A Historical and Contextual Exegesis of Q. 9:5 and 29

In this article we intend to supplement the following excellent discussion of Q. 9:5 by our dear brother Silas: The Verse of the Sword: Sura 9:5 and Jihad

Our purpose is to examine Q. 9:5 and 29 in light of the testimony of Muslim sources in order to see whether these texts refer to defensive jihad, e.g. fighting only those who attack and oppress Muslims. Or do these texts actually command Muslims to attack and/or subjugate the disbelievers in the context of offensive military warfare for the purpose of expanding Islam politically and geographically.

The Passage