[16]. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said from the pulpit: "Prepare against them—the forces of evil and enemies of peace—with all the power you can muster. Indeed, power lies in shooting, indeed, power lies in shooting, indeed, power lies in shooting."
This statement explains the type of strength Muslims are commanded to adopt when confronting enemies: shooting, because of its effectiveness. At the time, archery was prevalent, but the broader significance of the verse shows that this principle is not limited to a specific era or weapon. It applies to all forms of shooting or ranged power, in any time, place, or with any tool.
The Prophet ﷺ also said: "Lands shall be laid open to you, and Allah will suffice you against your enemies, but none of you should neglect practicing his skill in archery."
Once, the Prophet ﷺ passed by a group of people engaged in a shooting match. Seeing them, he said: "Shoot, O sons of Ishmael, for your father was an archer."
Arabs are also called Banu Isma'il, being descendants of Prophet Ibrahim’s son Ishmael. This is why Prophet Ibrahim is regarded as an ancestor of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
[17] The hypocrites and other disbelievers who are not a threat at present but may become so in the future.
[18]. The disbelievers who are at war with you.