Surah 8. Al-Anfal, Ayah 39

I.e., He knows their motives, and will requite them according to their merits.

I.e., until man is free to worship God. Cf. the identical phrase in 2:193 , and the corresponding note. Both these passages stress self-defence - in the widest sense of this word - as the only justification of war.

Cf. ii. 193 and n.

If they cease from fighting and from the persecution of truth, Allah judges then by their actions and their motives, and would not wish that they should be harassed with further hostility. But if they refuse all terms, the righteous have nothing to fear: Allah will help and protect them.