Transliteration:( Ash Shahrul Haraamu bish Shahril Haraami wal hurumaatu qisaas; famani'tadaa 'alaikum fa'tadoo 'alaihi bimisli ma'tadaa 'alaikum; wattaqul laaha wa'lamooo annal laaha ma'al muttaqeen )
"The sacred month is for the sacred month [442], and for all violations is legal retribution. So, whoever has violated you, then violate [443] him in the same way that he has violated you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is with the God-fearing [444]." (Kanzul Imaan Translation)
The Sacred Month: This verse refers to the sacred months in Islam, specifically in the context of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. In 6 A.H., the infidels of Makkah stopped the Muslims from performing Umrah in Zil-Qadah, a month in which fighting was traditionally prohibited. The infidels’ actions violated the sanctity of the sacred month, leading to the preparation for defensive action by the Muslims.
Violation and Retaliation: This verse indicates that if someone violates the sacred month, retaliation can be taken in the same way, but only to the extent of the violation. The retaliation should not exceed the harm caused, aligning with the principle of just retribution.
Retaliation with Justice: The verse emphasizes that retaliation should not go beyond the act of violation. It is not an endorsement of excessive punishment but a call to met justice for any wrong done. The concept is that justice should be the basis for retaliation, not arrogance or pride.
Avoiding Excessiveness: Excessiveness in retaliation, such as escalating violence beyond the initial wrong, is considered unjust. This aligns with the principle that the punishment should fit the crime, and the response should be proportional.
Fear of Allah: The verse concludes with a reminder to fear Allah, especially when making decisions related to retaliation or justice. Fear of Allah ensures that any action taken is within the bounds of righteousness and not influenced by personal desires or biases.
Allah’s Presence with the God-Fearing: The verse also affirms that Allah is with the God-fearing, indicating His closeness and support for those who act justly, keep their faith, and adhere to His commands. Allah’s mercy and guidance are always present for those who fear Him, even when they are in difficult or challenging situations.
The tafsir of Surah Baqarah verse 193 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Baqarah ayat 190 which provides the complete commentary from verse 190 through 193.
(2:194) The sacred month for the sacred month; sanctities should be respected alike (by all concerned). Thus, if someone has attacked you, attack him just as he attacked you, and fear Allah and remain conscious that Allah is with those who guard against violating the bounds set by Him.[206]
206. From the time of Abraham three months – Dhu al-Qa’dah, Dhu al-Hijjah and Muharram – were consecrated for Hajj, and the month of Rajab was consecrated for ‘Umrah. For the duration of these four months warfare, killing and pillage were prohibited so that people could perform Pilgrimage and return home safely. For this reason these months were called the ‘sacred months’.
The purpose of the verse is to stress that if the unbelievers respect the sanctity of the sacred months, the Muslims should do the same. If, however, they violate this sanctity and subject the Muslims to aggression, then the Muslims are also entitled to retribution even during the ‘sacred months’.
The permission mentioned here was called forth by the introduction of nasi’, a practice which had been introduced by the Arabs in order to have an advantage over others in their battles and raids. The manner in which the Arabs used nasi’ was such that whenever they wished either to start a conflict in order to satisfy their vendetta or to loot and plunder they carried out their raid in one of the sacred months and then later on tried to compensate for this violation by treating one of the non-sacred months as a sacred month. The Muslims were, therefore, concerned as to what they should do in case the unbelievers resorted to this artifice and surprised them by an attack in one of the recognized sacred months. The verse refers to this problem.
[70]- The sacred months are Dhul-Qaʿdah, Dhul-Ḥijjah, Muḥarram and Rajab.
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