When the Muslims lived in Mecca at first, they were frequently persecuted by the idolaters. Many a time they went to the prophet injured, or with a broken head or limb, and asked the Messenger of God to let them fight and defend themselves against the violence and cruelty of the pagans. But the prophet's answer to them was:ِ ``Wait a little more. Have patience. I am not yet allowed to fight.''

      It was so until the Muslim were ordered to emigrate from Mecca to Medina. There the prophet mobilized a little army when the above verse (NO.39) revealed:ِ

      ``To those on whom war has been imposed, permission is given to fight and defend for being oppressed.''

      When the above verse revealed, Muslim were permitted to pick up a sword and defend themselves.

      Some commentators are of opinion that the verse, S 2:190 was the first one to admit JAHÄD as follows:ِ

      ``And fight in the way of Allah with those who fight with you, and do not exceed the limits, because Allah loves not those who exceed the limits.''

      We are of opinion that the above verse (S 22:39) was that of the first permission to the sacred fight (JIHÄD), a proof for which may be the word, ``OZENA'' which means, ``permission has been given.''

      The Arabic, ``YOGHÄTELUN'' means those against whom war has been made, or in other word; war has been imposed on them.

      The next verse (NO.40) explains that how the said people on whom war is imposed, have been wronged, being driven by persecution out of their home and hearth:ِ

      ``Those who were expelled from their homes unjustly, just for saying, ``Our Lord is Allah''....''

      Therefore, for the first time, as we mentioned above, the SACRED FIGHT OR JAHÄD for self-defence of Muslims was justified and permitted.

      Here the new and small Muslim community was not only permitted to fight for their existence, but also they had to fight for the very existence of their faith in their Only one TRUE GOD. So, their fight was not for soil, water, race, power or other material privileges.

      Then some reasons are given for the permission of Jahad and self-defence:ِ

      ``If Allah would not repel people, some by the might of others: the Monasteries, Churches, Synagogues, and Mosques wherein Allah's name is pronounced much, would have been destroyed.''

      In these verses, two important parts of the philosophy of Jahad have been pointed to:ِ

      Firstly, it is considered as the fight of the oppressed against the oppressor. This is a natural right of the oppressed to get up, and take arm, and shout out, and compel the oppressor to set down in his place and position.

      Secondly, the fight is waged against the tyrant and cruel dictators, who want to eliminate the name of God, and wipe out the faith from people's hearts. This is when they proceed to destroy the sacred places of worship where Allah's name is pronounced much more than elsewhere.

      Here the verb, ``destroy'', may not be physical destroying of the buildings of temples and mosques; but through various tricks and mischievous acts, they try to render such places of worship ineffective. And here too is where the Godly has to stand firmly against their corruption.