whom you made an agreement, then they have not
