The Necessity of Taking Necessary Precautions Against the Enemy

Allah commands His faithful servants to take precautions against their enemies, by being prepared with the necessary weapons and supplies, and increasing the number of troops fighting in His cause.

﴿ ثُبَاتٍ ﴾

(in parties) means, group after group, party after party, and expedition after expedition. `Ali bin Talhah reported that Ibn `Abbas said that,

﴿ فَٱنفِرُواْ ثُبَاتٍ ﴾

(and either go forth in parties) means, "In groups, expedition after expedition,

﴿ أَوِ ٱنفِرُواْ جَمِيعً۬ا ﴾

(or go forth all together), means, all of you.'' Similar was reported from Mujahid, `Ikrimah, As-Suddi, Qatadah, Ad-Dahhak, `Ata' Al-Khurrasani, Muqatil bin Hayyan and Khusayf Al-Jazari.