About the Surah

(In order to counteract the evil activities of the disbelievers) so when you meet the disbelievers (in Jihad), hit hard on their necks till you thoroughly sub-due them to hold them captives firmly. (Then you have two options) either free them without penalty (out of generosity) or free them with penalty (whatever is best for Islam), until war activities cease. That is (the Command of Allah). And if Allah willed, He Himself would have taken revenge from them (by His torment). But (Jihad is prescribed) so that Allah may test some of you with others. And those who are killed in the Path of Allah, He will never let their deeds be lost.