The Arabic term /mutuharrifan/...

The Arabic term /mutuharrifan/, mentioned in the verse, is derived from /harrafa/ (to pervert), and means ‘one who turns aside’ in order to make the enemy tired and to pervert him and, then, to strike. The Qur’anic word /mutuhayyizan/, also mentioned in this verse, means: ‘one who goes aside’ in order to join to another group of Muslim strivers when the striver feels lonely and is unable to continue fighting.

However, flight from the battle-field is one of the great sins for which Allah has warned His wrath and punishment. The verse says: “And whoever turns his back to them on that day, unless withdrawing to…