DAY 554: Nisa 95-104

•  Those believers who stay at home—except those with valid excuses—are not equal to those who strive in the cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Allah has elevated in rank those who strive with their wealth and their lives above those who stay behind ˹with valid excuses˺. Allah has promised each a fine reward, but those who strive will receive a far better reward than others— far superior ranks, forgiveness, and mercy from Him. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. When the angels seize the souls of those who have wronged themselves—scolding them, “What was wrong with you?” they will reply, “We were oppressed in the land.” The angels will respond, “Was Allah’s earth not spacious enough for you to emigrate?” It is they who will have Hell as their home—what an evil destination! Except helpless men, women, and children who cannot afford a way out— it is right to hope that Allah will pardon them. For Allah is Ever-Pardoning, All-Forgiving. Whoever emigrates in the cause of Allah will find many safe havens and bountiful resources throughout the earth. Those who leave their homes and die while emigrating to Allah and His Messenger—their reward has already been secured with Allah. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. When you travel through the land, it is permissible for you to shorten the prayer—˹especially˺ if you fear an attack by the disbelievers. Indeed, the disbelievers are your sworn enemies. When you ˹O Prophet˺ are ˹campaigning˺ with them and you lead them in prayer, let one group of them pray with you—while armed. When they prostrate themselves, let the other group stand guard behind them. Then the group that has not yet prayed will then join you in prayer—and let them be vigilant and armed. The disbelievers would wish to see you neglect your weapons and belongings, so they could launch a sweeping assault on you. But there is no blame if you lay aside your weapons when overcome by heavy rain or illness—but take precaution. Indeed, Allah has prepared a humiliating punishment for the disbelievers.  When the prayers are over, remember Allah—whether you are standing, sitting, or lying down. But when you are secure, establish regular prayers. Indeed, performing prayers is a duty on the believers at the appointed times. Do not falter in pursuit of the enemy—if you are suffering, they too are suffering. But you can hope to receive from Allah what they can never hope for. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. 
  (
  --Fix the home (V1-35)—because a society is made of families.
  --Fix the community (V36-59)—because families need neighbors, leaders, and a shared faith.
  --Root out the hypocrites (V60-70)—because they will destroy everything you've built from the inside.
  --Prepare for the external enemy (V71-79)—because once the internal rot is gone, you can face the world.
  --Fight justly (V80-94)—because even in war, you must not become an oppressor.
  --Make the ultimate sacrifice (emigration and fighting) —because sometimes, protecting your faith means leaving everything behind, and you must never abandon God, even in the heat of battle.
  The higher status of those who fight vs. those who stay behind (without a valid excuse)
  The reward for those who strive with their wealth and lives
  The exemption for the genuinely disabled or unable
  The command to be steadfast and not weaken in pursuit of the enemy
  Rules for shortening prayers while on campaign (the "Salat al-Khawf" - prayer of fear)
  The obligation to stand firm, even when facing a superior enemy
  
  Those who fight and sacrifice with their wealth and lives are honored above those who stay behind without excuse; true believers emigrate from oppression when they can; prayer is flexible in battle but never abandoned; and in pursuing the enemy, never weaken—because your suffering is matched by theirs, but your hope in Allah's reward is something they will never have.
  
  )