have you also reflected upon the matter concerning the chiefs of the israelites after moses? they said to their prophet appoint a king for us so that we may fight in the way of allah. the prophet asked them might it be that you will not fight if fighting is prescribed for you? they replied how can it be that we would refuse to fight in the way of allah when we have been turned out of our homes and separated from our children? but when they were enjoined to fight they all except a few of them turned their backs. and allah knows each and everyone of these transgressors.
ألم تر إلى الملإ من بني إسرائيل من بعد موسى إذ قالوا لنبي لهم ابعث لنا ملكا نقاتل في سبيل الله قال هل عسيتم إن كتب عليكم القتال ألا تقاتلوا قالوا وما لنا ألا نقاتل في سبيل الله وقد أخرجنا من ديارنا وأبنائنا فلما كتب عليهم القتال تولوا إلا قليلا منهم والله عليم بالظالمين