Roam ye at large in the land for four months,
but know that ye cannot make God helpless, and
that God disgraces the misbelievers.
A proclamation from God and His Apostle to the people on the day of the greater pilgrimage, that God is clear of the idolaters as is His Apostle ! If then ye repent it is better for you; but if ye turn your backs, then know that ye cannot make God helpless. Give to those who misbelieve glad tidings of grievous woe ! — Except to those of the idolaters with whom ye have made a league, and who then have not failed you at all, and have not backed up any one against you. Fulfil for them then your covenant until the time agreed upon with them ; verily, God loves those who fear.
5 But when the sacred months are passed away, kill the idolaters wherever ye may find them ; and take them, and besiege them, and lie in wait for them in every place of observation; but if they repent, and are steadfast in prayer, and give alms, then let them go their way; verily, God is forgiving and merciful.
And if any one of the idolaters ask thee for aid, then aid him, in order that he may hear the word of God ; then let him reach his place of safety, — that is, because they are a folk who do not know.
How can there be for the idolaters a treaty with God and with His Apostle, save those with whom
ye have made a league at the Sacred Mosque !
its having been revealed shortly before Mohammed’s death, who left no instructions on the subject. But some commentators assert that it arises from its having originally formed part of the previous chapter.
