When the four Sacred Months are over, subdue them wherever they come from. Take them captive, and besiege them, and prepare for them ambush. But if they repent from aggression, and help in the consolidation of the Divine System and in setting up the Economic Order of Zakaat, then leave their way free. Surely, God is Forgiving Merciful (so shall you be). [This verse applies to idolaters who were committing aggression instead of becoming law abiding citizens or emigrating. The four Sacred Months forbidden for any warfare: From the 12th month, Zil-Hajjah up to the 3rd month, Rabi'ul Awwal 2:193-195, 9:36. Some critics of Islam call this verse as the 'Verse of Sword' presenting it out of context. Also, they present it as applicable for all times while it refers only to the aggressors against the Prophet and his companions in Makkah. See 9:1-6]