It is crucial to note that the call to violence or physical Jihad by the Quran developed as Muhammad’s support and available resources increased. What this means is that when Muhammad started his ministry in Mecca in A.D. 610, he and his followers were a small minority which prevented them to immediately put into practice his desire to expand Islam by way of launching physical attacks and battles. However, upon immigrating to Medina in A.D. 622, and upon gaining an increased monetary and human support, Muhammad’s role changed from being a mere prophet and a spiritual guide to an established political and military leader over the new Islamic community in Medina.[3] Soon after his arrival to Medina, Muhammad began to systematically reveal Quranic passages directing his followers to fight in the cause of Allah against their enemies; including both the Arab polytheists and the People of the Book (Jews and Christian). In the following section we will provide a sample of the many passages in the Quran which supports these various stages of development.
"Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush. But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then leave their way free. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” Q. 9:5