Development of Qur’anic concept of Jihad as-Sayf, Traditional View

(adapted from Reuven Firestone, Jihad)

Nonconfrontation: (pre hijra)

15.94	Therefore expound openly what thou art commanded, and turn away from those who join false gods with God.
15.95	For sufficient are We unto thee against those who scoff,-
16.125	Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.

Defensive Fighting (around time of hijra)

22.39	To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged;- and verily, God is most powerful for their aid;-
22.40a	(They are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right,- (for no cause) except that they say, "our Lord is God".
2.190	Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loveth not transgressors.

Initiating Attack, but within ancient strictures (from battle of Badr onward)

002.217

They ask thee concerning fighting in the Prohibited Month. Say: "Fighting therein is a grave (offence); but graver is it in the sight of God to prevent access to the path of God, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its members." Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And if any of you Turn back from their faith and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life and in the Hereafter; they will be companions of the Fire and will abide therein.

002.191

And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.

Unconditional Command to fight all Unbelievers (after 630)

002.216	Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But God knoweth, and ye know not.
009.005	But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
009.029	Fight those who believe not in God nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been forbidden by God and His Apostle, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.