the polytheists from the Mosque. All of this is "greater in the sight of Allah" than the killing of Ibn al-Hadrami. "And the fitnah (tribulation)"—meaning: polytheism—"is greater than killing."

Yahya said: This was before they were ordered to fight them generally.

Muhammad said: His saying, the Exalted: "They ask you about the sacred month, fighting in it." "Fighting" (qitalin) is in the genitive case as a substitute (badal) for the "sacred month." The meaning is: And they ask you about fighting in the sacred month.

And His saying: "Say: Fighting in it is a grave matter." "Fighting" (qitalun) is in the nominative case as an initial (mubtada'), and "grave" (kabir) is its predicate. "And they will continue to fight you until they turn you back from your religion if they are able." Meaning: And they shall not be able. "And whoever among you reverts from his religion and dies while he is a disbeliever—for those, their deeds have become worthless"—meaning: void. [Verse 218]