{ So whenever you face those who have disbelieved, strike the necks until you have thoroughly brought them down; and tighten the shackles. Afterwards either an act of kindness or ransom, until the war puts down its burdens. Such it is; and if Allah had willed, He would have avenged Himself of them, but rather that some of you might put others of you to the test. And those who are killed in the cause of Allah – their deeds will not be in vain } Muhammad 4

The Most High says this to the Believers as guidance toward how they should reckon in their wars with the Idolaters [Mushrikun]. { So whenever you face those who have disbelieved, strike the necks } : that is, whenever you face them, harvest them completely by the sword. { Until you have thoroughly brought them down } : that is, until you have ravaged them by killing. { And tighten the shackles } : the prisoners who you have taken captive. Then, after the war has ceased and the battle has disengaged, you may choose regarding their affair – if you like, you may show kindness to them and freely release their prisoners, or if you like, you may ransom them for a price you take from them.